New Zealand Visitor Visa
Online Application for Your Visit
Exploring the vast landscape of the country is itself an adventure, as are the fjords, glaciers and geothermal wonders. New Zealand is a world-class destination. Exploring the country’s dreamy destinations and unique culture starts with getting a New Zealand Visitor Visa. An approved visa is a must-have travel document when planning a trip to New Zealand. A clear understanding of the visitor visa is important for a smooth journey.
Essential Information
New Zealand Visitor Visa
Every traveller visiting New Zealand needs an entry permit (unless they are exempt from it). A New Zealand Visitor Visa is a short-term travel permit that permits visiting New Zealand for tourism . However, travellers can also use the visitor visa to meet and stay with friends and family.
New Zealand Visitor Visa permits only the following travel purposes.
- Tourism activities (leisure, vacation, sightseeing or unpaid cultural exchange activities)
- Short-term academic courses (not more than 90 days)
- Staying with friends or family members
Who Should Apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?
The need for a New Zealand Visitor Visa depends on the traveller’s nationality and travel requirements. Citizens of countries not included in New Zealand’s visa waiver program can apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa.
Travellers can also use the online eligibility check tool to find out if they are eligible to apply for New Zealand Visitor Visa. Most travellers will require a New Zealand Visitor Visa if their travel plans align with the visa requirements.
Who Does Not Require a New Zealand Visitor Visa?
The citizens of certain territories and countries (listed under New Zealand visa-waiver countries) do not have to apply for New Zealand Visitor Visa. Permanent residents or citizens of Australia are also exempt from obtaining a New Zealand Visitor Visa. Remember to check the other specific exemption conditions and the latest update before starting the application process.
New Zealand Visitor Visa Restricted Activities
It is essential to be aware of the activities that are restricted or prohibited under the New Zealand Visitor Visa. Knowing them is important to avoid severe legal consequences. Below are the restricted activities for the New Zealand Visitor Visa.
- Travellers should not work or participate in employment-related activities during their stay in New Zealand.
- Travellers are allowed to engage in short-term (not above 90 days) academic courses but cannot enrol in long-term courses (they must get a student visa).
- Travellers cannot avail medical treatment.
- Travellers must not participate in any paid performances or activities.
- Travellers cannot overstay their New Zealand Visitor Visa length of stay (it can cause future visa issues and legal consequences).
- Travellers should not plan to reside in the country using the multiple-entry permit.
New Zealand Visitor Visa Stay Duration Entry Options
The New Zealand Visitor Visa can be issued as a multiple or single-entry visa. The officials will decide the stay duration after assessing the traveller’s applications. The permitted stay duration varies for single-entry and multiple-entry visas. In general, travellers can stay in the country for up to 9 months.
A single-entry New Zealand Visitor Visa is suitable for undertaking a single trip because it allows travellers to enter the country only once. After leaving the country, the single-entry visa becomes invalid, and travellers must get a new visa to re-enter. Travellers can stay up to 9 months in the country (within 18 months).
Multiple-entry New Zealand Visitor Visa benefits frequent travellers who plan to visit the country several times over a long period. Travellers can often exit and re-enter New Zealand (till the visa expiry date). The visa permits a maximum stay of 6 months in the country (each 12 month period).
Documents Required for Visa Application Process
An important step in applying for the New Zealand Visitor Visa process is understanding the documents required to apply for the visa and having the right documents before the application process. The common documents required for visa application are included in the list below.
- A recent colour photo (passport-size photo and it must align with visitor visa photo standards).
- A passport and a copy of it (6 months validity beyond the traveller’s stay duration in New Zealand is mandatory).
- A bank or credit card statement is needed for financial proof (can also provide income tax returns or pay slips).
- A detailed travel itinerary (must clearly state the travel plans, accommodation and return details).
- An invitation letter from the host (if decided to stay with family or friend) or proof of accommodation is required.
- Proof of return ticket or adequate funds (or sponsorship form) to purchase a return ticket.
- A police clearance certificate (only if required).
- Medical examination or health documents (if needed).
Make sure that all the documents are in English, if not, a proper English translation is required for all the non-English documents. Remember that self-translated documents will not be accepted and such actions can lead to visa rejection. Travellers must be prepared to provide additional documents if needed.
New Zealand Visitor Visa Validity
The validity of a visitor visa is generally 12 months, but the validity period can vary. Travellers can check the visa because the expiry date will be specified on the visa itself. The multiple-entry permit holder must verify their visa validity each time they enter New Zealand.
New Zealand Visitor Visa for Children
A child under the age of 18 can be included in their parents’ application, however if the need arises for the child to travel separately then every child under 18 requires a separate New Zealand Visitor Visa to enter the country. Legal guardians or parents can complete the visa application on behalf of their kid. The application process for minors includes a few specific documents. Travellers must prepare the below documents to submit a New Zealand Visitor Visa application for their kids.
- A valid passport.
- A fully completed New Zealand Visitor Visa application form (filled out by parents or legal guardians).
- A consent letter from the non-accompanying legal guardian or parent is mandatory (if the minor is travelling to New Zealand with only one legal guardian or parent).
- Birth certificate or legal guardianship document.
- Financial proof to support the child in New Zealand.
- Health and good character certificate.
- A consent form applies if the child travels to New Zealand alone or with an adult other than the legal guardians or parents.
Applying for a New Zealand Visitor Visa
Travellers are advised to complete the pre-requirements of the New Zealand Visitor Visa, such as answering a few questions to help us determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Contact us with a New Zealand Visitor Visa application submission request.
- Our expert team will respond promptly and collect the information and documents needed for the visitor visa application process.
- The applicants will be contacted for additional documents or visa process (only when needed).
- Before submitting the New Zealand Visitor Visa application form, we will review it thoroughly.
- Applicants must wait till the processing time (2 – 4 weeks approximately).
- If the visa is approved, the same will be sent to the applicant to their preferred email ID.
Visa Processing Time
Being aware of the New Zealand Visitor Visa processing time is critical because travellers can plan their travel and visa application submission dates accordingly. On an average it takes us approximately 15 days to prepare your application, the government’s processing time is between 2 and 4 weeks (20 – 30 days). We suggest that travellers plan their visa application at least 7 to 8 weeks (50 -55 days) before the planned travel date.
Any mistakes in the visa application form or provided documents will delay the application process. Ensure all the visa requirements are met to prevent delays with visa processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reapply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa after a rejection?
Travellers who have faced visa rejection or denial (of their previous visa application) can reapply. To submit an error-free reapplication, travellers must know the rejection or denial reason for their previous visa applications. It is mandatory to address the rejection or denial issue to get a successful result.
How can I check my New Zealand Visitor Visa application process?
Applicants will need credentials like their passport number, details, and visa application reference number to track their visa status. To track their New Zealand Visitor Visa application status, applicants must enter the required details in the entry field, verify once and click the submit tab.
What are the consequences of overstaying the New Zealand Visitor Visa?
Overstaying the visa-authorized duration is a prohibited activity. A few serious consequences of overstaying are deportation, restriction from re-entering New Zealand, fines and can affect travellers future visa applications.