Immigration New Zealand announced on Monday 3 October that all South African visitors to New Zealand will need to apply for visitor visas from 21 November this year. These changes are being made as a result of an increase in the number of South African nationals who have been refused entry at the New Zealand bor4der in comparison with other visa waiver countries.
Read more on the INZ website HERE.
What this means for a South African visitor to New Zealand is that they will have to apply (either via a paper based form or online) for a visitor visa to New Zealand BEFORE they are able to travel to New Zealand. If they apply online each member of the family will need to pay $165, but all members can be added to one paperbased form for a total of $165.
Applications for visitor visas generally take up to 6 weeks to be processed, so South Africans who plan to visit New Zealand should apply for their visas well in advance of their travel dates.
Note that visitor visas are intended for genuine tourists only and will require proof of current employment, ability to maintain yourself ($1000 per month) and ability and intention to return to South Africa after the trip.
If you would like any assistance with your visitor visa applicaiton please contact us and we will be happy to assist.