Visitor Visa NZ, New Zealand Visitor Visa, Tourist Visa Time & Cost

Let's Help You Find the Best Visitor Visa Options

Planning to visit New Zealand? Visa options can be overwhelming. We will help you pick the right one that matches your intent. Let's help you have a memorable stay here.

Introduction

If you want to spend time in a safe and healthy environment while delving into fun and adventure activities, look no further than New Zealand. The country has a unique, diverse, and inviting culture where you get the opportunity to mingle with the friendly locals.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) makes it easy for you to visit the country with its visitor visa options. You must procure a ticket to leave the country after your visit and have enough funds to support your and your family's expenses during your stay.

Do you need a Visitor Visa or an NZeTA to visit New Zealand?

You must get an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) authorization to visit New Zealand if you are from a visa waiver country. You will still need to satisfy specific conditions for your travel to qualify for an NZeTA.

You must procure a New Zealand Visitor Visa if you:

Are not from a visa-waiver nation
Plan on spending more than 3 months in New Zealand (6 months for UK travelers)

Even if you would have otherwise qualified for an NZeTA, specific conditions will require getting a Visitor Visa. For instance, if you have:

Been to prison in the past - you will need a Character Waiver to proceed
Significant medical problems - you will need a Health Waiver before INZ grants you a visitor visa
Had a history of engaging in criminal or terrorist acts - you may need aSpecial Direction to persuade INZ to approve your application
Deportation history from any country

Note that you do not need both an NZeTA and a Visitor Visa; you need just one of them based on your situation. It is okay to be confused; the determination is not straightforward in all cases.

Our licensed immigration consultants are proud to have helped many clients visit New Zealand without issues with their travel visas or NZeTA. Book a consultation to find the right option for you.

How long can you stay in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa?

New Zealand Visitor Visa allows for a stay of 9-18 months. You may, however, request another 3 months (there is a limit of 12 months in 24 months), if you:

Need additional time to wrap-up your travel plan
Cannot leave the country due to reasons not under your control
Have applied for New Zealand residency for the first time

You are not allowed to obtain another visitor visa if you have recently spent a total of 12 months in New Zealand; you must stay out of the country for 12 months before you become eligible again.

If you wish to apply for an extension of 3 months, INZ will need to see that you did not study, work or get sponsorship during your stay. You will also need to prove that you took care of your financial expenses on your own during your visit.

Are you looking for help in New Zealand to get a visitor visa extension? You can walk into our Auckland office to consult our immigration experts to seek expert advice on all aspects of your New Zealand Visitor Visa. Book a consultation to get your doubts clarified.

What are the terms of New Zealand Visitor Visa?

INZ places specific conditions on your New Zealand Visitor Visa. You can study for 3 months in a 12-month period, but you cannot work on a Visitor Visa.

Make sure you satisfy multiple-entry travel requirements if you plan on entering/leaving New Zealand more than once during your visitor visa term.

On an NZ visitor visa, you can:

Include your partner and dependent children (less than 19 years of age) in your visa application
Visit friends and family, explore the country’s landscapes, participate in amateur sports and engage in adventure hobbies.

Unless your Visa says "Return/onward travel not required," you will need the following to make an onward journey:

A sponsor who is agreeing to pay for your ticket from New Zealand to the country you wish to go to – if you are authorized to enter that country, or
Proper travel documents and valid ticket to visit the other country

What is the cost and time to obtain a New Zealand Visitor Visa?

The typical processing time for an NZ visitor visa application is 12-30 days. However, INZ applies different policies and procedures depending on which country you belong to. Also, not submitting the correct information in the prescribed format may lead to further delays.

All New Zealand Visitor Visa applications must be furnished with English translations for medical certificates and police verifications. Our immigration advisers have a lot of experience in ensuring you do not have to suffer delays or rejection of your visitor visa due to mistakes in submitting the required supporting information.

Professional Visa Solutions is determined to help its clients keep their visa costs down when visiting New Zealand. Our typical fee for a Visitor Visa application is NZ$ 1,000 – 1,650. You can count on us to create your foolproof Visitor Visa or NZeTA application at the most affordable rate. Book a consultation to get the ball rolling.

