From glowworm caves and Māori culture to Auckland’s harbours, Wellington’s arts scene and Queenstown’s mountains, New Zealand is worth the admin. South African passport holders need a visa before travelling, but most Visitor Visa applications can be completed online. This guide explains how to apply for a New Zealand visa, which documents you may need and what to check before you travel.
Important: Visa rules, costs and processing times can change. Always confirm the latest requirements with Immigration New Zealand before applying or booking non-refundable travel.
Do South Africans need a visa for New Zealand?
Yes. South African passport holders must obtain the appropriate visa before travelling to New Zealand. For holidays, visiting family or other short stays, this will usually be a Visitor Visa.
A Visitor Visa may allow you to:
- holiday in New Zealand
- visit friends or family
- study for up to three months
- include your partner and dependent children aged 19 or younger in your application
You cannot take up employment in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa. Different conditions may apply to remote work performed for an overseas employer or client, so check the latest remote-working rules before travelling.
Travelling for meetings, negotiations or a conference? Check whether you need a Business Visitor Visa instead.
How long can you stay in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa?
The permitted stay depends on the visa Immigration New Zealand grants you.
- A multiple-entry Visitor Visa may allow stays totalling up to six months in a 12-month period.
- A single-entry Visitor Visa may allow one stay of up to nine months in an 18-month period.
Your eVisa will show your exact travel conditions, entry permissions and expiry date. Leaving New Zealand may cause a single-entry visa to expire, even if time remains on it.
New Zealand Visitor Visa requirements
Immigration New Zealand assesses every application individually. You will generally need to show that:
- you are a genuine visitor
- you are in good health and of good character
- you have enough money for your stay or an acceptable sponsor
- you can leave New Zealand at the end of your visit
- your reason for travelling matches the visa you selected
Documents you may need
Prepare clear digital copies of the documents relevant to your application. These may include:
- your valid passport
- an acceptable visa photograph
- recent bank or credit card statements
- proof of prepaid accommodation, where applicable
- your travel plans or itinerary
- proof of a return or onward flight, or enough money to purchase one
- evidence of employment, studies, family responsibilities or other ties to South Africa
- accommodation details or an invitation from your host
- a completed sponsorship form and supporting evidence, if someone is sponsoring you
- marriage or birth certificates if your partner or dependent children are included
- English translations of documents issued in another language
Your passport should remain valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave New Zealand.
Immigration New Zealand may also request a medical examination, chest X-ray or police certificate, depending on your age, intended length of stay, health history and personal circumstances. Do not arrange these unnecessarily. Follow the instructions provided during or after your application.
How much money do you need for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?
If you are paying for your own trip, Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence of at least:
- NZ$1,000 per month, or
- NZ$400 per month if your accommodation has already been paid for.
You must also have a ticket out of New Zealand or enough additional money to buy one. A qualifying sponsor may cover your accommodation, living expenses and onward travel instead.
These amounts may change, so confirm them on the official Visitor Visa page.
How to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa online
Step 1: Confirm the correct visa
Use Immigration New Zealand’s visa finder to check which visa matches your passport, travel purpose and intended stay.
Step 2: Gather your supporting documents
Collect your passport copy, photograph, financial evidence, itinerary and any documents that support your reason for visiting and intention to return home.
Your name, passport number and other personal details must match your passport exactly. Incorrect information can delay the application or result in it being declined.
Step 3: Create an online account
Follow the Apply online link on the official Visitor Visa page. Create an account, complete the form and upload the requested documents.
Step 4: Pay the application cost
Pay the visa fee and any applicable levies through the official application system. Costs depend on factors such as where you apply and can change without notice. Check the amount displayed by Immigration New Zealand when you apply rather than relying on converted rand estimates from third-party websites.
Step 5: Submit and track your application
Review every answer and attachment before submitting. Immigration New Zealand will contact you if more information is required. You can sign in to your account to check your application status.
Step 6: Check your eVisa
If approved, you will normally receive an eVisa by email. Check that your name, passport number and visa conditions are correct. Carry a copy when travelling and ensure you use the same passport linked to the visa.
How long does a New Zealand Visitor Visa take?
Processing times change throughout the year and may be longer during busy travel periods. Incomplete applications or requests for additional information can also cause delays.
Check the live processing estimate on the official Visitor Visa page and apply well before your intended departure. Immigration New Zealand recommends avoiding non-refundable travel bookings until your visa has been approved.
Before travelling to New Zealand
An approved visa does not automatically guarantee entry. Border officials may ask for evidence that you meet the conditions of your visa.
Before departure, make sure you have:
- the passport connected to your eVisa
- your return or onward ticket, or proof that you can afford one
- proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- your accommodation details
- suitable travel and medical insurance
- a completed New Zealand Traveller Declaration
New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules. Declare food, plants, animal products and outdoor equipment when required. If you are unsure, declare it.
Frequently asked questions
Can South Africans apply for a New Zealand visa online?
Yes. Most South African travellers can complete their Visitor Visa application online through Immigration New Zealand.
Do I need to submit my original passport?
Online applicants generally upload a clear copy of their passport. Immigration New Zealand may request the original passport or additional identity evidence after submission if needed.
Should I buy flights before applying for the visa?
You must show that you can leave New Zealand, but this may be proven with a travel booking or sufficient funds to purchase an onward ticket. Immigration New Zealand recommends that you do not book non-refundable travel before your visa is approved.
Can I include my family in my application?
You may be able to include your partner and dependent children aged 19 or younger. You will need evidence of your relationship and identity documents for each person. Family members may also apply separately.
Do I need a medical examination or police clearance certificate?
Not everyone does. The requirements depend on your health, character, age, intended stay and travel history. Immigration New Zealand will tell you what is required for your application.
Do South Africans need an NZeTA?
A New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority is not a replacement for the Visitor Visa required when travelling on a South African passport. If you hold another passport or have unusual travel circumstances, use Immigration New Zealand’s official checker.
Do I need a Transit Visa for New Zealand?
Transit requirements depend on your passport, route and whether you qualify for an exemption. South African passport holders should check the official Transit Visa requirements before booking a journey through a New Zealand airport.
Can a New Zealand Visitor Visa be extended?
You cannot simply extend the expiry date on an existing visa. If you are already in New Zealand and need to stay longer, you generally need to apply for a new Visitor Visa before your current visa expires. Maximum-stay rules still apply.
Ready for New Zealand?
Once the paperwork is sorted, the fun part begins. Compare flights to New Zealand and start planning everything from Waitomo’s glowworm caves and Christchurch’s gardens to Queenstown’s mountain adventures.
*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.
