Group Visitor Visa
Apply for this visa if you are part of a group travelling to New Zealand for the same purpose and with the same travel arrangements. You must have a group leader in charge of the group visa and travel arrangements.
Apply online-
Length of stay
Normally up to
1 month
-
Cost
From
NZD $271
-
Processing time
80% within
1 week
To apply you must:
- be travelling in a group to New Zealand for the same purpose and with the same travel arrangements
- have a group leader in charge of the group visa and travel arrangements
- have the group leader submit the Group Visitor Visa along with a visitor visa application for each individual group member
- meet the other requirements of this visa.
This visa lets you:
- travel to New Zealand as a group.
As well as the group leader completing a Group Visitor Visa application, each individual group member must complete a visitor visa application.
English language translations must be provided for any documents not in English.
How long you can stay
How long you can stay is dependent on your travel plans and the purpose of your trip.
We normally give you a stay of up to 1 month, but you may be able to stay for longer, such as if you are here on a study tour.
Who can apply
To apply for this visa, you must:
- be travelling in a group to New Zealand for the same purpose and with the same travel arrangements
- have a group leader in charge of the group visa and travel arrangements
- have the group leader submit a Group Visitor Visa application along with a visitor visa application for each individual group member
- make sure each group member has enough money to pay for their expenses or has a sponsor
- show that the group members intend to leave the country together at the end of their stay.
Group travel
The group leader applies for the Group Visitor Visa on behalf of the group and is in charge of travel arrangements.
The group leader must complete the application, and include:
- the names of each group member and their details like dates of birth and passport numbers
- a signed declaration confirming that the members of the group intend to travel to New Zealand for the same purpose, on the same day and for the same length of time.
You can combine individual applications into a group so they can be processed together. There are 2 steps. Create a new visa application (student, work, or visitor). On the ‘Identity and Contact’ screen select ‘Yes’ to the question “Will this visa application be submitted together with other visa applications as part of a group?” You may choose to indicate the name of the group the application belongs to. If you are working on several different groups at once including a group name could make it easier for you to ensure you submit the application with the correct group later. Indicating a group name is optional. Complete the application by answering all mandatory questions, uploading all the required documents, and completing the declaration. On the payment screen, press the ‘Submit’ button. Your application will be saved with a status of ‘Ready for Group’. No payment will be taken at this stage, and you can still edit this application if needed. Create and complete further individual applications you will add to your group. Create a new group application from your account. Answer questions about the group and provide information about the group organiser. You must indicate if it is a group of visitors, or another group (for example, students). Select applications to add to the group. You can only add applications with the status of ‘Ready for Group’. If the group is of visitors, you can only select visitor visa applications to add. For example, if you indicated the group is of Approved Destination Status (ADS) visitors, you cannot select work or student applications to add to the group. Upload documents relevant to the group as a whole. This might include a cover letter, or a travel itinerary. Confirm the amount owing and how you will pay (Visa or MasterCard, or UnionPay). You will then be taken to the payment screen to complete the payment and submit the group of applications. Note All the fees and taxes for the applications included in the group will be added together and appear as one payment on the payment screen. The fees and taxes for each individual application will be shown on your invoice.
Submitting a group application for a Visitor Visa
A group of applications can be made online and paid for all at once. The fees and taxes for each individual application will be shown on your invoice.
Submitting a group of applications together
1
Step 1: Creating individual applications to form part of the group
2
Step 2: Pull each application into the group and submit
Bringing groups of people to New Zealand for an event
Note
When the group arrives in New Zealand, the group leader must:
-
- present the group visa and each group member’s passport or
- make sure the group stays together to complete all the necessary arrival requirements
- make sure the group leaves together at the end of their stay.
- present the group visa and each group member’s passport or
Individual visitor visas
Each group member must complete an appropriate visitor visa application and show they meet the visa requirements.
The group leader must submit the individual visitor visa applications with the Group Visitor Visa application.
If the group leader is coming to New Zealand as a tour escort, they must apply for a Tour Escort Visitor Visa.
Enough money to live on
Each member of the group needs to show that they have enough money to cover their living expenses while they are in New Zealand or have a sponsor.
If group members are paying for themselves
Each group member must have at least NZD $1,000 a month, or NZD $400 a month if they have already paid for accommodation.
