New Zealand Group Visitor Visa Apply Together, Travel Together
If you are planning a group trip to New Zealand, such as with a sports team, school group, or tour party, the Group Visitor Visa simplifies the application process. One nominated leader can apply on behalf of the entire group, making it easier to coordinate travel and ensure everyone arrives together. We’ll guide you through the requirements and help you prepare a successful group application.
01. Introduction
The Group Visitor Visa is designed for groups traveling to New Zealand together for a common purpose – such as educational tours, sports competitions, cultural exchanges, or organised travel groups.
Instead of each person applying individually, you can:
- Nominate one group leader to coordinate the application
- Submit a single group visa application
- Ensure everyone travels and stays together
Using this streamlined process, organising group travel to New Zealand is much simpler, especially when you have a New Zealand sponsor supporting your visit.
02. Group Visitor Visa Requirements
All group members must meet standard health and character requirements, plus these specific criteria:
- All members must arrive in and depart from New Zealand together
- The group leader completes a Group Visa application
- Each individual member completes a Visitor Visa application
- All members must have tickets to leave New Zealand (or sufficient funds to purchase them), unless the visa states “Return/onward travel not required”
- The group must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay, or have a sponsor who will cover costs
Meeting these requirements is critical for Immigration New Zealand approval. Our team at Provisas is here to help ensure your group application is complete and properly prepared.
03. How long can you stay?
Immigration New Zealand typically approves Group Visitor Visas for one month. However, longer stays may be granted depending on why you are visiting, for example, educational study tours or extended cultural exchanges.
The length of stay granted will depend on:
- The purpose of your group’s visit
- Your itinerary and planned activities
- Your sponsor’s support (if applicable)
04. Sponsor responsibilities
Most group visits to New Zealand are sponsored by a New Zealand organisation. If your group has a sponsor, they must commit to:
Financial and welfare responsibilities:
- Ensuring all visitors have adequate healthcare, food, clothing, and accommodation
- Either paying for accommodation or providing suitable housing
- Paying for visitors’ return tickets if they cannot pay themselves
- Covering all costs if any visitor becomes liable for deportation (including locating, detaining, and transporting them home)
These are serious obligations. Sponsors must understand and accept these responsibilities before signing sponsorship documents.
When you work with us, we will help both groups and sponsors understand these obligations and ensure all documentation is properly completed.
05. Who can sponsor a group visitor visa?
Eligible sponsors include:
- Government agencies
- Charitable societies and incorporated societies
- Registered companies
- Tertiary institutions and schools (boards of trustees)
- New Zealand citizens or residents
Sponsor requirements:
- Must have a clear connection between their activities and the group’s purpose of visit
- Cannot charge fees or receive financial reward for sponsorship
- Must have no immigration-related convictions
- Cannot have breached sponsorship terms in the past
- Must appoint a contact person responsible for sponsorship undertakings
- Cannot be bankrupt or in insolvency proceedings
Important: Sponsorship doesn’t guarantee visa approval. All group members must still meet standard visitor visa requirements, including health and character standards.
06. Processing times and costs
Processing times:
- 5 working days if applying through an ADS (Approved Destination Status) agent
- Approximately 28 days if applying directly to Immigration New Zealand
Additional time may be needed if sponsor documentation requires preparation or if Immigration New Zealand requests more information.
Our service: We help you prepare complete, accurate applications to avoid delays and surprises, ensuring the best chance of approval. Our goal is to make the process as efficient and cost-effective as possible.
Typical fees for Group Visitor Visa applications: NZ$[INSERT FEE RANGE] (plus GST)
Book a free consultation to discuss your group’s travel plans and how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a New Zealand group visitor visa?
All members must still meet standard visitor visa requirements, including proof of sufficient funds and return tickets. This visa is ideal for organised tour groups, school trips, sports teams, and official delegations visiting New Zealand together.
Who can apply for a New Zealand Group Visitor Visa?
- At least 5 members traveling together
- The same itinerary - arriving and departing New Zealand at the same time
- A common purpose - such as attending an event, educational tour, sports competition, or organised travel
We can help ensure your group meets all requirements and prepare a complete application that maximises your chances of approval.
How much money is needed to obtain a group visitor visa?
- NZD $1,000 per month for their stay, or
- NZD $400 per month if accommodation is already paid for
Acceptable proof of funds includes bank statements, credit card statements, traveler's checks, or a sponsorship letter. Talk to us - we’ll help ensure your group's financial documentation meets Immigration New Zealand's requirements.
What paperwork is needed for a Group Visitor Visa?
For the group:
- Completed group visa application (submitted by the group leader)
- Detailed itinerary showing your planned activities in New Zealand
- Completed individual Visitor Visa application
- Valid passport
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, sponsorship letter, etc.)
- Confirmed travel arrangements (tickets or itinerary)
- Visitor Visa sponsorship form (if you have a New Zealand sponsor)
Who can sponsor a group visitor visa?
- New Zealand citizens or residents
- Government agencies
- Registered companies
- Charitable or incorporated societies
- Tertiary institutions and schools (boards of trustees)
Sponsor obligations are significant and legally binding. To understand these responsibilities and ensure all sponsorship documentation is properly prepared, book a consultation with Professional Visa Solutions.
