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Kiribati and Nauru VACs closing
The Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Kiribati and Nauru are closing.
The last day of operation for Kiribati and Nauru VACs is 30 November 2021. There is no intention to reopen these locations in the future.
Any applications/passports must be lodged with the VAC by 5pm 29 November 2021 to ensure delivery to Immigration New Zealand.
From 1 December 2021, customers who previously submitted their visa application to the VAC in Kiribati or Nauru will be required to apply using Immigration Online or submit a physical application to their nearest VAC. Alternative VACs are located in Suva, Honiara or Sydney.
If submitting a physical application, applicants will be required to courier their completed application, along with their passport to their nearest VAC. Applicants who apply online may still be required to submit their passport to their nearest VAC for scanning.
Depending on when regular commercial flights resume, nearest VACs may be in Sydney, Honiara or Suva.
Applicants are encouraged to check with local authorities about the resumption of flights and will need to plan for courier times to and from their closest VAC.
We do not anticipate any impacts on processing timeliness.The VAC closure will not affect the visa application fee. There will be additional charges to courier the application and/or passport to the nearest VAC and back again. We encourage applicants to check with their local courier what the fees and timeframes are, before submitting their application.
Applicants still need to pay the VAC service fee and are encouraged to check the VAC website for detailed information on the currency and payment methods available at each VAC.