Evidence can include:
- proof of accommodation pre-payment, like hotel pre-paid vouchers or receipts
- bank statements or credit card statements
- bank drafts or traveller's cheques.
If group members have a sponsor
The sponsor is responsible for group members while they are in New Zealand — they can be an organisation or an individual.
What sponsors must do while a visa holder is in New Zealand
While a visa holder you sponsor is in New Zealand you must make sure they have: You must also pay the cost of their return travel to their home country, if they do not intend to pay for it themselves. If they are to be
Alert Who can sponsor a visa applicant You can also sponsor the partner and dependent children of someone you are sponsoring. If you do this, you must cover the same costs for them. Including family in your visa application If the person you sponsor has a visa with
Your responsibilities as a sponsor begin from the date the person you sponsor arrives in New Zealand. If they are already in New Zealand, your sponsorship begins on the date their visa is granted. Your sponsorship responsibilities end on the date the person you are sponsoring: Alert The person you sponsor can be
If you have not paid the costs you are responsible for, and they are paid by a third party or the New Zealand Government, that amount becomes your debt. If you do not pay, we can take you to court to recover the debt even if the person you are sponsoring:
Your responsibilities as a sponsor
If you sponsor a visa holder, you are responsible for them while they are in New Zealand on that visa.
Support you must provide
Even if the person you sponsor has agreed to pay for some or all their expenses, you are still legally responsible for those expensesSponsoring a visa applicant's family members
If the person you sponsor travels in and out of NZ
When your sponsorship begins and ends
You cannot withdraw your sponsorship. It continues even if the person you sponsor stays in New Zealand without a valid visa.
If you do not meet your obligations
Sponsorship process for a visa
The sponsor must complete a Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry.
The sponsor can provide supporting documents including:
- recent bank statements
- pay slips
- their employment agreement
- ownership papers for accommodation or receipts for rent payments.
Leaving New Zealand
You must be able to show that the group members intend to leave the country together at the end of their stay.
If the group members are paying for themselves, you will need to provide:
- tickets for travel out of New Zealand at the end of the group's stay to a
, or - documents, such as bank or credit card statements, that show the group members have enough money to buy tickets.
Note
The money for tickets must be in addition to what the group members have to live on.
Alert
The group members may risk losing money if they buy travel tickets to leave New Zealand and the group's visa applications are not approved.
If the group is sponsored and does not have return tickets, the sponsor can provide recent bank statements to show they have enough money to buy the group tickets out of New Zealand.
Documents you need
When you apply
When you apply, you will need to provide for each group member:
- a copy of their passport or
— if you apply on paper, it must be a - 1 acceptable photo if you apply online, or 2 photos if you apply on paper
- completed visitor visa applications
- a Visitor Visa Declaration Form (INZ 1224), if applying online
- a copy of the completed Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025), if you have a sponsor
- your sponsor's sharing ID, if required for an online application
- translated versions of all documents if they are not in English.
If going through a designated approved ADS agent, the agent needs to provide a covering letter in English.
All supporting documents submitted with your resident visa application must be provided in English or include an English translation. Visitor visa requirements are changing From 26 May 2025, supporting document translations for visitor visa applications will no longer need to be certified. Examples of documents that require full translation include: You must provide us with full certified English translations of all medical and police certificates. This includes police certificates that record no convictions. Note If your other evidence is not in English, you should provide a translated copy, as this will help us to process your application faster. Immigration New Zealand does not translate documents on behalf of visa applicants. You must pay for certified translations. You can provide certified translations completed by: We do not accept translations completed by the applicant, family members, or the immigration adviser assisting with your application. We will accept translations from a licensed immigration adviser (LIA) who is: Check your passport to see if it has your name written in English. Ask your translator to use this spelling when they translate your documents. If a translator used a different spelling of your name in your translated documents, then include this spelling of your name in the 'other names' section of the visa application form. We need to know if you have used other names that are in your translated documents. For example, if: In your visa application form, enter all other names that you have used in the section called 'other names'. Each translation must: When you apply for your visa, the supporting documents that you provide us are the: How you provide the documents depends on if you are applying online or on a paper form. We may not need an original document or its certified copy in the following situations: When we process your application, we will contact you if we need you to send us a document.
