A Step-by-Step Guide to the New Zealand Visa Application

Have you been waiting to explore the Waitomo Caves in Christchurch, skydive over Queenstown or be absorbed by Wellington’s arts scene? As of 2016, South Africans now require a visa to explore the incredible landscapes of New Zealand. We’ve made it super easy with this step-by-step application process. If you haven’t already, book your tickets now and be on your way to an exhilarating holiday adventure!

South African passport holders require a Visitor Visa to explore the magical landscapes of New Zealand. Fortunately, the process is a simple and stress-free one! Visa applications need to be done at the New Zealand Visa Application Centre or via postal service if you live further afield. We recommend submitting your application 1 month ahead of time, so all you need to worry about is where to find the best skydiving and snorkelling spots.

Please note this process is applicable to South African passport holders.

new zealand visa

Types of Visas to Apply For

If you plan to visit New Zealand for holiday purposes you need to apply for a Visitor Visa.

If you are wanting to visit for business reasons, you can apply for the Business Visa, valid for up to three months.

Validity:

The New Zealand Visitor Visa is valid for up to nine months.

The Visitor Visa also allows you to study for up to three months. You may include your partner and children (under 20 years of age) in your application.

 

Visa Costs

Fees below are per the New Zealand visa application:

Counter Application:

Application Cost NZ$ 165 (* R 1605)
Passport Handling Fee R 480
VFS Service Fee R 560
Courier Fee (if applicable) R 150

*Please note that Rand values are subject to the New Zealand Dollar/ Rand exchange rate.

Postal Application:

Visitor Visa R 1520
Bank Admin Fee R 200
VFS Service Fee R 528
Total Cost: R 2248

 Payment options are as follows:

  1. Payment in person at the VAC through a credit/debit card
  2. Off-line Credit/Cheque Card: if you are unable to come to the VAC in person, you must provide your Credit/Debit Card details (Only MasterCard and Visa accepted) as proof of payment as well as the completed above authorization letter, either presented by your authorized representative or emailed to nzza@vfshelpline.com
  3. Cash deposit into bank account: applicants must provide their Passport Number, Name and Contact Telephone Number as reference details.

Banking Details (cash deposit):

Bank Name Nedbank
Account Name VFS Visa Processing (SA) (Pty) Ltd
Branch Name Sandton
Account Number 1049-567730
Branch Code 198765
Account Type Current

Banking Details (EFT):

Bank Name Standard Chartered Bank
Account Name VFS Visa Processing (SA) (Pty) Ltd – New Zealand Online ZAR
Branch Name Sandton
Account Number 00188050512
Branch Code 730020
Account Type Current
Swift Code SCBLZAJJ

new zealand visa

New Zealand Visa Requirements

Once your documents are prepared, filling out the online form is quick and easy.

To apply for your New Zealand Visitor Visa you will need to provide the following:

  • Original passport/ travel document
  • Completed and signed application form
  • Two passport-sized colour photographs
  • Evidence of financial support (bank statements/ proof of accommodation/ completed Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry)
  • Onward ticket out of New Zealand
  • Medical certificates (if required)

If you are staying with family/ friends, you’ll need to provide:

  • Evidence that you intend to return home (e.g. company letter)
  • Evidence of onward travel arrangements out of New Zealand

If you are visiting for business purposes, you’ll need to provide:

  • Evidence of employment
  • Evidence of business you plan to undertake in New Zealand

If you are parents/ grandparents of New Zealand citizens/ residents, you’ll need to provide:

  • Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (completed by your New Zealand child/ grandchild).
  • Evidence of your relationship

new zealand visa

Where to Apply

At the Visa Application Centre:

Applicants who wish to submit their application in person must book an appointment at the New Zealand Visa Application Centre via the online appointment system. Appointments take a few minutes to make. Please take along the following documents:

  1. Original passport
  2. A certified copy of all original documents
  3. Two clear copies of your passport photo page
  4. Completed visa application form
  5. Pay visa and VFS service fees

Please note that if your passport will be collected by a third party or courier, you need to submit a Document Collection Authorisation Letter with your application or via email. Third parties must present proof of identity at collection.

If you would like your passport and document couriered back to your South African address, please inform the handling officer during your application. An additional R150 per application will be charged.

New Zealand Visa Application Centre – VFS Global

Address: Cherry Lane Office Park

1st Floor, 114 Fehrsen Street

Nieuw Muckleneuk

Brooklyn

Pretoria

Contact Number: +27-12-425-3004
Email: info.nzza@vfshelpline.com
Opening Hours: Application Lodgement:    Monday to Friday 08:00-12:30 / 13:30-15:00

Phone Enquiries:               Monday to Friday 08:00-12:30 / 13:30-16:00

Passport Collection:          Monday to Friday 13:30-16:00

Parking is available in the Cherry Lane Shopping Centre. Ubers and taxis are easily available throughout Pretoria to get you to and from the visa application centre.

