Are you considering a trip to New Zealand? Whether you’re planning to stay for a few days or several weeks, it’s important to understand the tourist visa requirements. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about applying for a New Zealand tourist visa, as well as answer some frequently asked questions on the topic.
Introduction to New Zealand Tourist Visas
New Zealand offers a wide range of tourist visas, each with their own requirements and conditions. The most common tourist visa is the Standard Visitor Visa, which allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to nine months. Other types of tourist visas include the Working Holiday Visa, which allows you to work while you travel, and the Student Visa, which allows you to study in New Zealand. NEW ZEALAND TOURIST VISA
To apply for a New Zealand tourist visa, you will need to submit an online application form, as well as supporting documents such as your passport and proof of financial stability. The processing time for tourist visa applications is typically around eight weeks. Once your application has been approved, you will be issued with a visa that will allow you to enter New Zealand.
Eligibility Requirements for a New Zealand Tourist Visa
In order to be eligible for a New Zealand tourist visa, you must:
-Be a citizen of a country that has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand
-Have a valid passport
-Have proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in New Zealand
-Be of good character
-Be in good health
-Have an onward or return ticket
Types of New Zealand Tourist Visas
There are two types of New Zealand tourist visas: the eVisa and the regular tourist visa. The eVisa is an electronic travel authority that allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to three months. You can apply for an eVisa online through the Immigration New Zealand website. The regular tourist visa is a paper visa that allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to nine months. You can apply for a regular tourist visa at your nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate. NEW ZEALAND VISA FAQ
Documentation Required for a New Zealand Tourist Visa Application
To apply for a New Zealand tourist visa, you will need to submit the following documentation:
– A completed visa application form. This can be done online or downloaded from the New Zealand Immigration website.
– Your passport, which must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from New Zealand.
– One passport-sized photograph of yourself.
– Evidence of your onward travel plans, such as a return ticket or an itinerary for your time in New Zealand.
– Evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay in New Zealand, such as bank statements or payslips.
– If you are travelling on a tour, you will need to provide evidence of this, such as a letter from the tour operator or confirmation of your booking.
Steps to Apply for a New Zealand Tourist Visa
Assuming you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to visit New Zealand, the first step is to visit the New Zealand Immigration website.
Once on the site, click on the ‘Visas and Immigration’ tab and then select the ‘Apply for a Visa’ option. This will take you to an online form which must be completed in full.
Be sure to have all your documents ready before starting the form as you will not be able to save your progress and come back later. Once the form is completed, pay the visa application fee using a credit or debit card.
After your payment has been processed, you will need to print out the confirmation page and submit it along with any other required supporting documentation to your nearest New Zealand Visa Application Centre (VAC).
The VAC will forward your application and supporting documents to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) for processing. The INZ aim to process 90% of straightforward applications within 20 working days, so long as they have all the necessary documentation.
You can track the progress of your application online using the Reference Number provided when you submitted your application at the VAC.
Once your application has been approved, INZ will send you an email with instructions on how to complete the next steps in applying for your visa. These steps include providing biometrics (if required), paying any outstanding fees, and completing an online passenger arrival card