Visitor visas are required for visitors to New Zealand who are not from one of the visa-waiver countries. Visitor visas enable visitors to New Zealand for up to nine months.

Requirements:

• be in good health
• be of good character
• have a valid passport
• show a genuine and approved purpose for the trip
• show intent to return to the home country
• show proof of funds for the duration of the trip and to return to the home country

An application can include family members such as a spouse/partner and children up to 19 years of age. There are also a number of special visitor categories.

A limited visa is a special type of visit visa for those who may not otherwise qualify for a visit visa. These are granted for a special purpose such as a family wedding or reunion.

Applicants must be able to show the express purpose of their visit as well as:

• be a first-time traveller to New Zealand, and/or
• be able to provide an acceptable New Zealand citizen or resident sponsor who is an immediate family member (parent/child/sibling), and
• be travelling to attend a significant event such as a birthday, funeral, wedding, a milestone anniversary or reunion event, or a family medical emergency, or
• travelling to provide short-term family support for an immediate family member, or
• visiting a boyfriend or girlfriend for a short period of time if he/she is an eligible sponsor. The couple must meet the minimum requirements of partnership and have spent time together at least once in person.