New Zealand Visitor Visa for Maldivian Citizens: Complete Guide for 2023

New Zealand, a land of diverse landscapes and unique cultural encounters, has a lot to offer Maldivian travelers. Imagine hiking through the lush trails of the Abel Tasman National Park or marveling at the celestial glow of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. There is also the mesmerizing blue of Wanaka Lake against the backdrop of majestic peaks.

While the visa process can sometimes seem complex, we're committed to making things easier for you. We're here to simplify every step of your visa application. Our website is designed for ease of use, and our dedicated team of visa professionals is always at your service. Plus, with our handy mobile app, you'll be in the loop about your application every step of the way. So, are you set to embark on your Kiwi adventure? Let's get started!

Do Maldivian citizens need a visa for New Zealand?

In order to visit New Zealand, citizens of the Maldives require a valid visa.

The type of visa you need depends on your trip's purpose. For holidays or visiting family members, get a visitor visa. If you're going on business or to a conference, you'll need a work visa.

For brief stop-overs in New Zealand, a transit visa is essential, and for those looking to reside in the country, the New Zealand resident visa is the way to go.

A few things to remember:

• With a visitor visa you can study only for up to three months in a year, and you cannot work.

• You need to show you have enough money for your stay or have someone in New Zealand who can support you.

• Make sure to depart before your visa expires.

• If you wish to extend your stay, you could potentially add another three months (to the nine usually granted), allowing a total stay of up to one year within two years.

Am I eligible to get a New Zealand Visitor Visa in the Maldives?

Maldivian travelers keen on entering New Zealand must first obtain a visa from their home country. As a Maldivian, you cannot get a visa on arrival but have to apply for one before your trip instead. There are some conditions to keep in mind for a successful visa application.

To get a New Zealand visa, Maldives citizens need a valid passport, as it's their primary ID. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may need to provide a health certificate and/or undergo a medical exam. Safety is also paramount for New Zealand, so having a clean criminal record is a must as well.

When applying, be honest and clear about your reasons for visiting, and make sure to stick to the conditions set by the visa once you're there. It's vital to prove that you have enough funds to support your stay. This can be done showing your own savings or payslips or proof that someone in New Zealand will cover your expenses.

Lastly, before approval, New Zealand authorities will want to see that you have plans to leave the country when your visa expires. This can be proved through a return ticket to the Maldives or evidence of onward travel, like a ticket to another destination.

If you’re not a Maldivian citizen and you hold an Australian Permanent Resident Visa, you must apply for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization (NZeTA) instead of a visitor visa.

How long is the New Zealand Visitor Visa valid for Maldivian citizens?

To visit New Zealand, citizens of the Maldives with a Visitor Visa can enjoy the country’s stunning sights as a tourist for 270 days in total.

When you use our services for your visa application, our goal is to get you a visa with multiple entries that is valid for a year. However, the number of entries you will get on your visa is ultimately up to the immigration officer handling your application.

New Zealand Visitor Visa fee: Cost of the visa for Maldivian citizens

The New Zealand Visitor Visa has an associated government fee of USD $282.00.

For an effortless application experience, our service is available at USD $721.99. This offers you the advantage of dedicated assistance from our visa expert team, ensuring a process with minimal complications (if any).

What is the New Zealand Visitor Visa processing time in 2023?

When you use our platform to apply for your New Zealand Visitor Visa, there are two main processing durations to consider:

1. iVisa's processing time, which takes 30 days. This doesn't factor in the time taken by the New Zealand government.

2. The New Zealand Embassy's processing time can vary based on individual circumstances and their current workload. Notably, around 90% of applicants get their visa outcome within 48 days.

Why apply for the New Zealand Visitor Visa with iVisa?

You’ll enjoy the following benefits when applying with us:

• Flexible form completion - Fill out your forms at your own pace, take breaks, and save your progress.

• Guaranteed appointment scheduling - If you need one, we’ll secure your visa appointment promptly, sparing you the search for available dates.

• Expert agent support - Receive end-to-end expert assistance for any doubt or worry during the process.

• Real-time order tracking - Easily monitor your visa application process through your iVisa account.

New Zealand Visitor Visa application: How to apply in the Maldives

Applying for the New Zealand Visitor Visa online through our website involves these 3 easy steps:

Step 1: Fill out our visa application form by providing your passport details and relevant travel information.

Step 2: Securely pay the visa application fee on our website. You can use a credit/debit card, PayPal, Venmo, or Amazon Pay. Upon successful payment, you'll receive a comprehensive guide that details how to finish the rest of the visa application.

Step 3: Upload the necessary documents, provide additional information, and answer the declaration questions as outlined in the guide. Our team will then review everything meticulously to ensure accuracy before it's forwarded to the New Zealand authorities.

