New Zealand Visitor Visa for Bhutanese citizens: Requirements and application guide

Welcome to our guide to the New Zealand Visitor Visa application process for Bhutan citizens! New Zealand is a stunningly beautiful country with diverse landscapes and attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

Bhutanese citizens, in particular, are increasingly interested in visiting New Zealand for various reasons. Before planning your trip, read more about the New Zealand Visitor Visa application process and requirements.

We'll walk you through the process step-by-step in this article!

Do citizens from Bhutan need a New Zealand Tourist Visa?

Yes! A visa is required for Bhutanese passport holders. The application process involves filling out an online form and visiting the New Zealand embassy or consulate to submit documents and biometrics.

While the application can sound complex, there's no need to worry! By applying with us, you'll get complete guidance from start to finish, including access to a personal iVisa expert.

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 how to make an appointment at the New Zealand embassy.

Start your application now

Can citizens from Bhutan apply for the ETA?

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

Besides that, different nationalities are eligible for an ETA or a Visitor Visa. However, there are a few more distinctions:

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

• The Visitor Visa allows Bhutanese 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.

Eligibility criteria to get a New Zealand Visitor Visa in Bhutan

Bhutanese citizens can apply for the New Zealand Tourist Visa if they meet specific criteria:

• You do not intend to stay beyond the date your visa expires.

• You do not have a criminal record or health problems that can harm New Zealand society. You must be of good character.

• You have enough funds to support yourself while in New Zealand or can show that you have a sponsor. Read more about the financial requirements here.

Meet these requirements? Apply online now with iVisa!

What is the Visitor Visa for New Zealand?

Let's dive a little deeper into the Visitor Visa application process! The New Zealand Visitor Visa is a type of travel document designed for the following purposes:

• Tourism.

• Sports and cultural activities (without remuneration).

• Visiting family and/or friends.

• Short-term studies of less than 3 months.

• Getting married (additional conditions apply).

The Visitor Visa application process is partly online, but an embassy visit is still needed. Luckily, we're here to help you navigate the application process and do all the legwork for you!

Only New Zealand citizens, valid work and student visa holders, or permanent residents can work or study in New Zealand for more than three months.

Validity of the New Zealand Visitor Visa

The New Zealand Visitor Visa allows travelers from Bhutan to stay in the country for up to 270 days in total in an 18-month period.

One of the benefits of this visa is that it's a Multiple entry travel document. This means you can visit the country multiple times as long as 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 another month before you leave the country.

However, you made a good friend and look forward to reuniting with them. You can still enter New Zealand within 14 months (18 months minus 4) and visit for up to 5 months (9 months minus 4).

Is it possible to extend the New Zealand Visitor Visa?

Before your New Zealand Visa expires, you can apply for another 3 months' stay and extend the visa to 12 months in a 24-month period if:

• You need more time for your travel plans.

• You cannot leave New Zealand for reasons beyond your control.

• You applied to become a New Zealand citizen or resident for the first time (conditions apply).

New Zealand Visitor Visa fee: Costs for Bhutanese citizens

The New Zealand Visitor Visa cost for Bhutanese nationals can be divided into two parts:

• Government fee of US$153. This fee is the sum of the application, immigration, and international visitor conservation fee.

• iVisa processing fee of US$149.99.

We always include the New Zealand government fee in the total cost when applying online. You can pay with a credit or debit card.

The following benefits are included:

• 100% government-compliant: Our team of iVisa Experts will review all information and make sure it's 100% compliant with New Zealand government requirements.

• 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 only include relevant questions, making the form up to 50% shorter than usual.

• Fill out the form at your own pace: Whenever you need a break, you can save your progress and return to it later.

• 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 safety: We have a solid security system to protect your personal information and payment details.

Get peace of mind and apply now with iVisa!

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 48 days (in 90% of cases) for the New Zealand Visitor Visa.

The processing time is influenced by the number of applicants at the embassy in Bhutan, as well as your individual situation.

To ensure enough time to process your info, we recommend applying at least two months in advance.

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!

Apply for your New Zealand Visa without delay!

New Zealand Visitor Visa application: How to apply from Bhutan

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

• Step 1: Complete the simplified visa application form in under 10 minutes by providing your personal 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 to gather all the correct documents, where to drop them off, how to make an appointment, and more.

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

Apply now!

New Zealand Visitor Visa requirements for Bhutanese citizens

Necessary documents for the New Zealand Visitor Visa for Bhutanese citizens

To apply online for the New Zealand Visitor Visa, Bhutanese 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 sufficient funds to cover the costs of your trip to New Zealand. This can be documents such as bank statements or salary slips.

• Australian Visa (if applicable), if you plan to visit Australia during or after your stay in New Zealand.

• Proof of good health (if applicable): Bhutanese 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. It's also advisable to have medical insurance to cover treatment costs in the country.

• 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 complete list of documents required 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' during the visa application process on our website.

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

New Zealand Visitor Visa passport requirements

To apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa, you must have a valid passport from Bhutan. Check 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.

• If you are applying from a country other than Bhutan, you must also provide proof of residency in that country.

New Zealand Visitor Visa photo requirements

New Zealand Visitor Visa 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.

Simply 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!

How to prepare for the New Zealand Visitor Visa interview in Bhutan

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

1. Check the visa requirements in this guide: Make sure you know all the New Zealand Visitor Visa requirements, including the necessary documents and fees.

2. Practice your English: If you are not a native English speaker, practice speaking English to build confidence and ensure you can communicate effectively during the interview.

3. Be honest: Answer all questions truthfully and provide any additional information or documentation that may be requested.

4. Dress appropriately: Dress in a respectful and appropriate manner for the interview.

5. Stay calm and composed: If you are unsure about a question or requirement, 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!

If your New Zealand Visitor Visa in Bhutan 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.

Questions about the New Zealand Visitor Visa application for Bhutanese citizens?

If you have questions about the New Zealand Visitor Visa or other travel documents, contact our customer support team via online chat or email at [email protected]. We're always happy to assist you.

We wish you a successful application and a safe trip to New Zealand!