Before you travel to a foreign country, you need to consider a lot of things. The most important thing that international travelers require to enter New Zealand is a valid visitor visa!
For different countries, the New Zealand government has set different visa and entry requirements. While some countries are a part of the visa waiver program, the citizens of other countries must obtain a New Zealand visa prior to entering the country.
Continue reading to learn all about New Zealand visa policies for Pakistani passport holders!
Do Pakistani Citizens Need a New Zealand Visa?
Let's start with the most basic question: do Pakistani citizens need a New Zealand visa?
Well, the short and simple question is, YES! All Pakistani nationals are required to have a valid visa in order to enter New Zealand. Unfortunately, New Zealand does not offer an ETA or an e-visa to Pakistanis. So, you are required to apply for a traditional paper or stamp visa.
The New Zealand ministry of foreign affairs offers the following types of visas to Pakistani citizens:
Tourist Visa
If Pakistani national wants to enter the country for tourism purposes, he/she can apply for a New Zealand tourist visa. This travel document is valid to:
Visit relatives
Spend holidays
Explore the country
Business Visa
Alternatively, if you want to enter the country for business purposes, you must obtain a New Zealand business visa. This travel document permits holders to enter the country for commercial and professional activities, such as:
Meeting with business associates
Attend conferences and business meetings
Enrolling in a training program
New Zealand Visa Requirements
Once you select a visa type, you'll need to provide some supporting documents to get that travel document, also known as visa requirements. As the New Zealand government offers different types of visas, the visa requirements vary as well.
To get a traditional paper or stamp visa, you must have the following required documents:
Passport-Type Photograph - A passport photo taken within the last 6 months
Valid Passport - Your original passport with at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps and 6 months of remaining validity.
Health Documents - A PCR test or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate to avoid self-isolation. You need to get your certificate at least 14 days prior to the departure date.
Character Document - Proof of your good character, such as a police certificate.
Proof of Return - A written proof stating that you have a valid reason to return to Pakistan.
Proof of Funds - You need to show enough money required to stay and leave the country.
Besides these, applicants may need to provide some additional supporting documents depending on the embassy's requirements. So, make sure to contact the New Zealand embassy prior to starting the visa application process.
How to Apply for a New Zealand Visa from Pakistan?
Unfortunately, Pakistanis are not eligible for New Zealand e-visa. This means you cannot apply online for your travel documents. To get your New Zealand visa, you must visit the embassy and submit your application in person.
Here's a step-by-step guide explaining how Pakistani passport holders can apply for a New Zealand visa:
Visit the nearest embassy
Fill out the New Zealand visa application form
Provide supporting documents
Pay the New Zealand visa fees
Submit your application
Once approved, you'll receive a notification in your email. So, make sure to use your valid and active email address.
Once you submit your form, the embassy will process your application. The processing time for a New Zealand visa varies from applicant to applicant. On average, you may have to wait for at least 15-20 days to get your visa. Upon approval, you can pick up your passport from the embassy and travel to New Zealand!
Keep in mind that a visa does not guarantee your entry into New Zealand. The final decision will be made by the immigration officer! So, make sure to fulfill all of the entry requirements while traveling to New Zealand!
Visa Application Form
While working on the New Zealand visa application, you need to be extra careful. You are required to provide the following details to complete the visa application form:
Personal Information - Full name, place of birth, date of birth
Passport Information - Passport number, issue, and expiry date
Contact Information - Phone number, email address
Travel Plans - Intended date of entry!
If there are mistakes or errors in your visa application form, your travel document will be delayed or denied by the New Zealand embassy. Therefore, it's recommended to double-check the provided data prior to submitting your application!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it's advised to get a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. Otherwise, you may have to undergo isolation upon arrival!