If there's a requirement for a medical exam or biometrics collection, we'll send you detailed instructions on scheduling an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Center (VAC) and the necessary preparations required.

How to prepare for the New Zealand Visitor Visa interview in the Maldives?

If you're summoned for an interview with a consular officer, being well-prepared can significantly enhance your chances of a favorable outcome. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Understand your visa type: Familiarize yourself with the specific criteria for the visa you're seeking, as each category may have distinct stipulations.

2. Anticipate interview topics: Research common visa interview questions and prepare clear answers. They may ask about your travel intentions, financial situation, current employment, and more.

3. Polish your English: Since the interview is typically conducted in English, ensuring you can understand and respond appropriately is essential. Work on refining your English listening and speaking skills.

4. Present yourself well: A professional appearance can make a positive impression, so consider dressing appropriately for the occasion.

5. Arrive on time: Try to be at the venue ahead of the scheduled time, taking into account possible delays.

6. Stay composed: Even if you're feeling nervous, maintaining a composed and confident demeanor can make a difference.

New Zealand Visitor Visa requirements in the Maldives

Maldivian nationals with sights set on New Zealand must meet all the requirements for securing a visa. Every document you present should be in English or have an accompanying English translation. Let’s break down what is needed for your application.

Necessary documents for the New Zealand Visitor Visa for Maldivian citizens

If you're planning a trip to New Zealand, ensuring you have the right documents in order is crucial. Here's a checklist for what you need:

1. Passport: It has to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from New Zealand.

2. Passport photo: A recent color photo complying with New Zealand's guidelines is necessary.

3. Financial means: Show proof that you can finance your New Zealand trip. Acceptable evidence includes bank statements, payslips, or a letter from the New Zealand citizen or resident who will sponsor your stay.

4. Health and character references: Details about your health and background may be required, like medical tests or a criminal record check. If you might need medical care during your visit, proof of health insurance is a must.

5. Travel plan: Offer a summary of your planned activities and places to visit, helping the immigration authorities understand your intentions.

6. Permission for leave from work: If employed, a leave of absence letter from your workplace can be beneficial, signaling ties back home.

7. Accommodation information: Details about where you’ll stay during your trip will be needed, such as hotel reservations or a note from a New Zealand host.

New Zealand Visitor Visa requirements for children in the Maldives

If you are traveling with children to New Zealand, they will need to be included in your visa application. Here's what you'll need to provide:

• Evidence of your relationship, like their birth certificate.

• Proof of good health and character.

• A clear photo showing their face and shoulders.

• A copy of the bio-page in their passport that states their personal information.

For children who are self-reliant, either being in an adult relationship or financially independent, you have two options. You can apply for their visa online yourself, or they can start their own tourist visa application.

New Zealand Visitor Visa passport requirements

As you apply for your visa to New Zealand, passport requirements to keep in mind include:

• Duration of validity: Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand. This is in anticipation of any unexpected travel changes.

• Personal details: Submit a copy of your passport's bio-page which contains your essential information.

• Room for stamping: Make sure you have at least one blank page available in your passport for the necessary stamps.

• Integrity of passport: Ensure that your passport is free from severe damage, especially on the bio-page, to avoid potential complications in the application process.

New Zealand Visitor Visa photo requirements

Ensuring your visa photo meets the standards is important. Here's what you need to know:

• Dimensions: Your photo dimensions should range between 35mm to 45mm in height and 35mm to 40mm in width. The image should be recent, taken within the last six months.

• Image quality: The photograph must be clear, high-resolution, and free from marks or imperfections.

• Headgear and eyewear: Head coverings are permissible only for religious or medical reasons. If glasses are a regular accessory for you, they can be worn, but they must not hide your eyes.

• Facial expression: Maintain a neutral facial expression with your eyes open and looking directly at the camera.

To make it easier for you to get the photos you need, we recommend our [online digital photo service]. It is an affordable and convenient method to ensure your passport photo aligns with New Zealand government standards, all from the convenience of your home.

My New Zealand Visitor Visa in the Maldives was denied. What should I do?

Facing a visa denial for New Zealand can be a setback, but there are measures you can take. Start by reviewing the Embassy's letter detailing the reasons for the denial. Often, these could be due to incomplete paperwork, unclear ties to the Maldives, or financial concerns.

Once you pinpoint the issues, it's time to address them. If you need assistance, our team is always available to guide you. After resolving the concerns, you're in a better position to reapply. Keep in mind that every application is evaluated independently, so a past denial doesn't set a precedent. And if you ever feel the denial wasn't fair or your circumstances have significantly improved, it might be worth seeking legal advice.

Where can I contact you for more questions about the visa?

Need more information about the New Zealand tourist visa requirements? Don't hesitate to get in touch! Our customer support team is on standby and ready to help. Shoot us a message on our live chat or at [email protected].