New Zealand visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting New Zealand

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a New Zealander Visa.

  • Applicants should ensure that every part of their application form is correctly filled and signed where necessary.
  • 2 passport photographs not older than 6 months is required for the application.
  • Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the expiry date of the New Zealand visa. The passport must have 2 blank pages.
  • Full medical insurance is required for the length of your visit. A declaration that you'll take care of  all your medical responsibilities while in New Zealand might suffice.
  • If you're visiting New Zealand for more than 6 months, you need to have a chest x-ray to show you don't have tuberculosis.
  • Certificate of good character from a police station in South Africa may be required.
  • Proof of financial capability is required for the application. This proof might be in the form of your bank statement for the past 3 months or evidence of financial support from your sponsor. This is to show that you can cater for yourself during your time in New Zealand.
  • Applicants are required to submit a letter showing their status in South Africa. This could be in the form of a:
    •               - Employment letter from company if applicant is employed
                  - Certifications of business for self employed applicants
                  - Letter from institution of study confirming applicant is enrolled in the school, and that the school is fully aware of the trip.
  • You'll be required to submit proof of accommodation which may be in the form of hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host which confirms that they'll host you during your stay. This letter should also cover purpose and duration of your stay in New Zealand.
  • While applying, you're required to submit paid return tickets to your country of origin or ticket to a third country in case the holder is boarding a connecting flight in New Zealand.
  • If you want to travel in and out of New Zealand, you must have valid multiple entry travel conditions to return to New Zealand.
  • This visa is usually for a short stay period of 30 days and it has a validity of 90 days.
  • We recommend submitting your application 1 month ahead of time to hasten processing time.
  • This visa costs NZ$165

New Zealand Visa for South Africans

Facts about New Zealand

New Zealand is a sovereign island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island, and the South Island —and around 600 smaller islands. It has a total land area of 268,000 square kilometers.

Tourists are not allowed to enter the country with some food items so as prevent pest infestation in the country. Some other items that cannot be carried from a foreign country into New Zealand includes food, plants, animal products and outdoor recreational equipment.

Types of New Zealand Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Visitor Visa 20 - 36 days 90 days
Work visa 3 months 90 days
Student visa 29 - 63 days more than 90 days
Transit visa 20 days 24 hours

General Requirements for New Zealand Visa

  • Applicants should ensure that every part of their application form is correctly filled and signed where necessary.
  • 2 passport photographs not older than 6 months is required for the application.
  • Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the expiry date of the New Zealand visa. The passport must have 2 blank pages.
  • Full medical insurance is required for the length of your visit. A declaration that you'll take care of  all your medical responsibilities while in New Zealand might suffice.
  • If you're visiting New Zealand for more than 6 months, you need to have a chest x-ray to show you don't have tuberculosis.
  • Certificate of good character from a police station in South Africa may be required.
  • Proof of financial capability is required for the application. This proof might be in the form of your bank statement for the past 3 months or evidence of financial support from your sponsor. This is to show that you can cater for yourself during your time in New Zealand.
  • Applicants are required to submit a letter showing their status in South Africa. This could be in the form of a:
    •               - Employment letter from company if applicant is employed
                  - Certifications of business for self employed applicants
                  - Letter from institution of study confirming applicant is enrolled in the school, and that the school is fully aware of the trip.
  • You'll be required to submit proof of accommodation which may be in the form of hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host which confirms that they'll host you during your stay. This letter should also cover purpose and duration of your stay in New Zealand.
  • While applying, you're required to submit paid return tickets to your country of origin or ticket to a third country in case the holder is boarding a connecting flight in New Zealand.
  • If you want to travel in and out of New Zealand, you must have valid multiple entry travel conditions to return to New Zealand.
  • This visa is usually for a short stay period of 30 days and it has a validity of 90 days.
  • We recommend submitting your application 1 month ahead of time to hasten processing time.
  • This visa costs NZ$165
New Zealand Visitor Visa New Zealand Work visa New Zealand Student visa New Zealand Transit visa