New Zealand Visitor Visa: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a New Zealand Visitor Visa?

Travelers can come to New Zealand for short-term courses, family vacations, or tourism with a New Zealand visitor visa. Generally speaking, it allows stays of up to nine months during an eighteen-month period, contingent upon your eligibility and reason for travel. For short-term trips, this visa is perfect for tourists who want to see New Zealand's sights or catch up with relatives. Nationalities have different requirements for applications, and other considerations like financial proof and travel history are taken into account.

How long can I stay in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa?

Most travelers can remain up to nine months over an 18-month term with a New Zealand guest visa. Depending on specific conditions, such as the frequency and purpose of visits, the time may vary. If they satisfy certain requirements, those who require further time may ask for extensions. Additional money, travel insurance, and documentation of your intention to depart at the conclusion of your stay may be necessary if you want to extend your stay. New Zealand Immigration evaluates each application for an extension.

What are the basic requirements for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?

A valid passport, evidence of your ability to pay for your stay, a return ticket, and a statement outlining the reason for your travel are required in order to apply. Depending on how long you plan to stay, there are additional medical and character criteria. If your stay is longer than six months, you might require a health examination. Fulfilling these prerequisites guarantees more efficient processing and demonstrates that candidates are ready and intend to return following their visit.

How do I apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?

Professional Visa Solutions simplifies the complicated process of applying for a visiting visa to New Zealand easy and stress-free. Our knowledgeable immigration counselors walk you through each stage and make sure your application satisfies all standards. We take care of everything, from preparing your paperwork—such as your vacation itinerary and proof of funds—to completing your application online. If necessary, we also offer assistance with biometrics or other criteria. By working with us, you can increase your chances of approval by avoiding mistakes and delays. For professional help, contact us right now!

What is the processing time for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?

Depending on the nationality of the applicant, the accuracy of the supporting documentation, and the volume of applications, processing dates for visitor visas to New Zealand normally vary from 20 to 45 days. Processing can be accelerated by submitting all necessary paperwork and fulfilling character and health standards. If extra information or interviews are required, there may be additional delays, thus it is advisable to apply as soon as possible to account for such extensions.

Can I bring my family on a Visitor Visa to New Zealand?

It is possible for members of your immediate family to seek for their own visitor visas in order to travel with you. Every family member needs to fulfill financial, character, and health standards and submit a separate application. The application may potentially benefit from a family sponsorship. If asked, family applications might be completed together to guarantee that trip plans coincide.

What is the visa fee for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?

The nationality of the applicant and the place of submission determine the New Zealand Visitor Visa fee. The cost of an online application can vary depending on the payment method or currency exchange, however it typically ranges from NZD $441 to $646. Before submitting an application, prospective candidates should check the most recent processing fees on the New Zealand Immigration website.

Can I work while on a New Zealand Visitor Visa?

No, a visitor visa to New Zealand does not permit employment. Only tourism, brief study, and visiting family and friends are allowed with this visa. People looking for work should think about a work visa that fits their qualifications and skill set. Unauthorized employment may result in the termination of a visa and potential prohibitions from reentering the country. Speak with an immigration advisor or New Zealand Immigration about your choices for employment.

Can I study in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa?

Yes, you can study in New Zealand for up to three months while on a visitor visa. For tourists wishing to finish a quick course or learn a new skill without a full student visa, this is perfect. Longer study periods, however, necessitate a New Zealand student visa, and certain course providers could want extra paperwork for enrolling, such evidence of language ability.

How much funding is required for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?

Candidates must show that they have at least $1,000 NZD a month, or $400 NZD a month if lodging is paid for in advance. Bank statements, traveler's checks, and sponsorship letters are examples of financial documentation. Enough money is necessary to demonstrate that guests can support themselves while visiting, guaranteeing they are ready financially and won't need local help.

What are the medical requirements for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?

To verify their health, applicants who want to stay longer than six months could require a chest X-ray or medical certificate. This aids Immigration New Zealand in confirming that tourists do not represent a risk to public health. Depending on age, health history, and nationality, routine medical examinations might also be required. Processing can be streamlined and delays can be avoided by preparing medical documentation prior to application.

New Zealand Visitor Visa

Confused About Visa Options?

We’re Here to Help!