New Zealand Visitor Visa for Congolese citizens: Requirements and how to apply

Welcome to iVisa's guide to getting a New Zealand Visitor Visa for Congolese citizens!

New Zealand is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich cultural experiences. Whether traveling for tourism, short-term studies, or visiting family and friends, it is important to apply for a visa to enter the country legally.

We are a leading online visa application service that simplifies the process of obtaining a New Zealand Visitor Visa. Our service is fast, reliable, and user-friendly, and we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible experience!

Let's dive in!

Please note this article is meant for passport holders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) only, while those from the Republic of the Congo may need to meet other requirements.

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What is the Visitor Visa for New Zealand?

Let's jump right in! The New Zealand Visitor Visa is a type of visa that lets Congolese travelers visit the country for:

Tourism.
Sports and cultural activities (without getting paid).
Visits to family and friends.
Short-term studies of less than 3 months.
Getting married (additional conditions apply).

If you want to study for over three months in New Zealand, apply for a student visa instead. To work in New Zealand, you'll need a work visa. Contact the New Zealand government for more information about these, as well as the New Zealand resident visa requirements.

The visa application process is partly online, but an embassy visit is still needed.

Validity of the New Zealand Visitor Visa

The New Zealand Visitor Visa is valid for stays up to 9 months in an 18-month period.

One of the benefits of this visa is that it's a Multiple Entry travel document. You can visit the country multiple times if your cumulative stay does not exceed 9 months.

Example: You have a valid visa and travel to New Zealand for a short study period of 3 months. After that, you travel around New Zealand for 2 weeks and leave the country.

However, you made a good friend and want to visit them again. You can still enter New Zealand within 14.5 months (18 months minus 3.5) and visit for up to 5.5 months (9 months minus 3.5).

Do Congolese citizens need a New Zealand Tourist Visa?

In short, yes! The visa required for Congolese citizens who want to visit New Zealand for tourism is the New Zealand Visitor Visa. The application process involves filling out the application form online and an embassy visit to submit documents and biometrics.

Sounds complicated? No need to worry! By applying with us, you'll get complete guidance from start to finish.

You'll receive tips and all the info you need to fill out the application form, a list of documents to gather, and instructions on scheduling an appointment at the New Zealand Embassy.

Congolese travelers are not eligible for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or visa on arrival for New Zealand.

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Am I eligible for a New Zealand Visitor Visa in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

Congolese citizens can apply for the New Zealand Tourist Visa if they meet certain criteria:

You do not intend to stay in New Zealand for more than 9 months.
You do not have a criminal record or health problems that could harm New Zealand society. You must be of good character.
You have enough funds to cover your stay in New Zealand or can show that you have a sponsor. Read more about the financial requirements here.

All set? Apply online now with iVisa!

New Zealand Visitor Visa fee: Costs for Congolese citizens

The cost of the New Zealand Visitor Visa for Congolese nationals can be divided into two parts:

The government fee of US$153. This fee is the sum of the application, immigration, and international visitor conservation fee.
The iVisa processing fee of US$149.99.

We always include the New Zealand government fee in the total cost when applying online.

The following benefits are included in the above:

100% government-compliant: Our team of iVisa Experts will review all information and make sure it's 100% compliant with the government requirements of New Zealand.
Unlimited access to your iVisa Expert: You'll be assigned a personal iVisa Expert to guide you through the online application process and answer any questions.
Simplified process: The visa application can be confusing and tedious. At iVisa, we include only the relevant questions, making the form up to 50% shorter than usual.
Fill it out at your own pace: Save your progress, make changes, and come back to it later whenever you need a break.
Step-by-step guide: Apply with us and receive a PDF manual with all the tips you need to answer difficult sections and a step-by-step guide to get your Visitor Visa without problems.
iVisa values your security: We have a solid security system to protect your personal information and payment details.

Get peace of mind and apply now without hassle!

What is the New Zealand Visitor Visa processing time in 2023?

While we can't say for sure, as each application differs, we have calculated an average processing time of 30 days (in 90% of cases) for the New Zealand Visitor Visa.

The processing time is influenced by the number of applicants, your individual situation, and where you apply from.

To ensure enough time to process your info, we recommend applying at least two months in advance from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Your personal iVisa Expert will carefully double-check your application to ensure it's complete and meets all the New Zealand Tourist Visa requirements. This will avoid any issues and delays!

Get your visa without delays!