Providing English translations of supporting documents
Check the requirements of the visa you are applying for. Provide certified translations of your documents to avoid delays processing your application.
Check the visa application requirements
Residence visa applications
Visitor visa applications
All other visa applications
Our requirements for translated documents
Who can complete a certified translation
Using the English spelling of the name in your passport
Include your 'other names' in the application form
Check your translated document
Submitting your original foreign language documents
If applying online, make sure all scanned copies are clear and readable.
If your photo does not meet all of our requirements we will ask you for a new photo. If you are applying for a visa, we will stop processing your application until we receive an acceptable photo. If you are requesting an NZeTA, your request may be delayed or refused. Use the photo examples on this page to check your photo is correct and meets our requirements. Alert Do not use the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs website or other online tools to check your photo as those tools are for passport photos only. Your photo is more likely to be accepted if you use a professional photographer or business that takes passport photos. Give the photographer our instructions to make sure you get a photo that meets our requirements.
The photo you submit with a paper application must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Further instructions are on the paper application forms. Note You can only apply for an NZeTA online. The photo you submit with an online application must be: Alert We are unlikely to accept your photo if it is not the right size. If you request an NZeTA using the web app, you can either upload an existing photo or take one using your device's camera. If you use the mobile app, you can only take a photo using your device's camera. Your photo must be: If you take a photo with your device, the camera must have a minimum resolution of 540 x 720 pixels. Large photos will be automatically formatted. If there is an issue with your photo you will receive an error message when you submit your visa or NZeTA photo online. To help you, we have provided a list of online errors and how to fix them. Your photo must: It may be easier to remove them.
Visa and NZeTA photos
Your photo must be less than 6 months old and clearly identify you. It must also meet all of our technical requirements.
Meeting our photo requirements
Visa and NZeTA photos are not passport photos
Using a professional photographer
Paper applications for visas
Online applications for visas
Online requests for NZeTAs
Online photo error messages
Taking your visa photo
Be in portrait, not landscape
Be of you, not a photo of a photo or your travel document
Have even lighting with minimal shadowing
Be in colour, showing natural skin tones
Be in focus, not blurry
Not contain red-eye
Be an original photo, not changed by photo-editing software
Not be a selfie
Be taken 1.5 metres from the face
Be taken against a plain, light-coloured — but not white — background with no patterns or objects
Only contain plain clothing patterns
Be of one person
We need to clearly see your face
Face the camera and keep your head straight
Keep your eyes open and mouth closed
Do not smile or frown
Show your face clearly and that long hair is tucked behind your ears
Position yourself in the middle of the photo
Remove sunglasses and hats
If you wear prescription glasses
Make sure your eyes show clearly through the lenses, with no reflected light
If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons
Make sure that your face and hairline can be seen in the photo
You can combine individual applications into a group so they can be processed together. There are 2 steps. Create a new visa application (student, work, or visitor). On the ‘Identity and Contact’ screen select ‘Yes’ to the question “Will this visa application be submitted together with other visa applications as part of a group?” You may choose to indicate the name of the group the application belongs to. If you are working on several different groups at once including a group name could make it easier for you to ensure you submit the application with the correct group later. Indicating a group name is optional. Complete the application by answering all mandatory questions, uploading all the required documents, and completing the declaration. On the payment screen, press the ‘Submit’ button. Your application will be saved with a status of ‘Ready for Group’. No payment will be taken at this stage, and you can still edit this application if needed. Create and complete further individual applications you will add to your group. Create a new group application from your account. Answer questions about the group and provide information about the group organiser. You must indicate if it is a group of visitors, or another group (for example, students). Select applications to add to the group. You can only add applications with the status of ‘Ready for Group’. If the group is of visitors, you can only select visitor visa applications to add. For example, if you indicated the group is of Approved Destination Status (ADS) visitors, you cannot select work or student applications to add to the group. Upload documents relevant to the group as a whole. This might include a cover letter, or a travel itinerary. Confirm the amount owing and how you will pay (Visa or MasterCard, or UnionPay). You will then be taken to the payment screen to complete the payment and submit the group of applications. Note All the fees and taxes for the applications included in the group will be added together and appear as one payment on the payment screen. The fees and taxes for each individual application will be shown on your invoice.
