New Zealand Visa Information

The marvelous country of New Zealand not only attracts thousands of tourists every year but also encourages students and professionals to come to study and work here. But before applying for a visa to visit the country one must be well aware with New Zealand Visa information.

Visitors, who require Visas: Depending on the duration of the stay, purpose of visit and the nationality of the visitor, a tourist visa or a student visa may be necessary to visit New Zealand.

Visa-free countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guam, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tuvalu, UK, USA, South Korea, Brunei, South Africa or Czech Republic. Nationals of these visa-free countries do not require Visa provided they a) stay not more than 90 days or less
b) are studying one course

For the citizens of these countries a visitor's permit is normally issued for 3 months (6 months for British Citizens) on arrival. Visitors willing to extend their stay should apply for an extension before their current permit expires. However, if you plan to stay longer than 3 months you should apply for a visitor's visa for the required length of time (up to 9 months) before you arrive in New Zealand.

Documents required for Visa:

Tourist Visa:
a) Completed application form.
(b) A recent passport-size photograph
(c) Passport valid for 3 months beyond the date of departure.
(d) Sufficient funds for self-support for covering duration of stay. Money required is NZ$1000 per person per month of the visit, or NZ$400 per person per month if accommodation has already been provided. However, proof of prepayment, such as hotel prepaid vouchers
(e) Onward or return ticket.
(f) Fee (payable in cash or by bank/building society cheque, money order or bank draft).
(g) For business trips, a company/sponsor letter.

Student Visa:
(a)-(g) and, (h) Confirmation of admission at an approved educational institution

Work Visa:
(a)-(g) and, (h) Valid offer of employment in writing from a New Zealand employer giving full job description and, in many cases, a confirmation also that position cannot be filled by a citizen of New Zealand.

Transit Visa:
Transit passengers passing through New Zealand by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours, do not require a visa usually provided they hold onward or return documentation and are not leaving the airport. Some nationals, however, passing through New Zealand always require a transit visa, even when not leaving the airport; enquire at the New Zealand Immigration Service for details.

Way to apply:
Once you are ready with the necessary documents, you can start the process of applying.

Time required to issue visa: 21 Days under normal circumstances.

Costs of visa:
Visitor and Transit: £35.
Work: £55.
Student: £45.

Validity of visa:
The highest period of time most visitors can stay in New Zealand is 9 months within an 18-month period.
Tourist visa is usually valid for 3 months which could be extended to the maximum of 9 months.