New Zealand Visitor Visa application: How to apply in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Applying for the New Zealand Visitor Visa is easy with iVisa! To apply online, please follow these three steps:

Step 1: Complete the simplified visa application form in under 10 minutes by providing your details and travel information. We will carefully double-check all the info.
Step 2: Pay the visa fees securely online with a credit/debit card.
Step 3: Receive a step-by-step guide by email on how to gather all the correct documents, where to drop them off, schedule an appointment, and more.

We will guide you from start to finish for a successful application!

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New Zealand Visitor Visa requirements for Congolese citizens

Necessary documents for the New Zealand Visitor Visa for Congolese citizens

To apply online for the New Zealand Visitor Visa, Congo citizens must submit the following documents:

Digital copy of your valid passport - And proof of residency if you live in another country (residence permit, resident return visa, or other).
Applicant photo - Get an official photo that meets all government requirements using our digital photo service from the comfort of your own home.
Travel plans - Such as your arrival date, hotel address, and proof of onward travel.
Provide evidence of enough funds to cover your travel expenses to New Zealand, such as bank statements or salary slips.
Australian Visa (if applicable) or Australian Permanent Resident Visa if you plan to visit Australia during or after your stay in New Zealand.
Proof of good health (if applicable): Congolese travelers need to provide a chest x-ray or medical examination as evidence of good health if they plan to visit New Zealand for 6 months or more. Getting medical insurance to cover assistance costs in the country is also recommended.
A police certificate (if applicable) is part of the character requirements if you intend to stay in New Zealand for more than 24 months.

We'll provide you with a full list of documents and where to submit them when applying with us online!

New Zealand Visa requirements for children

You can include your partner and any dependent children up to 19 years old by clicking 'Add another person' on our website during the visa application process.

Minors must meet all health, character, and financial requirements too. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for applying on their behalf.

New Zealand Visitor Visa passport requirements

To apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa, you must have a valid passport from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Check out the requirements here:

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand.
It's important to ensure that your passport is not damaged or expired; this will most likely lead to your application being rejected.
Provide a copy of your passport bio page for your visa application.
If you are applying from a country other than the Democratic Republic of Congo, you must also provide proof of residency from that country.

New Zealand Visitor Visa photo requirements

The New Zealand photo requirements are:

It must be a color photo (not black and white).
Photos must have been taken within the last 6 months.
The size should be 45 mm by 35 mm.

To get a photo for your New Zealand Visitor Visa application that meets all the criteria, use our handy digital photo service.

Enter your home and destination country, and get a valid photo for as little as US$5.99. Or download the iVisa app for an even easier process!

If your New Zealand Visitor Visa in the Democratic Republic of Congo was denied

Was your New Zealand Visitor Visa application denied? Request an explanation of why your application was denied, which will be provided in writing by Immigration New Zealand.

Once you know the reason for the denial, you can either address the issues that led to the rejection and reapply with iVisa, or you can (in some cases) appeal the decision.

When applying with us, our experts will ensure that your application meets all requirements to avoid rejections.

Of course, the approval of your Visitor Visa application is still up to the immigration officer handling your case and if they establish that your reasons for traveling are genuine.

How to prepare for the New Zealand Visitor Visa interview

If you are required to attend an interview as part of your New Zealand Visitor Visa application in the Democratic Republic of Congo, there are several things you can do to prepare:

Check the visa requirements in this guide: Make sure you know all the New Zealand Visitor Visa requirements, including the necessary documents and fees.
Practice your English: If you are not a native English speaker, practice speaking English to build your confidence and ensure you can communicate effectively during the interview.
Be honest: Answer all questions truthfully and provide any additional information or documentation that may be requested.
Dress appropriately: Dress respectfully for the interview.
Stay calm and composed: If you are unsure about any questions or requirements, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.

When you apply with us, we will send you a complete guide on what to expect during the interview and how to make an appointment!

Differences between the New Zealand Visitor Visa and the New Zealand ETA

Besides the fact that different nationalities are eligible for ETA or visitor visas, there are a few other distinctions:

The ETA is an electronic visa or an authorization, that allows eligible travelers to visit the country without a visa.

Congolese citizens currently cannot apply for the ETA and must get a Visitor Visa.

It's usually easier to apply for an ETA, as it just needs a few details and can be done online. Luckily, with our help, you can apply for the Visitor Visa quickly and easily!

The Visitor Visa allows Congolese citizens to visit the country. It has the added benefit of allowing you to stay longer in New Zealand, unlike the ETA, which is meant for shorter visits.

Questions about the New Zealand Visitor Visa application from the Democratic Republic of Congo?

If you have questions about the New Zealand Visitor Visa or other travel documents, please contact our customer support team via online chat or email at [email protected].

We're always happy to assist. We wish you a successful application and a safe trip to New Zealand!

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