A visitor visa allows foreign nationals to travel to New Zealand for tourism, visiting friends or family, or short-term study. It does not permit employment in New Zealand. Most passport holders need a visitor visa to enter New Zealand, unless they are from a visa waiver country or hold a valid New Zealand permanent residence visa.
The purpose of the visitor visa is to facilitate temporary stays in New Zealand while ensuring applicants meet health, character, and bona fide visitor requirements. The visa allows holders to stay in New Zealand for a specified period, typically up to 6 months in a 12-month period if you are issued a multiple entry visitor visa , or up to 9 months in any 18-month period if you are issued a single entry visitor visa .
Nationals of certain countries do not need to apply for a visitor visa before travelling to New Zealand for short stays. These visa waiver countries include:
However, citizens of visa waiver countries must request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before their trip. The NZeTA is an online authorisation that allows eligible visitors to travel to New Zealand for tourism, business, or transit purposes. It is valid for multiple visits within a 2-year period, with each stay limited to 3 months.
To get an NZeTA, applicants must:
The NZeTA application can be completed online or through the mobile app. It is recommended to request an NZeTA well in advance of the planned travel date, as processing can take up to 72 hours. Upon approval, the NZeTA is electronically linked to the traveller's passport.
It's important to note that Australian citizens do not need to apply for a visitor visa or NZeTA. They can travel to New Zealand using a valid passport and will typically be granted a resident visa upon arrival. However, if you are an Australian permanent resident , you need an NZeTA unless you also hold citizenship of a visa waiver country.
New Zealand offers several types of visitor visas depending on the purpose and duration of the stay. The two main categories are:
The general visitor visa is for individuals travelling to New Zealand for holidays, sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or short-term study. Key points about this visa include:
In addition to the general visitor visa, there are several special visitor visa categories for specific purposes:
These special visitor visa categories have specific eligibility criteria and supporting document requirements. Applicants should carefully review the details for their chosen category before applying.
To be eligible for a visitor visa, applicants must meet several requirements related to character, health, financial capacity, and genuine intent to visit.
All visitor visa applicants must be of good character. This means they must not have:
Applicants may need to provide police certificates to demonstrate their good character, particularly for stays exceeding 24 months.
Visitor visa applicants must be in good health and not pose a public health risk. The specific health requirements depend on the intended length of stay and the applicant's country of origin:
Pregnant applicants and children under 11 are generally exempt from the chest x-ray requirement.
Visitor visa applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in New Zealand. The minimum required funds are:
In addition, applicants must have a ticket or sufficient funds to purchase a ticket out of New Zealand to a country they have the right to enter.
Immigration officers assess whether an applicant is a bona fide visitor by considering factors such as:
Providing compelling evidence of the visitor's genuine intent to visit and depart as required can support the visa application.
The process of applying for a visitor visa to New Zealand involves several steps, including choosing the appropriate application method, preparing the necessary documents, and paying the application fee.
Visitor visa applications can be submitted online or by completing a paper application form. The online method is generally faster and more convenient, with benefits such as:
Paper applications may be necessary for certain visa categories or if the applicant is unable to apply online. The completed form, along with supporting documents, must be submitted to the nearest Immigration New Zealand office or Visa Application Centre.
The specific documents required for a visitor visa application may vary depending on the applicant's circumstances and the visa category. However, common documents include:
It is crucial to provide high-quality scans or copies of the supporting documents, as well as certified translations for any documents not in English. Incomplete or poor-quality documentation can delay the processing of the visa application.
Visitor visa application fees vary depending on the application method and the applicant's country of origin. As of 2024, the fees for online applications range from NZD $211 to $247, while paper applications cost between NZD $231 to $265. Additional fees may apply for certain visa categories or services.
Processing times for visitor visa applications depend on the volume of applications received and the completeness of the application. As a general guideline:
It is recommended to apply well in advance of the intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing and to avoid disruptions to travel plans.
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Contact us today for an initial FREE Consultation.When a visitor visa is granted, it comes with specific conditions that the visa holder must adhere to during their stay in New Zealand. Understanding these conditions and the permitted duration of stay is essential for maintaining compliance and planning travel arrangements.
