South African citizens need a visa before travelling to New Zealand. INZ introduced the requirement for all South African nationals from 21 November 2016, so South Africans are not on the visa-free (NZeTA-only) route. For tourism or visiting family you apply for a Visitor Visa; for work you need an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Both are applied for online with Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The visitor visa costs from NZD $441 and INZ decides 80% of applications within 2 weeks; the work visa costs from NZD $1,540 and 80% are decided within 5 weeks.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements at a Glance
Which requirements apply depends on the visa type. For a visitor visa you must:
- have plans to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay
- have enough money to pay your living expenses, or an acceptable sponsor
- not plan to work in New Zealand, unless you work remotely for a business overseas
- meet INZ’s health and character requirements
You can include your partner and dependent children aged 19 or younger in the application, with evidence of relationship and identity. Entry can still be refused on arrival if you are not a genuine visitor, have character issues, your circumstances have changed or you cannot show onward travel or money.
Other routes include the Accredited Employer Work Visa (job offer from an accredited employer) and, for residence, the Skilled Migrant Category, which has three pathways, an age limit of 55 or younger and costs from NZD $6,450. See our New Zealand work visa requirements for the work route.
Passport and Travel Document Requirements
Your passport or certificate of identity must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand. Everyone must also complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration covering customs, immigration and biosecurity; air travellers can submit it from 24 hours before the journey.
A single-entry visitor visa expires if you leave New Zealand. A multiple-entry visa lets you return.
Visa and Supporting Document Requirements
- A copy of your passport or one acceptable photo
- Proof of funds (see below) or a completed sponsorship form
- Proof of your plans in New Zealand to show you are a genuine visitor
- Proof you can leave New Zealand at the end of your stay
- Police certificates and chest X-ray or medical evidence, where required
- Family relationship and identity documents if you include a partner or children
- English translations and copies of the originals for any document not in English
INZ does not name an employment letter or evidence of ties to South Africa as required documents. They may help show genuine intentions, but they are not what INZ lists.
Financial, Health and Entry Conditions
Funds. You need at least NZD $1,000 a month, or NZD $400 a month if your accommodation is already paid for. Acceptable evidence includes proof of prepaid accommodation and bank or credit card statements; the account must be in your name. Money for a ticket out of New Zealand must be in addition to living funds. A sponsor can instead complete the Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025).
Health. You do not normally need a chest X-ray for stays under 6 months or a medical certificate for stays under 12 months, but INZ may ask for either. For stays over 6 months a chest X-ray is required if you are a citizen of, or spent more than 3 months in the last 5 years in, a country without low TB incidence. Medicals and X-rays must be done by an INZ panel physician. INZ may decline a temporary visa if you are likely to need hospitalisation, residential care or high-cost treatment during your stay; medical waivers may be available.
Character. Police certificates (under 6 months old) are needed if you are aged 17 or older and your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer. A criminal conviction or security risk may lead to refusal.
Stay and conditions. A visitor visa allows up to 6 months in each 12 months (multiple-entry) or up to 9 months in an 18-month period (single-entry). You can study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period. You cannot work. To extend, apply for a new visitor visa before the current one expires.
How to Prepare or Apply
- Decide which visa fits: Visitor Visa for tourism or family visits, or a work visa if you have an accredited employer’s job offer
- Gather your documents, including funds evidence or a sponsorship form
- Log in or create an account on the INZ website, complete the application, upload your documents and pay the fee
- Wait for the decision by email; INZ issues an eVisa
Since 1 October 2026, applications for the Visitor Visa must be made online. INZ recommends not booking non-refundable travel until the visa is approved, and processing is busiest from September to March. If your application is declined, the fee and levies are not refunded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa for New Zealand?
Yes. South African nationals have needed a visa before travelling since 21 November 2016. Check the INZ website for the current waiver list before booking.
What are the requirements for a New Zealand visa?
For a visitor visa: plans to leave at the end of your stay, NZD $1,000 a month in funds (or NZD $400 if accommodation is paid) or a sponsor, proof of onward travel, a passport valid 3 months beyond departure, and good health and character.
How do I apply, and what does it cost?
Apply online with INZ. The visitor visa is from NZD $441 and the Accredited Employer Work Visa from NZD $1,540. The fees guide and fee tool on the INZ website give the exact amount for your situation.
Can any doctor do the medical?
No. It must be a doctor or radiologist on INZ’s panel physician list, unless there is no panel physician in your country.
Do I need a job offer to work there?
For the Accredited Employer Work Visa, yes: an offer from an accredited employer for at least 30 hours a week. The visa lasts up to 5 years (3 years for skill level 4 to 5 jobs).
Is there a working holiday option for South Africans?
Check the INZ website to see whether South Africans are eligible for a working holiday visa.
Confirm current requirements with Immigration New Zealand before you apply. See the visa requirements hub and browse all travel and immigration requirements.