New Zealand Visit Visa: A Complete Guide for Pakistani Travelers
As a country renowned for spectacular sceneries, ethnic diversity, unrivalled professionalism in hospitality, New Zealand has always been a preferred dream tour destination for people across the globe including Pakistan. Hence, it requires an eligible visa for visit in New Zealand. This blog will help you understand the entire process by providing key information based on authentic and official sources of the New Zealand Government.
- Visit Visas Available for Pakistani Tourists/Travelers
Hence the visitor visa is the most appropriate and suitable visa for Pakistan applicant’s intending to visit New Zealand. Availing this visa allows them to:
- Visit friends or Relatives living in New Zealand
- Explore New Zealand as a tourist destination
- Participate in different short-term courses (less than three months)
Visitor visa is usually valid for up to Nine (09) months in 18 months. The period of stay or the validity depends on immigration authorities of the country depending on the application of the applicant.
- Basic Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a New Zealand, visit visa, there is a certain eligibility criterion which Pakistani travellers must meet, including:
- Proof of funds: The tourist/Traveler just has to prove that he/she has enough money to spend during the whole period of his/her stay. If you are having pre-paid accommodation then 1000 NZD per month is needed and if not 1250 NZD a month should be enough.
- Purpose of visit: Applicant is strictly advised to clearly state his purpose of visit, whether it is a family visit, tourism or any other specific purpose.
- Valid travel documents: For that, candidate have to have passport that is valid for at least 3 months more than the period of their planned exit from New Zealand.
- Health and character requirements: Whilst applying for residence, an applicant must satisfy health and character as provided for in New Zealand immigration instructions.
Detailed eligibility is also available at New Zealand Immigration website, candidates should read it carefully before applying for visa.
- Application Process for Pakistani Nationals
Visit visa process of New Zealand from Pakistan is described in detail below:
Step 1: Obtain Required Documents
Please find below the documents you must complete and/or submit as part of your application:
- Completed visa application form:
You can either apply:
- Online (Tend to be faster)
- Through a paper application
- Passport-size photographs: Two recent, passport-sized photos are required.
- Proof of financial capacity:
These include:
- Bank statements
- Sponsorship letters (if any/applicable)
- Evidence of pre-paid accommodation
- Itinerary and travel details:
These include:
- Your travel plans
- Flight bookings (if available)
- Proof of accommodation
- Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends): If you are going to visit your relatives or friends in New Zealand then you may need to provide your friends or families with a letter of invitation besides and proof of immigration status.
Step 2: Apply either Online or Submit Paper Application
You can apply online via the New Zealand Immigration website is the official site to apply your application online. If someone is interested to submit a paper application, he/she may visit New Zealand Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Pakistan.
- For online applications,
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- First you need to register with the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) portal.
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- Please complete the form and attach documents to your application.
- For paper applications
- Visit your nearest VAC and submit your application in person
Step 3: Payment of Visa Fee
Visa fee also differs from the type of visa and mode of application either online or through papers. At the moment, the average Visit Visa Fee for Pakistani Nationals is around Visa fees hence, dependent on the type of visa and whether it is done online or by a paper format. As of 2024, the Visitor Visa fee of Pakistan nationality people cost about NZD (240 – 260).
Applicant can be subjected to pay any additional fee in lieu of service fee (if applicable).
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Normal processing time for New Zealand visitor visa is 20 to 35 days. However, during busy schedule, it can take even longer to process the visa. It is therefore advised that an application should be made as soon as possible before the intended date of traveling. This is particularly the case with online application as they are thought to be processed more quickly than any other way.
- Health and Character Requirements
New Zealand gives high priority on health and safety. Therefore, all visitors must meet certain health requirements:
- Medical Certificates: This will only happen if your stay is beyond a certain period of time or if you have been in a country with high TB transmission rate in the past five years you will be required to present a medical certificate.
- Character Requirements: As for Police Character Certificate; you are supposed to ensure that you have no criminal proceedings against in Police Stations in Pakistan.
Additional information on health and character criteria and necessary documents can be seen on New Zealand Immigration site.
- Visa Conditions and Rights
New Zealand visitor visa have certain conditions to be fulfilled by the applicant during stay:
- Work: Visiting is the most common category to choose, but working is prohibited for the holder of the visitor’s visa in New Zealand.
- Study: However, taking classes for up to three months are allowed but if you plan to stay longer to study, then you required to have a student visa.
- Extend Visa: If you need authorization to spend more than allowed time with your subject, then you are free to apply for extension of your visa, that will be subject to prior approval from competent authority.
- Tips for a Successful Application
- Submit complete documentation: Make certain that all required documents in order to minimize chances of experiencing slacks or refusal of visa in the process.
- Proof of ties to Pakistan: As long as you are showing that you are closely connected to Pakistan – for example through employment, property, or family – you will be more likely to be granted your visa as the authorities will know that you will return to Pakistan after your visit.
- Apply early: You need to start your application at least two to three months to your intended travel in case there are complications in the visa processing.
- Conclusion
Overall, coming to New Zealand as a Pakistani citizen is very a fulfilling adventure but at the same time a process that takes more effort, effort that should be made while applying for a visa. By reading the above highlighted points that define New Zealand Visitor Visa eligibility criteria and follows all the guidelines carefully, your application will be complete hence giving you the best shot at enjoying your trip in New Zealand.
If you would like to know more and for the New Zealand Immigration official guidance, visit New Zealand Immigration.