Submitting a group application for a Visitor Visa
A group of applications can be made online and paid for all at once. The fees and taxes for each individual application will be shown on your invoice.
Submitting a group of applications together
1
Step 1: Creating individual applications to form part of the group
2
Step 2: Pull each application into the group and submit
Each group member's passport or certificate of identity must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand.
Alert
Group members may not be allowed to check in to their flight if their passports are close to expiring. Check that they will not expire while you are in New Zealand or close to when you plan to leave New Zealand.
When you arrive
When the group arrives in New Zealand, the group leader must:
- present the group visa and each group member’s passport or
- make sure the group stays together to complete all the necessary arrival requirements
- provide proof that each group member has enough money to live on for their stay in New Zealand
- provide tickets for each group member to leave New Zealand at the same time at the end of their stay, or proof they have enough money to buy tickets, or agreement that a sponsor will pay for their tickets.
How to apply online
Follow these steps to complete your application online.
Note
An application containing all the documents we need will help prevent delays with processing.
-
1
Step 1: Gather your documents
The section 'Who can apply' explains the requirements for this visa and what you will need as proof.
Our guides for applying for a visitor visa can also help. These are also available in other languages.
Guides to applying for a visitor visa — Document search
Bringing groups of people to New Zealand for an event
Get documents translated
For your application you must provide:
- certified English translations of any documents that are not in English
- scanned copies of the original documents.
Note
Documents must be translated by someone who meets our requirements for providing English translations.
Providing English translations of supporting documents
Check the requirements of the visa you are applying for. Provide certified translations of your documents to avoid delays processing your application.Check the visa application requirements
Residence visa applications
All supporting documents submitted with your resident visa application must be provided in English or include an English translation.
Visitor visa applications
Visitor visa requirements are changing
From 26 May 2025, supporting document translations for visitor visa applications will no longer need to be certified.
Changes to certification requirements for translations of visitor visa supporting documentsExamples of documents that require full translation include:
- proof of funds — such as bank statements, pay records (proof of funds must be fully translated, partial translations may not be accepted)
- flight itineraries including return tickets
- proof of employment in your home country
- leave of absence documentation
- identity documents other than passports — for example, Hukou for Chinese nationals.
All other visa applications
You must provide us with full certified English translations of all medical and police certificates. This includes police certificates that record no convictions.
Note
If your other evidence is not in English, you should provide a translated copy, as this will help us to process your application faster.
Our requirements for translated documents
Immigration New Zealand does not translate documents on behalf of visa applicants. You must pay for certified translations.
Who can complete a certified translation
You can provide certified translations completed by:
- reputable private or official translation businesses
- community members known for their accurate translations.
We do not accept translations completed by the applicant, family members, or the immigration adviser assisting with your application.
We will accept translations from a licensed immigration adviser (LIA) who is:
- a trustworthy person within the community
- known to translate documents accurately
- not an adviser on the application.
Using the English spelling of the name in your passport
Check your passport to see if it has your name written in English. Ask your translator to use this spelling when they translate your documents.
If a translator used a different spelling of your name in your translated documents, then include this spelling of your name in the 'other names' section of the visa application form.
Include your 'other names' in the application form
We need to know if you have used other names that are in your translated documents.
For example, if:
- you have a different birth name, or name from a marriage or adoption
- you have other passports with a different name
- the translator used a different name or spelling when translating your documents into English.
In your visa application form, enter all other names that you have used in the section called 'other names'.
Check your translated document
Each translation must:
- be on the translation business’s official letterhead, if possible
- certified as a correct translation by the translator
- stamped or signed by the translator or translation business.
Submitting your original foreign language documents
When you apply for your visa, the supporting documents that you provide us are the:
- original document in a foreign language, and
- a certified English translation of the document.
How you provide the documents depends on if you are applying online or on a paper form.
If applying online, make sure all scanned copies are clear and readable.We may not need an original document or its certified copy in the following situations:
- if we asked for uncertified copies in our form or guide
- if you submitted a legible scan of the original document in the online form
- if you submitted a legible copy of the original document for a temporary entry visa.
When we process your application, we will contact you if we need you to send us a document.
File formats for uploading documents and photos
Gather the details of each group member
Gather the details of each group member, their signed declarations, supplementary forms if required, and their visitor visa application details.