New Zealand Visitor Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for applicants who intend to visit New Zealand as a tourist, visit family and friends, or take a short course. 
  • This visa allows you to visit any place of interest in the country for the duration of stay.
  • This visa type allows you to visit relatives and friends whenever you see fit.
  • You can include your partner and dependent children aged 19 and under in your visa application.
  • Applicants are not allowed to take up work with this type of visa.
  • With this visa, you can study for up to 3 months.
  • You must show proof that you're capable of catering for yourself in New Zealand. This proof is to show you have at least NZ$1,000 per month, or NZ$400 per month if you’ve already paid for your accommodation.
  • If you are sponsored, your sponsor must provide evidence that they can look after you in New Zealand. Evidence can include recent bank statements, pay slips, employment agreement, accommodation ownership or payment of rent.
  • You're required to provide proof that you have reasons to return home. The proof could be in the form of

                - A letter from your employer stating you plan to return to your job if you're employed.

                - Proof that you study at a school in South Africa if you're a student.

                - Proof that you have immediate family members in South Africa (photos, marriage certificates etc)

                - Proof that you own a house or other major assets in South Africa.

  • Medical report from your doctor in South Africa showing that you are in good health.
  • Minors are required to provide the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • The visa is usually processed for about 16 - 28 days.
  • The visa type is a multiple entry visa.
  • This visa allows a stay of up to 9 months.

New Zealand Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for people who intend to take up any form of paid employment in New Zealand.
  • The visa type of the specific kind of work you want to do will be issued to you.
  • Proof of good health condition will be required of this visa application.
  • It is valid for non-citizens of New Zealand who are under 56 years of age.
  • You'll be required to present a letter of employment which contains full details of  the job.
  • You cannot include anyone else on your application form. If your partner, your children,your parent/legal guardian or anyone else will accompany you to New Zealand, they must apply separately for the type of visa they need.
  • You should be willing to abide by all the rules of country.
  • If you are not qualified for the job you have been offered, you will be refused entry to the country.
  • Before you can be offered a job, no New Zealander must be available to do the work.
  • Applicants of this visa must have a good command of English language.
  • The processing time of this type of visa is usually 3 months so you're advised to send in your application 4 months to intended travel date.
  • This visa is usually  valid for a stay of up to 3 years. Depending on how valuable your skill is, you can extend for up to 5 years.

New Zealand Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to people who have the intention to study in a New Zealand institution.
  • This visa allows multiple entry into New Zealand.
  • A letter of admission from the institution with details of the course of study is required for the application of this visa.
  • This visa allows the applicant study for as long as the program takes.
  • Holders of this visa in New Zealand can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week while studying full-time.
  • Document from your doctor in South Africa showing that you are in good health condition.
  • Proof of funds is required to show you'll be capable of taking care of your expenses during your stay in New Zealand. In case of scholarships, documents reflecting sponsorship is important for the application process.
  • You must be willing to meet all the conditions of your visa.
  • You'll be required to show proof of accommodation for the entirety of your stay in New Zealand.
  • The visa is usually processed during a period of 29 - 63 days.

New Zealand Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Holders of this visa can stay in a New Zealand airport while they await the flight to their final destination.
  • You are not allowed to go on visits or tour the country.
  • This visa does not allow you to take up paid employment while in the country.
  • The visa and flight ticket for your destination country is required.
  • You must have a medical report from your local doctor in South Africa showing you are in good health.
  • You must be willing to obey the rules and regulation of the country.
  • You are required to exit the country before the expiration of your visa.
  • This visa type is valid for only 24 hours.
  • It takes 20 days to process.

New Zealand Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Visitor Visa

165.00 (NZD)

Work visa

165.00 (NZD)

Student visa

165.00 (NZD)

Transit visa

120.00 (NZD)

New Zealand Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

125 Middle St Nieuw Muckleneuk 0181 Pretoria

https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/africa/south-africa/new-zealand-high-commission-pretoria-south-africa/

www.mfat@govt.nz

+27 12 435 9000

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a New Zealand visa from South Africa?
You can apply for a New Zealand visa by visiting a visa application center nearest to you.
Where in New Zealand do most expats from South Africa live?
Most South Africans live in Auckland, the most populous city in New Zealand.
How big is New Zealand compared to South Africa?

New Zealand is a third of the size of South Africa.

How safe is New Zealand?
New Zealand is a very safe country to visit.
Is it difficult to immigrate to New Zealand?
No, it is not difficult to immigrate to New Zealand.
What currency is used in New Zealand?

The official currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZ$)