An individual will have to apply for a visitor visa before you come to New Zealand, if they are not from a visa-waiver country.

Requirements:

You are required to meet the following requirements, when you apply for a visitor visa:

• Be of a decent character
• Be in good health
• You are a bona fide visitor travelling for temporary reasons
• Your visitor’s visa is relevant to the purpose of your visitation to New Zealand

Your passport

The passport must be valid for at least three months past the date you are to leave New Zealand You passport can also be valid for one month past the date you intend to leave if the government issuing your passport has consular representation in New Zealand. You will need to give your passport along with your application for visa.

Proof that you plan to leave New Zealand

Before your visa expires, you will have to prove that you intend to leave New Zealand by:

A written confirmation is required from an airline or travel agency that your onward travel has been booked and has been paid.

Or any other non-refundable travel arrangements which are made at your own risk.

Travel tickets (confirmed or open-dated) out of New Zealand.

Proof of funds

In order to prove what you have enough money to support yourself during your stay, you will have to show your bank documents or any financial documents.

You need to have a minimum of:

NZ$1000 per person per month of the visit,

NZ$400 per person and per month is required, if accommodation has already been paid for (with evidence of prepayment, such as hotel prepaid vouchers etc).

Funds can be in the form of:

A declaration by a sponsor that they will pay for your accommodation and maintenance is also accepted.

Cash, travelers’ checks, bank drafts, recognized credit cards with sufficient credit available (preferably with an up-to-date credit card statement).

Who cannot get a visa?

Any person with a criminal record Section 15 & 16 of the Immigration Act 2009 explains what disqualifies such a person.

Any requirements listed above, who does not meet the basic, cannot get a visa.

If your application is incomplete at the time of submission or if you submit false information in the application, visa will be denied.

How long can I stay?

The maximum stay under a visitor visa is usually nine months in a period of 18-month.

Visa-waiver visitors

You can apply for a visa on your arrival by filling in an arrival card, if you are a visitor from a visa-waiver country. You will still have to meet the standard character and health requirements. However, this will be done with a declaration on your arrival card.

On each visit, you will be allowed to stay for three months (or six months if from the UK) but not more than six months in any 12-month period.

You will have to contact the authorities, if you decide to extend your stay longer than your visa allows.

What about my family?

The member of your family will have to apply separately. Your application can cover your spouse or partner, and any children who are dependent up to the age of 19. Children over 20 are consider non-dependants.

Dependent children of Essential Skills work visa holders

Under this visa, the visa holders, who fall under “Essential Skills” work visa, will have to show evidence that the parent who has the “Essential Skills” work visa meets a minimum income requirement.

Special visitor categories:

Some may be given a limited visa and some may be required to pay a bond as the requirements differ for visitors who fall under this category.

Medical insurance

However, it is recommended that the visitor has a comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of his stay. If you are from the UK or Australia, you will receive the same medical coverage immediately as a New Zealand citizen or resident receives.

During your stay:

You may not study for more than three months while you are in New Zealand unless you are on student visa.

You will not work while you are in New Zealand, unless you obtain a work visa.

You are allowed to stay only in New Zealand for the time allowed by your visa.

You will abide by all the New Zealand’s laws.

Breach of any of the above will make you liable for deportation.