Organise proof group members can leave New Zealand
This can be plane tickets, proof that group members have the money to buy tickets, or agreement that a sponsor will pay for any onward travel.
Organise proof the group members have enough money to live on
Get recent bank or credit card statements, and proof of any accommodation you have pre-paid for.
If group members have a sponsor, get their sponsor's
-
2
Step 2: Submit your application and pay the fee
To apply online, log in to your account or set up an account if you do not have one already.
Complete an online visitor visa application for every group member. Then create a Group Visitor Visa application online and add the individual applications to your group.
Apply online, upload your documents and pay the applicable fees.
Check the 'How to pay and submit' section for fees.
Submitting a group application for a Visitor Visa
A group of applications can be made online and paid for all at once. The fees and taxes for each individual application will be shown on your invoice.Submitting a group of applications together
You can combine individual applications into a group so they can be processed together. There are 2 steps.
-
1
Step 1: Creating individual applications to form part of the group
Create a new visa application (student, work, or visitor).
On the ‘Identity and Contact’ screen select ‘Yes’ to the question “Will this visa application be submitted together with other visa applications as part of a group?”
You may choose to indicate the name of the group the application belongs to. If you are working on several different groups at once including a group name could make it easier for you to ensure you submit the application with the correct group later. Indicating a group name is optional.
Complete the application by answering all mandatory questions, uploading all the required documents, and completing the declaration.
On the payment screen, press the ‘Submit’ button. Your application will be saved with a status of ‘Ready for Group’. No payment will be taken at this stage, and you can still edit this application if needed.
Create and complete further individual applications you will add to your group.
-
2
Step 2: Pull each application into the group and submit
Create a new group application from your account.
Answer questions about the group and provide information about the group organiser. You must indicate if it is a group of visitors, or another group (for example, students).
Select applications to add to the group. You can only add applications with the status of ‘Ready for Group’. If the group is of visitors, you can only select visitor visa applications to add. For example, if you indicated the group is of Approved Destination Status (ADS) visitors, you cannot select work or student applications to add to the group.
Upload documents relevant to the group as a whole. This might include a cover letter, or a travel itinerary.
Confirm the amount owing and how you will pay (Visa or MasterCard, or UnionPay). You will then be taken to the payment screen to complete the payment and submit the group of applications.
Note
All the fees and taxes for the applications included in the group will be added together and appear as one payment on the payment screen. The fees and taxes for each individual application will be shown on your invoice.
If you intend to work as a tour escort, you will need to apply for a Tour Escort Visitor Visa and include this in your online group application.
-
-
3
Step 3: Wait for our decision
We will let you know if we need more information to process your application.
Check the 'How to pay and submit' section for timeframes.
-
4
Step 4: Check your application status
Log in to your account to check the status of your application.
Checking your visa application status
When we make a decision, we will email you.
If we approve your application, we will give you an
. Check the 'While you are in New Zealand' section to find out what you can and cannot do when you come to New Zealand.
How to apply on paper
Follow these steps to complete your application on paper.
Note
An application containing all the documents we need will help prevent delays with processing.
-
1
Step 1: Gather your documents
The section 'Who can apply' explains the requirements for this visa and what you will need as proof.
Our guides for applying for a visitor visa can also help. These are also available in other languages.
Guides to applying for a visitor visa — Document search
Bringing groups of people to New Zealand for an event
Get documents translated
For your application you must provide:
- certified English translations of any documents that are not in English
- scanned copies of the original documents.
Note
Documents must be translated by someone who meets our requirements for providing English translations.
Providing English translations of supporting documents
Check the requirements of the visa you are applying for. Provide certified translations of your documents to avoid delays processing your application.Check the visa application requirements
Residence visa applications
All supporting documents submitted with your resident visa application must be provided in English or include an English translation.
Visitor visa applications
Visitor visa requirements are changing
From 26 May 2025, supporting document translations for visitor visa applications will no longer need to be certified.
Changes to certification requirements for translations of visitor visa supporting documentsExamples of documents that require full translation include:
- proof of funds — such as bank statements, pay records (proof of funds must be fully translated, partial translations may not be accepted)
- flight itineraries including return tickets
- proof of employment in your home country
- leave of absence documentation
- identity documents other than passports — for example, Hukou for Chinese nationals.
