Visitor Visa
New Zealand offers various types of Visitor Visas that enable international visitors to stay temporarily for purposes such as tourism, business, family visits, or short-term study.
Visitor Visa Overview
NZeTA and General Visitor Visa
The General Visitor Visa and NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) are both necessary for entry into New Zealand, each serving distinct purposes. Travelers from visa-waiver countries must obtain an NZeTA, while those from other nations or intending stays exceeding 3 months require a General Visitor Visa. However, specific circumstances may warrant a General Visitor Visa even for individuals typically eligible for an NZeTA.
The General Visitor Visa permits stays of 9-18 months, extendable under certain conditions. While it allows for studying for up to 3 months within a 12-month period, it does not allow you to work. Allowed activities include visiting friends and family, exploring the country, and participating in amateur sports. It is essential to emphasise that while job hunting or attending interviews is allowed on a visitor visa, the primary purpose must be leisure travel.
The New Zealand Visitor Visa has certain restrictions, such as prohibiting full-time employment, long-term study, and access to public funds. Visitors are expected to abide by these restrictions during their stay in New Zealand.
If you receive a job offer in New Zealand, a separate work visa application is necessary before starting employment. If you are considering applying for a visitor visa for the purpose of looking for employment opportunities, we recommend that you contact us for assistance. Our team is available to assist you with the application process, ensuring all requirements are met and potential complications are avoided. Whether extending your stay for further exploration, finalising travel plans, or pursuing additional visa options, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Types of Visitor Visas in New Zealand
New Zealand offers a diverse range of visitor visas to accommodate various purposes of travel and stay in the country. Whether you are visiting for tourism, business, family reunification, or other specific reasons, there is likely a visa category that fits your needs. Here are some of the different types of visitor visas available:
| Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|
| General Visitor Visa | Designed for leisure travelers wishing to visit New Zealand for tourism purposes. |
| Business Visitor Visa | Intended for individuals visiting New Zealand for business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, or investments. |
| Family Visitor Visa | For partners, dependent children, or family members of New Zealand citizens or residents wishing to join their loved ones. |
| Medical Treatment Visa | For individuals seeking entry into New Zealand specifically for medical treatment or consultation. |
| Cultural or Special Purpose Visa | Includes visas for culturally arranged marriages, adoption-related visits, or specific cultural ceremonies. |
| Special Event Visa | Issued for participants, performers, or attendees of approved arts festivals, music events, sports tournaments, etc. |
| Humanitarian or Protection Visa | For individuals seeking refuge, asylum, or protection status in New Zealand due to humanitarian reasons. |
| Transit Visa | For travelers passing through New Zealand en route to another destination, requiring a short stay in the country. |