Tips onHow to Apply for a New Zealand Tourist Visa for South African Citizens

Are you planning a trip to New Zealand from South Africa? That's exciting news! Before packing your bags, apply for a tourist visa to enter the country without any issues. In this article, we'll guide you through applying for a New Zealand tourist visa as a South African citizen and provide some helpful tips to make your application successful.

Firstly, it's important to note that you'll need to provide evidence that you can support yourself financially while in New Zealand. You'll need access to a minimum of NZD 1,000 or NZD 400 per month if you've already paid for your accommodation. You can show proof of your funds with bank statements, bank drafts, travellers' cheques, credit card statements or a Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry completed by an acceptable sponsor. Additionally, you'll need to prove that you have enough funds to purchase a return ticket out of New Zealand or have a sponsor for your onward travel.

Regarding health requirements, if you're pregnant or have a medical condition requiring ongoing treatment, you may need to provide additional evidence that you can pay for your care while in New Zealand. This evidence may include bank statements, travellers' cheques or bank drafts, and you'll need to have a minimum of NZD 9,000 to cover your health and medical costs, as well as additional funds for accommodation, living costs and travel out of New Zealand.

You'll also need to provide evidence of a clean criminal record by obtaining a police clearance certificate from your nearest South African police station. This certificate confirms whether or not you have a criminal record, and you'll need to provide your full name, surname, date of birth and identity document or passport to the police at the station where your fingerprints will be taken. If you're outside of the country, you can apply at any police station in that country or at the South African Embassy.

Finally, provide evidence of your relationship if you plan on bringing your partner and any dependent children up to 19 years of age with you on your trip. Proof of your relationship should demonstrate that others recognise your relationship, that you make decisions and plans together, that you spend leisure time together and that you parent together if you have children. You can provide evidence from official sources, like marriage and birth certificates, joint tenancy agreements, joint bank accounts or joint credit cards, and other evidence like cards, letters, photos and social media conversations.

To ensure a worry-free trip, it's important to consider travel insurance. Allianz Travel insurance is a great option for safeguarding you and your family whilst you are travelling to New Zealand. They provide comprehensive travel insurance  that covers medical emergencies, lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellations and other unforeseen events that may disrupt your travel plans.

Applying for a New Zealand tourist visa as a South African citizen may seem daunting, but with the correct documentation and a little patience, you'll be on your way to experiencing all this beautiful country has to offer. Safe travels!