All other visa applications
You must provide us with full certified English translations of all medical and police certificates. This includes police certificates that record no convictions.
Note
If your other evidence is not in English, you should provide a translated copy, as this will help us to process your application faster.
Our requirements for translated documents
Immigration New Zealand does not translate documents on behalf of visa applicants. You must pay for certified translations.
Who can complete a certified translation
You can provide certified translations completed by:
- reputable private or official translation businesses
- community members known for their accurate translations.
We do not accept translations completed by the applicant, family members, or the immigration adviser assisting with your application.
We will accept translations from a licensed immigration adviser (LIA) who is:
- a trustworthy person within the community
- known to translate documents accurately
- not an adviser on the application.
Using the English spelling of the name in your passport
Check your passport to see if it has your name written in English. Ask your translator to use this spelling when they translate your documents.
If a translator used a different spelling of your name in your translated documents, then include this spelling of your name in the 'other names' section of the visa application form.
Include your 'other names' in the application form
We need to know if you have used other names that are in your translated documents.
For example, if:
- you have a different birth name, or name from a marriage or adoption
- you have other passports with a different name
- the translator used a different name or spelling when translating your documents into English.
In your visa application form, enter all other names that you have used in the section called 'other names'.
Check your translated document
Each translation must:
- be on the translation business’s official letterhead, if possible
- certified as a correct translation by the translator
- stamped or signed by the translator or translation business.
Submitting your original foreign language documents
When you apply for your visa, the supporting documents that you provide us are the:
- original document in a foreign language, and
- a certified English translation of the document.
How you provide the documents depends on if you are applying online or on a paper form.
If applying online, make sure all scanned copies are clear and readable.We may not need an original document or its certified copy in the following situations:
- if we asked for uncertified copies in our form or guide
- if you submitted a legible scan of the original document in the online form
- if you submitted a legible copy of the original document for a temporary entry visa.
When we process your application, we will contact you if we need you to send us a document.
Make sure your photos are acceptable for a New Zealand visa.
Visa and NZeTA photos
Your photo must be less than 6 months old and clearly identify you. It must also meet all of our technical requirements.Meeting our photo requirements
If your photo does not meet all of our requirements we will ask you for a new photo.
If you are applying for a visa, we will stop processing your application until we receive an acceptable photo. If you are requesting an NZeTA, your request may be delayed or refused.
Visa and NZeTA photos are not passport photos
Use the photo examples on this page to check your photo is correct and meets our requirements.
Alert
Do not use the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs website or other online tools to check your photo as those tools are for passport photos only.
Using a professional photographer
Your photo is more likely to be accepted if you use a professional photographer or business that takes passport photos. Give the photographer our instructions to make sure you get a photo that meets our requirements.
Paper applications for visas
The photo you submit with a paper application must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Further instructions are on the paper application forms.
Note
You can only apply for an NZeTA online.
Online applications for visas
The photo you submit with an online application must be:
- between 500 KB and 3 MB
- between 900 x 1,200 pixels and 2,250 x 3,000 pixels, and
- a JPG or JPEG file.
Alert
We are unlikely to accept your photo if it is not the right size.
Online requests for NZeTAs
If you request an NZeTA using the web app, you can either upload an existing photo or take one using your device's camera.
If you use the mobile app, you can only take a photo using your device's camera.
Your photo must be:
- less than 10 MB, and
- a JPG or JPEG file.
If you take a photo with your device, the camera must have a minimum resolution of 540 x 720 pixels. Large photos will be automatically formatted.
Online photo error messages
If there is an issue with your photo you will receive an error message when you submit your visa or NZeTA photo online. To help you, we have provided a list of online errors and how to fix them.
Taking your visa photo
Your photo must:
Be in portrait, not landscape
Be of you, not a photo of a photo or your travel document
Have even lighting with minimal shadowing
Be in colour, showing natural skin tones
Be in focus, not blurry
Not contain red-eye
Be an original photo, not changed by photo-editing software
Not be a selfie
Be taken 1.5 metres from the face
Be taken against a plain, light-coloured — but not white — background with no patterns or objects
Only contain plain clothing patterns
Be of one person
We need to clearly see your face
Face the camera and keep your head straight
Keep your eyes open and mouth closed
Do not smile or frown
Show your face clearly and that long hair is tucked behind your ears
Position yourself in the middle of the photo
Remove sunglasses and hats
If you wear prescription glasses
Make sure your eyes show clearly through the lenses, with no reflected light
It may be easier to remove them.
