Do [Citizen] citizens need a visa to travel to New Zealand?
Yes, citizens from Tunisia must apply for a Visitor Visa before entering New Zealand. Depending on the visa type issued, travelers can stay for up to 6 months (multiple entry) or 9 months (single entry).
Holders of a Visitor Visa are not permitted to work in New Zealand, but they can enroll in short-term study programs for up to 3 months. This visa must be approved before travel, as on-arrival visas are not available for Tunisian citizens.
Is the New Zealand Traveller Declaration mandatory for Tunisians?
Yes, all visitors, including Tunisian citizens, must complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before arriving.
• The form can be submitted no earlier than 24 hours before departure.
• It must be completed before passport control in New Zealand.
• The NZTD collects biosecurity, immigration, and customs information.
• Travelers can complete it online or through the NZTD mobile app for free.
• A separate form is required for each traveler, including minors.
What are the entry conditions for citizens from Tunisia in New Zealand?
Visitors from Tunisia must meet the following entry requirements:
• Valid passport – The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after leaving New Zealand.
• Financial proof – Travelers must provide evidence of sufficient funds:
- NZD $1,000 per month per person, or
- NZD $400 per month per person if accommodation is prepaid.
• Confirmed travel itinerary – A return or onward ticket, or proof of funds to purchase one.
• Compliance with New Zealand’s entry policies – Travelers must meet health, security, and immigration requirements.
How to obtain a New Zealand Visitor Visa for Tunisians?
Applying for a New Zealand Visitor Visa is a simple online process:
1. Visit the official website – Go to the New Zealand Immigration portal.
2. Complete the application form – Enter personal, travel, and visit details.
3. Provide supporting documents – Attach proof of financial means, accommodation, and travel itinerary.
4. Pay the visa fee – Payment is made via credit or debit card.
5. Submit the application – Processing is done online, and decisions are communicated via email.
6. Receive the visa – Approved applicants receive an electronic visa, which must be presented at the border.
What documents are needed for a New Zealand Visitor Visa for Tunisian citizens?
Applicants from Tunisia must provide:
1. Proof of financial and travel arrangements:
- A return or onward ticket or proof of financial ability to purchase one.
- Bank statements or a sponsorship letter confirming sufficient funds.
- An employment letter stating job position and salary (if employed).
2. Tourist-related documents:
- Hotel reservations or proof of accommodation.
- Health insurance policy (recommended minimum coverage: €50,000).
3. Identification documents:
- A passport valid for at least 3 months after departure.
- A passport-sized photograph (two for paper applications).
4. Health and character declarations:
- Disclosure of criminal history or legal charges.
- A medical certificate or chest x-ray (for stays over 6 months).
5. Special requirements for minors:
- If traveling alone or with one parent, a notarized parental consent letter is required.
What are the visa fees for Tunisians traveling to New Zealand?
The Visitor Visa fee starts at NZD $341, with costs depending on the application method. Payments must be made via credit or debit card.
Additionally, all visitors must pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100.
How long does a New Zealand Visitor Visa take to process?
On average, the processing time for a Visitor Visa is approximately 3.5 weeks.
Is health insurance required for citizens from Tunisia traveling to New Zealand?
While not mandatory, health insurance is strongly advised. Medical expenses in New Zealand can be expensive, and without coverage, visitors must pay for all treatments out of pocket.
For travelers planning adventure activities like skydiving, rafting, or bungee jumping, insurance that includes extreme sports and emergency evacuation is highly recommended.
An individual who intends to travel to and stay in New Zealand as a transit passenger must apply for a transit visa before proceeding to New Zealand, unless this requirement is waived.
Transit is only available at Auckland Airport and transit passengers must remain in the transit area for the duration of their time in New Zealand and no longer than 24 hours. Transit passengers who do not pass through Auckland Airport, or who must leave Auckland Airport's transit area, or who will remain in Auckland Airport's transit area for more than 24 hours, are not eligible to enter New Zealand as a transit passenger and must obtain a Visitor Visa if they are not travelers from visa-free countries.
Transit travelers without visas
From June 20, 2020, the transit visa cancellation applies to, but is not limited to, the following persons:
- A citizen of New Zealand or a holder of a residence class visa;
- An owner of a temporary entry visa;
- A person subject to visa cancellation, but only if he has an electronic transit permit;
- A traveler traveling to or from Australia:
1.A person whose immediate or final destination after transiting through New Zealand is Australia, but only if they hold a valid visa issued by the Australian Government to enter Australia and have a Transit Electronic Permit
2.A person traveling from Australia and having a transit electronic permit;
3.A person whom a representative of the Immigration Service, by special instruction, classified as a person subject to the withdrawal of a transit visa;
4.Citizens of the following countries, but only if they have a transit electronic permit:
Bahamas, Bermuda, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Federated States of Micronesia, Indonesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Thailand Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Venezuela.
Instructions for importing cats and dogs from approved countries:
- Download and read the health standards (IHS) and the IHS guidance document. In the latter, you can find a sample of the veterinary certificate that you need to provide for your cat or dog. It displays all tests, treatment courses and examinations. A separate form can be downloaded at https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/
- Check whether your pet meets all requirements for import into New Zealand. For ease of checking, special checklists have been developed on the MPI website, which you can use to check compliance with all requirements. Your pet must be provided with a special microchip and vaccinated against rabies (only after microchip insertion). He must also pass a blood test no later than 3 months and no earlier than 24 months before the date of importation and undergo treatment for certain parasites 24 to 48 hours before departure;
- Book quarantine at a transit point approved by MPI. A list of such items can be found at https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/. The quarantine period is not less than 10 days. You will need the booking confirmation letter later when submitting your application.
- Apply for an import permit. It takes 20 days to issue such a permit, so you need to apply in advance. Permits are of two types, depending on the country from which the animal is imported. Category 2 – rabies-free countries, category 3 – countries where rabies is absent or under control. For each of these categories, there is a separate application form that can be downloaded from the MPI website.
- Declare medications for the pet if he needs to take any medications while on the road.
- Notify the MPI no later than 72 hours before the arrival of the animal in the New Zealand with the following data:
- Flight number;
- Date and time of arrival
- Name of the carrier and contract number
- Species and breed of pet
- The number of animals in the invoice
- Confirmation of reservation of the quarantine point
- Number of the consignment note (if known)
Restrictions on the import of animals
In addition to cats and dogs, only rabbits and guinea pigs from Australia and chinchillas from Great Britain are allowed into New Zealand.
New Zealand has a unique population of rare and endangered bird species. Therefore, in order to avoid the introduction of bird diseases into the country, the importation of birds into the territory of New Zealand is prohibited until all risks are studied and health standards are developed.