Please note that VFS is closed on the following days:

01, 02 Jan / 06 Feb / 14, 17, 27 Apr / 01 May / 05, 16 Jun / 25 Sep / 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 Dec

The New Zealand High Commission in Pretoria does not process visa applications. All applications are to be submitted to the New Zealand Visa Application Centre nearby.

Postal Application:

You can send your application to the New Zealand Visa Application Centre to the above address. You’ll need to include:

  1. Original passport
  2. Certified copy of all original documents
  3. Two clear copies of your passport photo page
  4. Completed application form
  5. Signed Authorisation Letter
  6. Proof of payment
  7. Clear return address for courier delivery when your passport is returned
  8. Send an email to info@nzza@vfshelpline.com confirming documents have been sent and include the following:
  • Scanned copy of the Airway Bill or tracking number that you used to post your documents
  • Proof of payment
  • Applicants’ details (so the Visa Application Centre can check the whereabouts of your application and confirm when it arrives).
  1. An invoice cum receipt (ICR) will be generated by the VAC. The original ICR will be returned to you with your documents once the application is completed. An ICR / your application reference number will be sent to you via email for online tracking.
  2. If the full visa fee is not remitted, VAC will inform you via email. VAC will only process your application once they have received the balance of the fee. (Remember to scan the payment receipt and email to the VAC to inform them).

New Zealand visa processing time takes around 20-25 working days, but may take longer if extra documentation is required.

new zealand visa

Where to Print Documents and Photos

If you are applying in person, there are a few shops located close to the application centre where you can print documents and have passport photos taken.

PostNet

Address: Shop 4, Brooklyn Design Square, Veale Street.
Contact: 012 460 1484/ brooklyn@postnet.co.za

Kodak Express

Address: 345 Veale Street & Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk
Contact: 012 346 0868

 

*Disclaimer!

All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart is not affiliated with immigration authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this volatile information.

Our Readers Comments

  1. Moving to New Zealand is so exciting! Have a great time! Greets.

  2. My daughter is 17 and wants to go live with her dad in New Zealand who is a permanent resident. What do we need to do step by step and what is the costs?

    • Hi Amanda,

      Thanks for reaching out.

      For immigration visa’s you would need to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct.

      They will advise on the correct procedures to follow, what documents are required and the cost.

  3. Good morning

    I already booked my flight ticket to New Zealand. To make my first trip stress free, when can I apply for my visitor visa from South Africa to New Zealand. Kind regards

    Ronel

    • Hi Ronel,

      Thanks for getting in touch. Please contact VFS Global. All visa applications can be made at the New Zealand Visa Application Centre (VAC) at VFS Global Tel: 012 425 3004

      They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information and correct procedures to follow when applying. And how far in advance you can apply before you travel.

  4. I am enquiring how to apply for a visitor visa for New Zealand. There is only one application centre in Pretoria on site. Is there agencies that can be used to assist with visa application if one resides in Durban?

    • Hi Samantha,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      Best to contact VFS Global, the official visa handling agency – +27-12-425-3004.
      They will be able to advise if they have a branch in Durban and if so what their contact details are and address.

  5. We need visa forms Johannesburg to new zealand

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      You welcome to read through our blog: A Step-by-Step Guide to the New Zealand Visa Application
      Link: http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/step-step-guide-new-zealand-visa-application/

      This blog was written in 2017 so info could have since changed as per our disclaimer.

      You welcome to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency VFS Global Tel: 012 425 3004 for the most up to date information and forms:

  6. Hello,
    I am Efe and i have a resident permit here in France,How do i apply for a tourist Visa to vist canada for about 1 week.

    Regards

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      Please contact the Canadian Embassy direct. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information on correct procedures to follow when applying for a visa, what documents would be required and cost.

  7. Good day,

    I am going to Visit family in New Zealand, and as a secondary activity I might try for some job interviews.
    If I apply for a Visitor Visa then am I allowed to attend job interviews while there?

    Thank you.

  8. Good day

    I’m a first time traveller to New Zealand and need to find out about visa. I already made my online application and my visa application and passport is currently with immigration New Zealand in Pretoria, how long does this take. Once it is approved does it mean I can travel as soon as possible or is there something else that I need to do?

    • Hi Avi,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      You welcome to read through our blog: A Step-by-Step Guide to the New Zealand Visa Application

      Here we provide all the information including the processing time. For any other information please contact the official visa handling agency where you would need to apply through. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

  9. hi i need some help and info for visa application to New Zeeland;
    do i need a police clearance certificate for a visitors visa application.We want to visit my son.

    • Hi Eugene,

      Thanks for reaching out.

      Please contact VFS the official visa handling agency. This is the company you need to apply through. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information if this is required or not.