If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons
Make sure that your face and hairline can be seen in the photo
Gather the details of each group member
Gather the details of each group member, their signed declarations, supplementary forms if required, and their visitor visa application details.
Organise proof group members can leave New Zealand
This can be plane tickets, proof that group members have the money to buy tickets, or agreement that a sponsor will pay for any onward travel.
Organise proof the group members have enough money to live on
Get recent bank or credit card statements, and proof of any accommodation you have pre-paid for.
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2
Step 2: Complete the application form
Complete the Group Visa Application form and send this to us with an appropriate visitor visa application for each group member with all supporting documents attached.
Our guide to applying for a visitor visa can help you fill out the application form.
If you intend to work as a tour escort, you will need to apply for a Tour Escort Visitor Visa for yourself and include this with your application.
If your group members are being sponsored to visit New Zealand, the sponsor needs to complete a sponsorship form.
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3
Step 3: Submit your application
You can take your application to a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or post it to them.
Check the 'How to pay and submit' section for fees and where to submit your application.
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4
Step 4: Wait for our decision
We will let you know if we need more information to process your application.
We will email you when we make a decision.
Checking your visa application status
Check the 'How to pay and submit' section for timeframes.
If we approve your application, we will give you an eVisa. We email you a group eVisa letter that must be attached to your passport.
Check the 'While you are in New Zealand' section to find out what you can and cannot do when you come to New Zealand.
How to pay and submit
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When you arrive
All group members must arrive together in New Zealand.
Group members must come to New Zealand in line with the travel conditions on their group eVisa.
Entry permission
You must apply for permission to enter New Zealand before you arrive. All group members need to do this by completing a digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) form.
You can start your declaration any time, but the earliest you can submit it is 24 hours before starting your travel to New Zealand.
A paper declaration form is available for travellers who cannot complete it online.
New Zealand Traveller Declaration
New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity also check that you meet their entry requirements.
Alert
You can be refused entry permission if you:
- do not meet our character requirements
- have had a change in circumstances since we approved your visa
- refuse to let us take your photo, fingerprints or iris scan
- cannot provide evidence of any onward travel or the money required to leave New Zealand.
When you travel to New Zealand on a temporary visa, your intentions must be genuine. This means that you: We use all the information we have, including the information you give us in your application, to confirm that you have genuine intentions. Alert You must answer truthfully when you complete your visa application or NZTD. If you are travelling on a visitor visa or visiting from a
If you have a visitor visa for a specific reason, you must be coming to New Zealand for that reason. For example, if you have a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, your reason for visiting must be getting medical treatment. If you are travelling on a student visa, you must have genuine intentions to study in New Zealand. You can only work if the conditions of your student visa allow you to. If you are travelling to New Zealand to work, you must have a visa that will allow you to. Unless your visa allows you to work in any job, you must plan to work in the job, for the employer, and in the location specified in your visa. You may be asked to provide evidence of your genuine intentions: Here are some examples of evidence to show that you have genuine intentions in coming to New Zealand. To show your travel history, you could show a copy of your current and recent passports, including: If you live in a country that is not your country of citizenship, provide a copy of the visa allowing you to live in that country. If you have ever had a visa application declined by any other country, provide: If you plan to visit family or friends in New Zealand, provide their: Evidence of your travel plans while in New Zealand could include copies of: You may also need to show that you have plans to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay. This evidence could include: If you are applying for a student visa, you could provide evidence that you have: If you do not need to pay tuition fees, or if you can pay by instalment — where you make smaller payments over a period of time — you must provide confirmation from your education provider. You can also write a cover letter or statement of purpose explaining why you want to study in New Zealand. This will help us decide if you are a genuine student. If you are using an education agent or licensed immigration adviser, they cannot write the letter for you. Examples of things you could write about in your letter or statement include: If you plan to apply for another visa — for example, a work visa — after you finish your studies, include this in your cover letter or statement of purpose.
