New Zealand Tourist Visa

If you're planning a holiday in New Zealand and leaving from Thailand, you'll need to secure a New Zealand Tourist Visa beforehand. Whether it's exploring Auckland's stunning harbors, diving into Queenstown's outdoor adventures, or indulging in Wellington's culinary delights, New Zealand has something for everyone, so going through the visa application process is well worth it.

Let's go over the details, including the qualifications, the documents you'll need, how to apply, and the most frequently asked questions about the New Zealand Tourist Visa.

What are the qualifications for a New Zealand Tourist Visa?

Getting a New Zealand Tourist Visa depends on meeting the qualifications set by New Zealand immigration authorities. Showing that you meet these requirements strengthens your application and proves that you are a genuine visitor with the intent to follow the visa conditions.

This first step sets you on the right track for a smooth trip to New Zealand. Let’s go over the main qualifications you need to meet.

To apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa from Thailand as a tourist, you must:

• Plan to visit New Zealand only for the time specified in your application.
• Avoid using the visa to extend your stay or live in New Zealand.
• Not work in New Zealand, either paid or unpaid.
• Have enough funds to support yourself without needing assistance or a job. If you’re staying with relatives or friends, they must prove their legal status in New Zealand and their ability to provide accommodation and support.
• Commit to leaving New Zealand when your visit ends.

Additionally, you need to prove that you:

• Have a clean character record.
• Are in good health.
• Are able to cover your healthcare costs.
• Have a ticket to leave New Zealand unless your sponsor covers your onward travel.

What are the documents required for a New Zealand tourist visa?

Successfully getting your New Zealand Tourist Visa requires submitting a collection of documents. Each visa type has specific document requirements, and missing any of these can lead to delays or even denial. To avoid rejection and disruptions to your travel plans, make sure to gather, prepare, and submit all necessary documents accurately and on time.

When you apply for a New Zealand visa, you need to prepare the following documents:

1. A valid passport
   • Your passport should be valid for at least three months from the day you plan to leave the country.
   • If you don't have a passport, you must provide a certificate of identity. This is a government-issued document that verifies your identity and allows you to travel. It should be used only when a passport isn't available.
2. A recent photo
   • Your New Zealand visa photo must be 4.5 cm in length and 3.5 cm in width.
   • The background should be plain and light-colored (but not white).
   • The photo must be taken in portrait orientation, not landscape.
3. Proof that you are a genuine visitor
   • Proof of your travel history
   • Proof that you will return to your home country such as:
     1. A letter from your employer confirming your return to work.
     2. A letter or student ID card from your school showing you are registered for study.
     3. A letter explaining your family ties in your home country.
4. Health declaration
   • In your visa application, you need to clearly state that you will cover any medical expenses or healthcare you may require while in New Zealand.
5. Evidence of enough money to return home
6. Proof of your relationship with family members you are visiting in New Zealand
   • Marriage or civil union certificate
   • Joint rental agreement or home loan
   • Joint bank accounts
   • Proof of shared ownership of assets
   • Joint utilities account
   • Joint credit cards
   • Birth certificates of your children
7. Proof of financial funds
   • Hotel pre-paid vouchers or receipts as proof of paid accommodation
   • Credit card statements
   • Bank statements
   • Bank drafts
   • Travelers’ cheques
   • A completed ‘Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry’ from an acceptable sponsor
8. Proof of good health
   • You are required to submit a chest x-ray, a medical examination, or both if you:
     1. Will be staying in New Zealand for more than one year
     2. Are applying for a Parent and Grandparent Visitor visa
9. A police certificate
   • You must provide a police certificate if you stay in New Zealand for more than 24 months.
   • The certificate must be in English.
   • The certificate must not be older than six months.

How to Apply for a New Zealand Tourist Visa

Applying for a New Zealand Tourist Visa involves several key steps, beginning with gathering the necessary documents and completing the visa application. You’ll need to submit your application to the New Zealand Embassy, either online or in person, depending on their requirements. The process generally includes:

• Accurately completing the visa application form
• Collecting supporting documents, such as:
  • Proof of funds, 
  • Travel itinerary, 
  • Accommodation details, 
  • And character/health certifications
• Submitting the application and required documents to the New Zealand Embassy
• Attending an interview if requested
• Paying the visa application fee

While you can handle this process on your own, the detailed requirements and thorough documentation involved can make it challenging. Missing a single detail could cause delays or even lead to a rejection.

Siam Legal is here to make your journey to New Zealand as smooth as possible. Our visa team will guide you through every step, from the initial application to receiving your visa, ensuring a stress-free travel experience.

Contact Siam Legal to apply for your New Zealand Tourist Visa.

What Siam Legal Can Do for Your New Zealand Visitor Visa Application

If you want to make sure you can get your New Zealand Visa successfully and ensure your trip Down Under goes smoothly, Siam Legal provides the services you need.

1. A full review of your personal, financial, and employment history to determine your eligibility.
2. Consultation with our European Immigration Specialist to answer all of your questions.
3. Comprehensive checklist of documents needed for your visa application.
4. Professional and precise preparation of your visa application to avoid errors that could lead to delays or rejection.
5. Submission of your visa application to the proper government agencies to ensure timely approval.
6. Careful preparation of all correspondence to resolve any issues fast.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Zealand Tourist Visa

What is the processing time for a New Zealand Tourist Visa?

Processing a New Zealand Tourist visa application typically takes 51 days.

How long can you stay in New Zealand with a Tourist Visa?

A New Zealand Visitor Visa lets you stay in the country for up to nine months within an 18-month period.

This 18-month period is calculated by counting backward from the date you plan on leaving New Zealand. For example, if you plan to leave New Zealand on December 1, the 18-month period starts on June 1 of the previous year. Any time you've already spent in New Zealand during these 18 months counts toward your nine-month limit.

Will a New Zealand tourist visa allow me to enter Australia?

Unless you are an Australian citizen, you need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival.

Can I extend a New Zealand tourist visa?

If you already have a visitor visa and want to stay longer in New Zealand, you cannot extend it. You'll need to apply for a new visa at least a month before your current one expires.

Does Thailand and New Zealand have a visa exemption agreement?

New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in Thailand. However, Thai nationals and citizens of most other countries must apply for an Australian tourist visa before traveling to New Zealand.

Who can sponsor a New Zealand visitor visa?

The people or entities that can sponsor your application include:

• A New Zealand citizen
• A person with a New Zealand Residence Visa
• A refugee (they can sponsor their family to come to New Zealand)
• A registered company in New Zealand
• A government agency
• A community organization (if the visa applicant is a refugee)