Visitor visas are subject to several standard conditions, including:
Failure to comply with these conditions can result in the cancellation of the visa and the requirement to leave New Zealand immediately.
The duration of stay permitted on a visitor visa depends on the visa category and the applicant's country of origin. The most common maximum stay durations are:
Some visitor visas allow multiple entries into New Zealand within a specified period. These visas are particularly useful for frequent travellers or those who plan to visit New Zealand several times over an extended period.
The most common multiple entry visitor visa is the parent and grandparent multiple entry visa , which allows eligible parents and grandparents of New Zealand citizens or residents to visit for up to 18 months over a 3-year period, with a maximum stay of 6 months per visit.
To be eligible for a multiple entry visitor visa, applicants must demonstrate strong ties to their home country and the ability to support themselves financially during their visits to New Zealand.
If a visitor wishes to stay in New Zealand beyond the expiry date of their current visa, they must apply for a new visa before their existing one expires. It is important to note that holding a valid visa is essential for maintaining lawful status in New Zealand.
Visitors who want to extend their stay in New Zealand for tourism or family reasons can apply for a new visitor visa. The application process is similar to the initial visa application, and applicants must demonstrate that they continue to meet the visa requirements, including:
It is recommended to apply for a new visitor visa at least 2 weeks before the current visa expires to allow time for processing and to avoid becoming unlawful in New Zealand.
In some cases, visitors may wish to change their status to a different visa category, such as a student visa or a work visa. This process involves applying for a new visa and meeting the specific requirements for the chosen category.
Common visa transitions include:
Visitors who remain in New Zealand beyond the expiry date of their visa become unlawful and may face serious consequences, including:
To avoid these consequences, visitors must ensure they apply for a new visa or depart New Zealand before their current visa expires.
Upon arrival in New Zealand, visitors must present their valid visitor visa (or NZeTA) and passport to an immigration officer. The officer will assess the visitor's eligibility to enter the country based on factors such as health, character, and the purpose of the visit. They may ask questions about the intended length of stay and financial capacity. It is crucial to answer these questions truthfully and provide any requested documentation, such as proof of onward travel or sufficient funds.
Visitors must also complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration before arrival. This declaration is an online form that collects information about the visitor's travel history, health, and any goods they are bringing into New Zealand. It also serves as an application for entry permission.
The immigration officer may verify that the visitor still meets the health and character requirements they declared in their visa application. This may involve checking for any criminal convictions or health conditions that could pose a risk to New Zealand.
It is important for visitors to be aware of New Zealand's biosecurity regulations and to ensure they comply with all customs and immigration requirements upon arrival. Failure to declare prohibited or restricted items can result in fines or penalties.
No, visitor visa holders are not permitted to work in New Zealand. This includes paid employment, self-employment, and volunteer work. If you wish to work in New Zealand, you must apply for a work visa.
The processing time for a visitor visa application varies depending on the application method and the applicant's country of origin. As a general guideline, online applications are processed within 3 weeks for 80% of applications. Paper applications may take longer.
Staying in New Zealand beyond the expiry of your visitor visa is considered overstaying and can have serious consequences. You may be deported from New Zealand and barred from returning for a specified period. Overstaying can also negatively impact future visa applications for New Zealand or other countries.
If you wish to extend your stay beyond the expiry of your current visitor visa, you must apply for a new visitor visa before your current one expires. You cannot extend your existing visa. The application process for a new visitor visa is similar to the initial application, and you must demonstrate that you continue to meet the visa requirements.
To be eligible for a visitor visa, you must:
The documents required for a visitor visa application include:
The visitor visa application fee varies depending on the application method and your country of origin. As of 2024, the fees for online applications range from NZD $211 to $247, while paper applications cost between NZD $231 to $265. Additional fees may apply for certain services.
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children (aged 19 or under) in your visitor visa application. They will need to meet the same health and character requirements as you and provide their own supporting documents.
If you are transiting through Auckland International Airport and will not be staying in New Zealand for more than 24 hours, you may not need a transit visa. However, you may need an NZeTA if you are from a country that requires one. If you are transiting through another airport or plan to stay longer than 24 hours, you will need a visitor visa.
If your visitor visa application is declined, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the decision. You may be able to appeal the decision or reapply for a visitor visa with new information or evidence.