To show that you have genuine intentions to work, you will in most cases need to provide: If your visa requires you to have enough money to live on during your stay, you will need to provide evidence. This could include: Depending on your situation, you may need to provide: We consider each application based on the information and evidence we receive. If you do not provide enough evidence, it may take us longer to process your application, or we may decline your application. You must provide genuine evidence. If you or your agent provide evidence that is false or misleading, we may also decline your application. False, misleading or withheld information in visa applications Check the translation requirements for the visa you are applying for. All non-English documents must be translated when you apply for visitor and resident visas. Providing English translations of supporting documents If you are applying online, make sure your evidence is in an acceptable file format. To decide if your intentions are genuine, we look at: We look at evidence you provide with your application to check that it: When we consider information about your personal circumstances, we look at: We also look at information from your previous applications and travel to New Zealand. This can show us if you have: We might not give you a visa or allow you to enter New Zealand if we:
Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in New Zealand
Before you can get a visa or enter New Zealand to visit, work or study, we check that your reasons for coming here are genuine.
What it means to have 'genuine intentions'
Visitor visas
Student visas
Work visas
Evidence to show you have genuine intentions
Evidence of your travel history
If you live in a different country to your citizenship
Declined visa applications
Evidence you are visiting family or friends
Evidence of your travel plans
Evidence of your study plans
Evidence of your work plans
Evidence you have enough money
Evidence of your home country circumstances
evidence of your relationships with close relatives in your home country
Providing good-quality evidence
How we decide if your intentions are genuine
Evidence you provide with your application
Your personal circumstances
Your previous applications
If we decide your intentions are not genuine
If you have been refused entry to New Zealand and you still want to travel to here, contact the Customer Service Centre for advice. You may need to apply for a visa before you travel here again. Together with your airline or other carrier, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if you do not meet our entry requirements — for example, if you cannot provide evidence that you can meet the conditions of your visa. When you arrive we check your identity and other information again before we give you
Alert Having a visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter New Zealand. Your airline or other carrier can be fined if they let you board an aircraft or ship after we have let them know that you cannot travel. We can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if: We can stop you travelling to New Zealand or entering the country if you: We can also refuse to let you travel to or enter New Zealand if you cannot show us evidence to support the conditions of your visa. For example, you cannot show us evidence that you: Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in NZ If your circumstances have changed and you can no longer meet the conditions of your visa we can also refuse to let you enter New Zealand. For example, if your work visa is based on a job offer that has since been withdrawn you will not be allowed to travel to New Zealand on that visa. You cannot come to New Zealand if you do not meet our health and character requirements. For example, you can be refused entry if: You could be refused entry to New Zealand if you:
What might stop you from being allowed to enter New Zealand
Together with your airline or other carrier, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if you do not meet our entry requirements. For example, if you cannot provide evidence that you can meet the conditions of your visa.
Why we stop you travelling to or entering New Zealand
Your identity and travel documents
Information you provide to us
Meeting the conditions of your visa
Your character and health
Arriving in New Zealand
While you are in New Zealand
Your visa conditions are recorded in your group eVisa.
Work
You cannot
Remote work is an activity you do for gain or reward for a company, employer or client that is not in New Zealand. Gain or reward includes work done for payment, or for a benefit that can be valued in terms of money, for example accommodation, food, or services. If you are self-employed or a digital nomad you can work remotely for clients outside New Zealand. All visitor visas applied for on or after 27 January 2025 allow you to work remotely in New Zealand. There is no limit to the amount of remote work you can do while you have your visitor visa. Remote work includes: Remote work does not include any work you do: If you want to work for or with a New Zealand-based employer, you must apply for a visa that will allow you to work in New Zealand. You may have to pay tax if you are visiting New Zealand and working remotely for an overseas business or client. If your income is taxed in another country or territory, you may not need to pay tax in New Zealand if you are here for less than 92 days in a 12-month period. If you are a tax resident in 1 of the countries and territories New Zealand has a tax treaty with, you may be able to stay in New Zealand for up to 183 days before you need to pay tax. The days do not need to be all at once, for example if you visit New Zealand more than once in a 12-month period. Contact Inland Revenue to discuss your situation and to check if you will need to pay tax in New Zealand.
Working remotely in New Zealand on a visitor visa
You may be able to work remotely for an overseas business or client while you are visiting New Zealand.
Paying tax while you are in New Zealand