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.
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:
- Payment in person at the VAC through a credit/debit card
- 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
- 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 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
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:
- Original passport
- A certified copy of all original documents
- Two clear copies of your passport photo page
- Completed visa application form
- 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:
- Original passport
- Certified copy of all original documents
- Two clear copies of your passport photo page
- Completed application form
- Signed Authorisation Letter
- Proof of payment
- Clear return address for courier delivery when your passport is returned
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
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.