New Zealand Visitor Visa for South Korean Citizens: Complete Application Guide for 2023

If you're a South Korean citizen planning to visit New Zealand, you will need to obtain a visitor visa before you travel. The visa application process may seem overwhelming but don't worry, as we have got you covered.

In this guide, you will find all the essential information you need to know about applying for a New Zealand visitor visa as a South Korean citizen. This includes the application process with iVisa, necessary documents, and requirements.

So, let's dive in!

What is the New Zealand Visitor Visa?

The New Zealand Visitor Visa is a travel document that enables travelers to enter New Zealand for various purposes, such as:

• Tourism

• Visiting friends and family

• Engaging in amateur sports or adventure activities

• Studying for up to 3 months

The visa can either be a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, and the decision is based on the applicant's individual circumstances. The visa is valid for a period of 18 months, and the maximum duration of stay is 9 months.

It's important to note that this visa does not allow the holder to work or conduct business in New Zealand.

Do South Korean Citizens Need a Visa for New Zealand?

Great news! South Korean citizens are granted visa free entry to New Zealand. You will need to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the country, however. An ETA is an entry permit that grants permission to travel to New Zealand for tourism or business purposes.

An ETA is an electronic document linked to your passport, which means you do not need a physical stamp or label on your passport. The application process for an ETA is straightforward and can be completed online through iVisa.

What is the New Zealand ETA

In July 2019, New Zealand introduced ETA, a program that exempts certain citizens from having to apply for a visa when traveling to the country. The purpose of ETA is to simplify the travel process for eligible individuals. South Korean citizens who meet the criteria can use ETA to visit New Zealand for a variety of reasons, including as a tourist, business traveler, or in transit.

What the ETA allows South Korean citizens to do

The ETA allows citizens of South Korea to:

• Visit their relatives and friends in New Zealand

• Engage in business-related tasks

• Transit through New Zealand

• Travel as a crew member of an airline or cruise ship.

Please note that you can’t use the ETA to work in New Zealand.

Am I eligible to get a New Zealand ETA in South Korea?

To apply for the New Zealand Tourist ETA as a South Korean citizen, there are specific eligibility criteria that you must meet. These criteria are as follows:

• Document requirements: Firstly, you need to ensure that you have all the necessary documents for the application process. The required documents will be discussed below.

• Citizenship Secondly, as a South Korean citizen, you must be from a visa-waiver country. Fortunately, South Korea is one of the visa-waiver countries for New Zealand, which means you are eligible to apply for the ETA.

• Good character requirements: Finally, you must satisfy certain good character requirements. These include not having any serious criminal convictions and not being deported, removed, or excluded from any other country.

Required documents for the New Zealand ETA

iVisa offers a simple and straightforward online application process for South Korean citizens who need to obtain a New Zealand ETA. We take care of most of the work, and all you need to do is provide the correct information and documents to begin the process.

To apply for the New Zealand ETA as a South Korean citizen, you will need to provide the following:

• A valid passport with an expiration date of at least three months after your intended departure date from New Zealand. You must also have at least one blank page available for stamps.

• A recent digital passport-sized photo. If you don't have one, iVisa can assist you with obtaining one with our photo service.

• Your travel dates, including the dates of your arrival and departure.

• A valid email address. When you apply for the New Zealand ETA, you will receive a confirmation with a reference number via email. You can either print it or save it to your device.

• A means of payment. iVisa is flexible and allows you to use a credit/debit card or PayPal to pay for your application.

In addition to the basic requirements, we recommend that you obtain the following additional documents for your trip:

• Proof you can support yourself during your trip

A return ticket to your country. Proof of good health and good character.

New Zealand ETA: How to apply in South Korea

Applying for your New Zealand visa ETA with iVisa is a breeze! Our streamlined application process can be completed in less than 10 minutes from any electronic device, without the need to fill out long and complicated forms or visit the embassy.

Our application forms are 50% shorter than the average government form,, and you can complete them at your own pace. If you need a break, you can save your progress and come back to it later.

To get started, just follow these three simple steps:

• Step 1 - Fill out the iVisa online form with your general information and select the processing time you want. Everything is filled out online, so you can do it from the comfort of your own home.

• Step 2 - Check the information in your application form is correct and pay the ETA fee.

• Step 3 - Upload all the required additional documents and submit your application form.

It's important that you take your time and follow the steps carefully. If you accidentally make a mistake and click on "OK" to finish, you'll not be able to start a new form until the current process is completed. Trust iVisa to help you make your trip to New Zealand a smooth and enjoyable experience!

Apply now

Once you have completed the application form, you will receive an email confirmation containing your New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority document. If you cannot locate the confirmation email in your inbox, please check your SPAM folder. You will only need to present a printed or digital copy of the document at the airport.

How Long is the New Zealand ETA valid for South Korean citizens?

With the NZeTA, you can stay in New Zealand for a maximum of 90 days per entry and up to 6 months within a year. The visa waiver is valid for 2 years after issued, and it permits Multiple entry and exits from the country.

What is the New Zealand ETA processing time in 2023?

iVisa offers three convenient options for applying for your New Zealand visa ETA, depending on your travel needs, and all options include the government fee for your convenience:

Standard Processing Time: 4 days - USD $179.99

Rush Processing Time: 3 days - USD $217.99

Super Rush Processing Time: 2 days - USD $280.99

New Zealand Visitor Visa requirements for children in South Korea

If you’re traveling to New Zealand with children, it is important to note that you must complete a separate visa application form for each child.

