If you’re planning to visit New Zealand, you should know about the visa requirements. These can change at any time, so it’s important to check before traveling.
Applicants can apply for a New Zealand visa for Swiss citizens online. This process is quick and easy. Usually, the application form will take less than five minutes to complete.
1. Passport
New Zealanders are entitled to visa-free travel to over 180 nations across the world, including many European countries that are part of the Schengen Area and a number of Latin American destinations. However, a passport is still the primary requirement for visa-free entry into these countries, as well as some others.
Citizens of countries outside the Schengen Area are typically required to apply for a national long-stay ‘D’ visa or residence permit, which needs to be obtained in advance through the relevant country’s embassy/consulate. This can take several months or longer and is dependent on the individual’s circumstances.
In addition, the “90 days out of a 180 day period” rule applies for the Schengen area as a whole (ie, not just each individual country), and it’s up to local border and immigration authorities to decide whether they wish to apply this rule to passport holders from non-visa waiver countries. This can result in lengthy delays, detention or even hefty fines for overstaying.
Swiss citizens are also permitted to enter New Zealand on a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for a maximum of 90 days, under a visa waiver program which started in the year 2009. This is available to those with a valid Swiss passport and an invitation letter from a New Zealand based company.
Iceland citizens are also eligible to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) if they are planning to visit for up to 90 days. This requires a valid passport and proof of sufficient financial means.
There are a few requirements to fill in to apply for an NZeTA, and most of these can be done online. In addition to the application form, travellers will need to supply their RealMe account details, an e-mail address, and a credit card or debit card to pay the NZ$180 fee. Once the application has been received, they’ll receive a confirmation with a reference number via e-mail and can then proceed to complete the process.
2. Visa
Swiss citizens who want to travel to New Zealand must first obtain a visa. They can apply for a visa in their home country or at the New Zealand embassy or consulate abroad.
The visa application process for a Swiss citizen is straightforward. The applicant must complete an online form, which takes less than five minutes. Applicants must provide personal information, contact details, and an e-mail address.
They can also submit other supporting documents, such as a copy of their health insurance. Some documents, such as their passport, must be certified or apostilled by a foreign office.
Depending on the type of visa, the duration of stay in New Zealand may vary. Some visas require a certain number of days to be valid, while others have unlimited validity.
For example, the Essential Skills Work visa is available for people who have a job that’s listed on the Essential Skills in Demand List. It allows them to live and work in New Zealand for up to five years.
However, this type of visa is more difficult to get than other types, because the quota is small and there are usually limited positions available. Hence, you’ll have to apply early if you want to secure one of these positions.
On the other hand, if you want to visit New Zealand for a short vacation, you’ll be able to do so with a tourist visa. You’ll need a valid passport that has blank visa pages, and you must make sure that your departure date is within three months of arrival.
Icelandic citizens, on the other hand, can enter New Zealand without a visa for up to 90 days with an electronic travel authority (eTA). This is because under the New Zealand Visa for Iceland citizens Waiver Program, they’re granted the ability to visit the country for up to 90 days on a single entry.
3. Travel documents
There are a number of travel documents that must be presented to New Zealand border and immigration officials. If you’re a Swiss or Iceland citizen, for example, you will need to present a valid passport and apply for a New Zealand visa.
The passport should be valid for at least another 3 months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen Area, have a blank page and at least two passport photos. If you’re applying for a short-stay visa, you will also need to present other travel documents such as proof of accommodation and return or onward tickets.
Depending on your travel plans, you may be able to enter New Zealand without a visa. This is possible if you’re visiting one of the 26 partnering countries which have visa-free entry to New Zealand (see below).
Once in the Schengen area, movement within the region is often without border controls, although the Schengen Borders Code allows member states to temporarily reintroduce border controls in the event of a serious threat to public or internal security. Despite this, it’s important to check whether you require a visa in advance of your trip by checking the website of the relevant EU/Schengen country’s embassy or high commission overseas.
Switzerland is a member of the Schengen Area and, therefore, its citizens are entitled to visit Switzerland for up to 90 days visa-free. However, you must note that there are restrictions to this and that it’s not possible to stay for longer than 90 days in a six-month period.
Since July 2019, Swiss citizens have been required to hold a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). Upon receiving an NZeTA, you must enter the country on the document and show it to officials at New Zealand border and immigration.
4. Accommodation
If you are travelling to New Zealand from an EU member state or Schengen Associated country, you will need to show evidence of sufficient subsistence for the duration of your stay. This can be in the form of a round-trip flight itinerary, or travel documents showing that you have accommodation during your trip, like a booking receipt for your hotel or other forms of accommodation (such as receipts for meals).
You will also need to carry a certificate that indicates that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or if you are not vaccinated, that you have a negative test result. These documents can be in Icelandic, Swedish, Danish or Norwegian and must have the following information: first and last name, date of birth, issuer of the test, type of test performed and the result.
Children born in or after 2005 will not need to present a certificate for a negative pre-arrival test and they do not need to undergo testing on arrival. However, if you are traveling with a child who is not exempt from quarantining, they will have to be tested on arrival and quarantined for 5 days unless their parent/guardian can provide a positive certificate.
In addition, in indoor hospitality and events, cinemas and theatres, hotels and gyms, you must present a certificate that confirms your vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative test result before you can enter. This must be an EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) in Icelandic, Swedish, Danish or Norwegian or a document equivalent to the EUDCC.
The visa waiver agreement between Switzerland and New Zealand allows holders of a New Zealand passport to visit Switzerland without a visa for up to 90 days irrespectively from periods spent in other Schengen countries, as long as you have proof of these period of stay. Please check the Embassies of Switzerland and New Zealand for details of the requirements for obtaining a visa.
5. Employment
New Zealand offers many types of visas that allow citizens from different countries to work in the country. These visas can either be temporary or convertible to permanent residence.
In order to apply for a work visa, you must have the right skills and qualifications. You may also need to show that your employer has made efforts to recruit New Zealand citizens first.
You can find out the requirements for a visa at your nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate. You will need to make an appointment and submit your application. You will also need to prepare your documents for submission.
For example, you must have a valid passport with blank visa pages. It should have been issued within the past 10 years and be valid for a minimum of three months after your travel date. You also need four identical passport-size photos that are biometric.
If you’re planning to study in New Zealand, you need a valid student visa that has been issued by your home country. You should also be in good health and show that you have enough money for your stay.
In some cases, you can apply for a post-study work visa after your student visa has expired. This visa allows you to work while studying in New Zealand, and can be renewed each time you complete a qualification in the country.
However, you must apply no later than three months after your student visa expires to qualify for this type of visa. You can also apply for a work visa if you have been in New Zealand on a previous student or visitor visa and want to work in the country again.
