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NEW ZEALAND: Visa Status Changes for Nationals of South Africa, Mauritius and the Seychelles
October 19, 2016
From 21st November 2016, the New Zealand government is set to introduce visitor visa requirements for all South African passport holders, while passport holders from Mauritius and the Seychelles will no longer need a visitor visa to travel to New Zealand for up to three months at a time.
Nationals of South Africa
From 21st November all South African passport holders will need to obtain a visa before travelling to New Zealand. Currently, visitors from South Africa do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to New Zealand, with genuine visitors being granted a visitor visa on arrival.
The Government is introducing these changes as a result of an increase in the number of ineligible passengers who do not meet New Zealand entry instructions.
The cost of a visitor visa online is NZD165.00. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) recommends that applicants apply for a visitor visa about six weeks in advance of their intended travel dates.
Nationals of Mauritius and the Seychelles
From 21st November 2016 passport holders from Mauritius and the Seychelles will no longer need a visitor visa to travel to New Zealand for up to three months at a time.
Health and character requirements still apply to all non-New Zealand visitors and visitors from visa waiver countries are still required to provide travel tickets or evidence of onwards travel arrangements and evidence of funds to support themselves while in New Zealand.
Our advice
It is important that all Nationals of South Africa, Mauritius and the Seychelles take note of the changes to the visa requirements from 21st November 2016.
If you require more information regarding the above article please contact a member of our team at [email protected].