Additionally, if your child is not traveling with you, you must include a notarized and signed authorization letter to accompany their application. This requirement ensures that all necessary precautions are taken to ensure the safety and security of children traveling to New Zealand.

New Zealand passport requirements

A passport is the first thing you need to check off your list for the New Zealand visa requirements. Check:

• your passport is valid for at least 3 months from the date of departure from New Zealand. Most countries ask for a passport to be valid for 6 months after the arrival date, but New Zealand only requires 3 months.

New Zealand photo requirements

It's important to provide a clear and accurate photo that meets the specific requirements of the issuing country. In the case of New Zealand, there are several guidelines that must be followed to ensure that your passport photo is accepted. These guidelines are:

• Size: The photo must be between 500KB and 10MB in size. The dimensions should be 35mm by 45mm.

• Color: All photos must be in color and use the sRGB color space for digital photos.

• Head size and position: The head should be 80% of the picture, with a size between 32mm-36mm. The head should be centered and facing the camera.

• Recency: The photo must be taken within the last 6 months.

• Background: The background should be a light color, but white is not acceptable. No designs or images are allowed.

• Smile: The subject should not be smiling, and their mouth should be closed. Eyes: The eyes must be clearly visible and open.

• Glasses: If the subject wears glasses regularly, they can be worn in the photo as long as they don't block the view of the eyes.

• Headgear: Headgear is only allowed for religious or medical reasons.

• Dimensions and size (pixels): The photo should have a minimum size of 900x1200 pixels and a maximum size of 4500x6000 pixels.

• Attire, clothing, and dress code: The subject should avoid wearing the same color as the background.

• Beard: Beards are optional.

• Quantity needed in application: Two photos are required.

With our handy digital photo service, you can get the perfect picture that meets all the requirements of the New Zealand government.

Why choose iVisa

At iVisa, we not only provide fast and easy visa application services, but we also ensure that the entire process is fully compliant with government regulations. Your personal information is also protected by our secure system, so you have peace of mind.

When you apply online, we also offer more than a simplified form and affordable fees. You gain the following benefits:

• Our team of iVisa experts guarantees that your application meets all government requirements with 100% compliance.

• Enjoy unlimited access to your personal iVisa expert, who will guide you throughout the entire application process.

• Say goodbye to the tedious questions on the government website with our simplified form. We provide easy-to-answer questions and handle the legwork for you.

• With our service, you can complete the application at your own pace, make changes as needed, and save your progress to continue later.

• When you apply through iVisa, you'll receive an exclusive step-by-step manual that includes tips for answering difficult questions, a comprehensive list of necessary documents, and guidance from start to finish.

So, choose iVisa's service to simplify and expedite your visa application. We're committed to making the process as smooth as possible for you!

Apply Now!

Does the ETA ensure entrance to New Zealand?

A New Zealand ETA is an important first step, but it doesn't guarantee you unrestricted entry. If the customs officer in charge of your port of entry determines that you don't meet the entry standards, they have the authority to deny you entry.

They also have the authority to refuse entry if they believe your presence in New Zealand poses a threat to national security or national interests. Pack your luggage, but don't forget to be on time and on your best behavior, because, ultimately, the decision of whether you'll be allowed in is in the hands of the customs officials.

What to expect when you get to New Zealand

When you arrive in New Zealand, it's important that you have all the required documents ready when you approach the immigration desk. Your passport, visa, and proof of payment of the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) are among the most important documents to have on hand.

If immigration officials review your documents and find them satisfactory, they'll stamp your passport and grant you permission to enter New Zealand.

My New Zealand ETA in South Korea was denied. What Should I Do?

If your New Zealand ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) was denied, there are a few steps you can take:

Review the reason for denial: Carefully go through the denial notice or communication you received. Understand the specific reason(s) for the denial, as it will help you determine your next course of action.

Contact the New Zealand Immigration authorities: Reach out to the relevant New Zealand immigration authorities for further clarification. They will be able to provide you with more information about the denial and any possible steps you can take to address the issue.

Reapply with iVisa: If your New Zealand ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) has been denied, you can reapply for it with the assistance of iVisa. With our guidance, we can ensure that your application has no mistakes, thus reducing the chances of rejection.

What to do in New Zealand

There are many things to do in New Zealand, depending on your interests and preferences. Here are some popular activities and attractions:

1. Bungee jumping: New Zealand is famous for being the birthplace of bungee jumping, and there are plenty of opportunities to try it out in various locations throughout the country. Some popular spots include the Kawarau Bridge Bungy in Queenstown, the Nevis Bungy in Cromwell, and the Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy.

2. Hiking: With its stunning natural scenery, New Zealand is a hiker's paradise. There are countless trails to choose from, ranging from easy walks to multi-day treks. Some of the most popular hikes include the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Milford Track, and the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.

3. Wine tasting: New Zealand is home to some world-renowned wine regions, particularly in the Marlborough and Central Otago areas. Many vineyards offer tastings and tours, giving foreign citizens a chance to sample some of the country's delicious wines while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

These are just a few examples of the many activities available in New Zealand. Other popular options include skiing, surfing, kayaking, and visiting cultural sites such as the Waitangi Treaty Grounds or the Te Papa Museum in Wellington.

Where can I learn more?

In case you have any queries regarding the New Zealand ETA, our customer support team is always ready to assist you around the clock. Additionally, you can drop us an email at [email protected] to reach out to us.