New Zealand Immigration Law Immigration News

The Government has just announced a five-step plan to reopen New Zealand’s borders, starting on 27 February. It’s great news that will bring a lot of relief to New Zealand citizens stuck overseas.

On 24 November, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins outlined a reopening plan for New Zealand’s international borders, which have been closed since the start of the pandemic in early 2020.

As of 1st of October 2019, the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority will come into full effect. This means that all travellers who require an NZeTA and attempt to travel to or transit via New Zealand without one will be denied boarding.

While South Africa will be letting New Zealanders enter the country visa-free, New Zealand won’t be reciprocating. We discuss the South Africa visa changes as well as the Government’s reasoning for their decision and potential implications.

The ETA (NZ) is intended to speed up border processing, but the short amount of notice before the visa becomes mandatory will only lead to chaos and confusion.

So, you think you’d like to visit New Zealand? To give you a heads up, here’s what you need to know about our big-little country.