With a unique combination of modern and tribal culture, visiting New Zealand can be a unique experience. Get a New Zealand vacation visa and start planning your travels today.
Why is Tourism Popular in New Zealand?
Experiencing Maori culture firsthand is a prime reason why many wish to travel to New Zealand. To add, you can explore New Zealand for the following:
- Pristine natural landscapes
- Glacier Trekking
- Taking part in adventure sports
- Experience culinary delicacies
Further, to boost tourism, the New Zealand government has taken the following steps:
- Creating a tourism plan that has contributions from the government, industries, as well as the Maori.
- Using technology to provide people with a better tourism experience
To add, the New Zealand government has a tourism levy that in turn contributes to the upkeep of its natural heritage.
Understanding New Zealand’s Visa System
To make traveling easy while keeping up with border security, the New Zealand government has created the ETA, a pre-travel documentation, for those exempted from getting a visa when traveling to the country. Further, the visa application process has also been streamlined for the ease of the users.
Thus, the New Zealand Visa for tourists can be either an NZeTA or an e-visa that you can apply for via the official website.
Are You Exempt From Getting a Visa?
The number of countries on New Zealand’s visa waiver list is quite extensive. While you are exempt from the visa when your country is on this list, you will still have to file for a NZeTA online before you travel.
Further, citizens from many countries need not apply for a transit visa when having a transit stop in New Zealand.
When Do You Need an NZeTA?
For a smooth travel experience, make sure to apply an NZeTA before your travels if you belong to the below list:
- Have an Australian permanent resident visa
- Arriving via a flight/cruise
- Passing through Auckland with or without a transit visa
- Holding the passport of visa waiver country
When Do You Need a Visa?
The below people will have to opt for a visa:
- Tourists
- Wishing to reside permanently
- Students
- Received an offer of employment
- On a working holiday
Entry Restrictions
While New Zealand has opened its doors to visitors from all over, two countries are on the restricted list:
- Federal Republic of Somalia
- Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
Further, you may not be allowed a visa or NZeTA when in violation of the terms listed in the Operation Manual of the New Zealand government. Before planning your travels, it is important to give this a read-through.
Categories Available for Visa Applications
Whether opting for a New Zealand Vacation Visa (Visitor Visa) or any other, it is important to be aware of the most common visa types available. These include:
Visitor Visa
The New Zealand visa for tourists is the visitor visa. This is available in the two below forms:
- Multiple entry visa allowing a 6-month stay
- Single entry visa allowing a 9-month stay
The visitor visa allows you to spend a holiday, catch up with your friends/ family in New Zealand, and take up a 90-day study program.
Medical Treatment Visitor Visa
New Zealand is a top destination for quality medical treatment. If you want to experience the benefits and seek treatment at one of New Zealand’s top hospitals, apply for a medical visa. You may stay for up to 6 months with these visa options.
Work Visa
You may receive an employment offer from a company based out of New Zealand or an extension on your current employment period. Further, you may also want to family to come live with you temporarily. No matter your reason, the New Zealand government offers you multiple options for a work visa.
Student Visa
If your study program extends beyond the 90-day period that is allowed by the Visitor Visa, you will need to apply for a student visa. The maximum allowable limit is a 5-year stay with 3 educational courses that you can take.
Applying for a Visa to New Zealand
To ensure easy travel planning, the NZeTA and New Zealand visa for tourist and others have been implemented. The website of the New Zealand Immigration Department provides an easy-to-use interface for all those planning a visit to the country. Further, you can also use the mobile app designed for this purpose.
Steps to Apply
Applying for the New Zealand Vacation Visa (Visitor Visa) is a matter of a few simple steps:
- Find out which option you can avail, i.e., the NZeTA or the Visa
- Determine the costs and papers needed
- Provide proof of identity and character
- Fill, pay for, and submit your visa application
- Receive your approved travel documentation via email
Important Documents
You need to have the below when applying for the New Zealand vacation visa and others:
- A passport validity of 3 months post your date of departure from New Zealand
- A recent photograph was taken as per government directives.
- Valid email address
- Travel documents
- Tickets
- Accommodation
- Itinerary
- Paper to verify the purpose of your visit
- A character reference from the police
- A payment option for your application
Additional Papers
While it will vary as per your country of origin and purpose of travel, certain added documents are necessary when traveling to New Zealand.
If you are seeking treatment, then you will need to furnish proof of funds to prove that you can afford treatment. Further, you will also have to furnish your medical records as well.
In the case of the student visa, supporting documents from the university or college you are taking admission. Similarly, in the case of a new work visa or an extension on an existing one, you may be asked for documents like an appointment letter from your employer.
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