What is a visitor visa?
New Zealand is a beautiful country situated in the South Pacific Ocean consisting of two main islands, the North and South Islands. Visitors wishing to travel to this stunning location must be aware of the visa requirements that must be met before they can visit.
The most common visa required to travel to New Zealand is the Visitor Visa. All visitors must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date they intend to leave New Zealand. Visitors who don’t have a passport or a valid passport that covers the travel dates must apply for a Travel Document. This can be obtained prior to getting a Visitor Visa.
How do I apply for a visitor visa?
Once a passport is valid the Visitor Visa is the next step. The application for the Visitor Visa is made through the New Zealand Immigration website. All applicants must complete the online application, pay the visa fees, and upload the required documents. These documents include: passport size photo, passport page copies, evidence of funds to support the stay in New Zealand, and any relevant documents like a marriage certificate, birth certificate, court documents, or business related documents. After submitting the requirements and paying the visa fees, the processing time for the Visitor Visa is five working days for applications from some countries like the United Kingdom and Canada and up to 20 days for other countries.Â
Once the Visitor Visa is issued, the visa validity period determined by the Embassy usually ranges from three months to twelve months, or up to 24 months in some cases. The amount of time granted to the visa holder will depend on length of stay, purpose of visit, and other factors. The conditions and restrictions of the Visitor Visa must be followed or else the visa holder could be asked to leave New Zealand. NEW ZEALAND VISITOR VISA INFORMATION
What are the requirements for a visitor visa?
Some of the conditions attached to a Visitor Visa include refraining from applying for any other type of visa or permit, not to accept any employment or payment for services, and not to become a burden to the New Zealand government. It is important for the visa holder to understand and comply with these conditions as breaching any of these conditions could result in the visa being cancelled.
Is there anything else I should know about visiting New Zealand as a tourist?
New Zealand is a beautiful country, with an abundance of natural beauty, active and diverse culture, and plenty of opportunity for adventure. With so much to offer, it is no wonder that so many people from around the world choose to make New Zealand their new home. In order to gain entry to New Zealand, you will need to ensure that you have the correct visa in place before beginning your journey.
New Zealand has a number of visa types, each with their own rules and purposes. Depending on the reason for your stay, and the length of time you intend to stay, will dictate the visa that best fits your needs.Â
The first visa that is generally sought by those emigrating to New Zealand is the Residence Visa. This allows the holder to stay in New Zealand permanently, or at least for three to four years. To apply for one of these visas, you will need to be able to demonstrate financial ability, have a job, or a business plan. This visa type can be applied for by an individual or couple, and will also allow the holder to apply for New Zealand citizenship after a certain period of time.
Work Visas are needed by anyone looking to stay in New Zealand for more than 3 months who does not already have residency status. These can be applied for as a permanent work visa, student visa, or visitor visa, depending on the length of stay, desired activity, and other restrictions set by the government. When applying for a working visa, applicants need to demonstrate their qualifications and experience, as well as secure a job before the visa is granted.
What should I do if I am detained while in New Zealand?
Lastly, for those who are visiting New Zealand for a short period of time, Holiday Visas are available. These are generally granted for 3 months, but can be extended to up to 9 months upon the discretion of the government. These visas are intended for tourists, so holders must be able to show sufficient funds prior to entering the country, and have a valid passport.
Overall, New Zealand is an incredibly popular destination, and as such, it has a range of visa types to accommodate every type of guest. Whether you are looking to emigrate, work, study or simply explore the country, researching the visa types can help you attain the right one for your needs.
In conclusion, it is essential that visitors familiarise themselves with the New Zealand Visitor Visa information in order to ensure a hassle free and enjoyable visit. NEW ZEALAND VISA TYPES