      VFS Global Centre – Pretoria
      Telephone No : 012 425 3004
      Street Address : Cherry Lane Office Park, 1st Floor, 114 Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0181
      Email Address : info.nzza@vfshelpline.com

  10. Hy. I live in Nairobi-kenya and just wanted to ask, when VFSGLOBAL asks for my passport how long will they keep it for before returning it back to me?

    • Hi Simran,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      For this you would need to ask the official visa handling agency direct. They could have delay on their side, and only they will be able to give you a time estimate from their side.

  11. Hi, I am currently travelling on a South African passport in Thailand and would like to apply for a New Zealand tourist visa. Can I do this from Thailand as I am not scheduled to return to South Africa for a while?

    Thank you

    • Hi Sam,

      Thanks for contacting us.

      For this you would need to contact the New Zealand Embassy in Thailand direct. As they are the ones who would be granting the visa’s they will be able to advise if you can apply for a visa in Thailand or not.

  12. Good day. Can you plz tell me all the documents I need to sort out that is needed for an application. I seem to cant find a lost of this .

    Thank you

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch. You welcome to go through our blog: A Step-by-Step Guide to the New Zealand Visa Application

      Here we advise what documents are required when applying, the correct procedures to follow as well as the cost.

  13. Hi there, I have a silly love/friendship story. Im still waiting for my passport and it should arrive early next week. Is there any way to speed up the visa process. I need to still book the tickets but if i cant leave before or on 24 March buying a ticket is useless. Is there any way to speed up the process? Or at least be sure if I buy the tickets that my visa will be ready?? I guess i just cant wait any longer to see him….

    Kind Regards

    Monia

    • Hi Monica,

      For this you will need to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct to see if this is a service they offer at an additional cost.

      They will be able to advise accordingly.

  14. Do you have any advice for someone who needs to apply but cannot send original passport? is this an option?
    I live in Tanzania in the Serengeti and want to apply in Pretoria but I will only be in SA for a few days so obviously cannot hand over my original passport as I will need to travel with it.
    Is there an agent or someone who can advise me on the process?

    • Hi Penny,

      Thanks for reaching out.

      For this I would suggest contacting the Embassy direct as they are the ones granting the visa’s. They will be able to advise if they could assist of have any suggestions with regards to your query.

      Best of luck. Hope they manage to assist.

  15. hi, i cancelled my flight to New Zealand due to circumstances, i want to rebook, must i submit a new application, or can i just upload the new airline ticket?

    • Hi Ryno,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      This depends if you cancelled your flight or suspended the ticket.

      You would need to contact the agent direct or airline to see. If you suspended the ticket they will then need to see if the ticket is still valid and if so what the cost would be to re-book.

  16. Good Day. I live in one province in South Africa. My grand daughter lives with her mother in another province in South Africa, far from us. My son, (my grand daughter’s father lives in New Zealand). It is easiest for me to do the Visa applications. I am finding it very frustrating not knowing which documents to get ready to attach. Any website that mention all the documents required?
    We plan to visit him next year. We have bought our return air tickets. I am busy with my Visa Application. As I have my grand daughter’s passport in my possession and she will be travelling with us can I apply for her Visa on her behalf together with mine? (she is 11 years old). Where do I find a list of all documents that must accompany my online visa application and that of my grand daughters. Do I need any letters from both her mother (who has given permission for her to travel with us) and her father giving permission for her to travel with us to visit her father in New Zealand.

    • Hi Kathy,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      You welcome to read our Blog: A Step-by-Step Guide to the New Zealand Visa Application

      Here we provide the the relevant information including what documents are required.

      I have provided the link to the blog: https://goo.gl/8s9kSq

      However as visa rules and process can change at anytime and we are not the ones processing the visa’s we recommend you contact the official Visa Handling Agency direct for the most up to date information. They will also be able to advise if you would be able to apply for a visa on behalf of your grand daughter.

      Their contact details are:

      VFS Global Centre – Pretoria
      Telephone No : 012 425 3004

  17. Good Day,
    I need to find out the validation period of a visitors visa, say our family is planning to visit NZ in Feb? When do we apply for the visa? Also from what date does the 3month period start? The day you leave SA or the day your visa is issued?
    Also we are a family of 5, do we each apply for a visa or do we only apply for 1 visa?

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      The visa is usually valid from date of departure (however please check with the official visa handling agency or Embassy direct for the most up to date information)

      And each person will need to apply for their own visa.

  18. Hi there

    If we are travelling as a family to New Zealand on a visitors visa, would we travel on one visa or would we need individual visas.
    It would be my fiance and myself And my 3 children ages 18, 14 and 10.

    Regards

    Bronwyn

    • Hi Bronwyn,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      To my knowledge everyone applies for their own visa which is then stamped into their passport.

