2016-Oct 07: Visa changes for South African nationals

Visa Pak 280 - Reminder to staff about changes made to South African nationals intending to visit New Zealand.

Visa Paks

7 October 2016 

Visa changes for South African nationals

From 21 November 2016, the New Zealand Government is set to introduce visitor visa requirements for all South African nationals wishing to visit New Zealand.

Currently, people from South Africa do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to New Zealand, with genuine visitors being granted a visitor visa on arrival. This means that on and from
21 November all South African nationals will need to obtain a visa before travelling to New Zealand.

The Government is introducing these changes as a result of an increase in the number of ineligible passengers who do not meet New Zealand entry requirements.

While Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has been very successful in managing these risks to date, this has been a resource-intensive process and the decision has been made to suspend the visa waiver status from South Africa, reinstating visitor visa requirements.

The official news item to share with stakeholders if needed can be found on the INZ website:
Visa changes for South African nationals