      You can contact VFS the official visa handling agency for more information

      VFS Global Centre – Pretoria
      Telephone No : 012 425 3004
      Street Address : Cherry Lane Office Park, 1st Floor, 114 Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0181
      Email Address : info.nzza@vfshelpline.com
      Website Address : http://www.vfsglobal.com/newzealand/southafrica

  19. Good Morning! If you apply for your childs visa on your visa application do they get a separate visa stamped in their passport and do they have to fly on the same dates as you or can they return on a separate date?

    • Hi Elmarie,

      You would need to do two separate visa applications. Each person will receive their own visa in their passport.

      We do recommend you contact the Embassy or official visa Embassy direct as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information on the what procedures to follow when applying, documents required and cost.

      VFS Global Centre – Pretoria
      Telephone No : 012 425 3004
      Street Address : Cherry Lane Office Park, 1st Floor, 114 Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0181
      Email Address : info.nzza@vfshelpline.com
      Website Address : http://www.vfsglobal.com/newzealand/southafrica

  20. My kids are visiting their father in NZ. Do they need visas and by whom an how must it be applied for. They will travel with their grandmother. They are 15 and 9

    • Hi Mary,

      Thanks for contacting us.

      You welcome to read our blog: “A Step-by-Step Guide to the New Zealand Visa Application” We do recommend you contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct as visa information could change at anytime and they would be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

      Please contact the airline your kids will be travelling on as they will advise what documents they would require for unaccompanied minors.

  21. Hi, do you offer help in assistance with visitor’s visas to New Zealand?

    • Hi Jenny,

      I’m afraid we don’t specialise in visa’s or visa related queries. If you need assistance with your tourist or business visas you welcome to click on the link below and complete the form to get a quick and free assessment and quote from our expert partners at Visa Box!

      https://goo.gl/NGey18

  22. My wife already has her return tickets from South Africa to New Zealand and departing in November 2018, she will be visiting her children there until January 2019, we currently reside in Richards Bay, what is the way forward on obtaining a Visiting Visa?

    • Hi Jackie,

      Great to hear from you.

      You welcome to read through our blog: Step by Step Guide to the New Zealand Visa Application.

      Under “Where to Apply” this info is provided.

      The contact details of the official visa handling agency you apply through are also on the blog however have place before:

      You welcome to contact them direct for any further information.

      New Zealand Visa Application Centre – VFS Global

      Address: Cherry Lane Office Park
      1st Floor, 114 Fehrsen Street

      Nieuw Muckleneuk

      Brooklyn

      Pretoria

      Contact Number: +27-12-425-3004
      Email: info.nzza@vfshelpline.com

  23. i making enquiries into returning back to New Zealand i meet my Now husband when i was in England in Nov 16 and visited him June the 21st 2018 i applied for residency status i the august due to crossed wires i was told by an agent i was to be grated 12 to 18 months on receiving my papers, i went to an immigration lawyer and sort advice on my forms only to be told it was the xmas period and come back the 31st of jan , which i did i spoke to a lawyer who filled in a section 61 my husband and myself gathered all the information to support our relationship ad that we were happily living together and were due to get married, i received a call from the lawyer in April stating my application had a 90% chance of failure, so i came back to England on my own accord fearing deportation, I am ow desperate to get back to my Husband and would really appreciate some help i have been told different things my husband foned NZ immigration who said i had to apply for a Temp Visitors Visa and gather as much Information as possible ,

    I look forward to your reply

    Mrs Kelly Hapeta

    • Hi Kelly,

      I’m afriad we do not specialise in this area.

      You would need to contact the Embassy of the country you are trying to get residence status.

      They will point you in the right direction and will be able to advise on correct procedures to follow, what documents you would need and the cost involved.

      We hope you come right.

  24. Hi

    Im traveling to new zealand on the 22nd of September how long in advance can I apply for the Visa?

    What is the best way to apply and do you know any companies who assist with this?

    Thank you

    • Hi Taariq,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      I’ve checked on Travelinfo and see this information is not provided. I can see the processing time takes 25 days or longer.

      I suggest contacting the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct to see how far in advance you are able to apply for a visa. The sooner the better 🙂

  25. Hi. Do I first apply for the visitor visa or first buy a flight ticket and then apply for the visa?

    • HI Nicole,

      On our blog: A Step-by-Step Guide to the New Zealand Visa Application we do mention what documents would be required when applying for a visa. This is mentioned under: “New Zealand Visa Requirements”

      However this information could change at anytime and we do recommend you contact the Embassy of official visa handling agency to get the most up to date information.

  26. Can you please tell me if I need a transit visa with a South African passport. Flying Fiji to JHB with stop in Auckland for a few hours. Thanks

    • Hi Dawn,

      I’ve gone onto Travel Info to see if they have provided any info on transit visa’s however I am not able to find anything.

      The best would be is to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. They will be able to answer any visa queries you might have.

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