New Zealand Visa Guide for Pakistani Applicants

Pakistani citizens are not on New Zealand’s visa-waiver list, so unlike travellers from the UK, USA, Canada, or most of Europe (who only need the simple NZeTA travel authority), Pakistani applicants must apply for a full Visitor Visa through Immigration New Zealand (INZ) before travelling.

Applicants with a confirmed job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer generally apply through a separate work visa route, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

• Visitor Visa — tourism, holidays, or visiting family and friends
• Business Visitor Visa — for short business trips, meetings, or conferences
• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) — for applicants with a genuine job offer from an INZ-accredited employer

A Visitor Visa can be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry, and typically allows a stay of up to 9 months within an 18-month period, depending on the assessment of your application.

• Valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond your intended stay
• Completed online Visitor Visa application through Immigration New Zealand
• Recent passport photograph
• Bank statements and proof of funds (INZ generally expects evidence of at least NZD 1,000 per month of stay, or NZD 400 per month if accommodation is prepaid)
• Proof of employment, business ownership, or income
• Evidence of ties to Pakistan (property, family, employment, business)
• Return or onward travel ticket, or proof of funds to purchase one
• Invitation letter, if visiting family or friends
• Payment of the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), currently NZD 100, paid alongside your application

Immigration New Zealand assesses Visitor Visa applicants on whether they:

• Have a genuine intention to visit temporarily and will leave before their visa expires
• Have sufficient funds to support themselves during the visit
• Hold a ticket for return or onward travel, or can demonstrate the funds to buy one
• Meet standard health and character requirements (police clearance certificates may be requested depending on your circumstances)

Clear, honest evidence of ties to Pakistan and a realistic travel plan are central to a successful application.

New Zealand’s visa policy is managed by Immigration New Zealand and reviewed periodically. Since Pakistan is not on the visa-waiver list, requirements are generally more document-intensive than for NZeTA-eligible countries. We check the official Immigration New Zealand website before advising clients rather than relying on older guidance.

Immigration New Zealand publishes wait times weekly on its official website. We check the current figures before giving you a timeline, and recommend applying well ahead of your intended travel date.

The Visitor Visa application is submitted entirely online through a RealMe account on the Immigration New Zealand website — there is no in-person interview or biometrics appointment requirement for most visitor applicants. Supporting documents are uploaded directly as part of the online application.

Our consultation and file preparation fee is separate from Immigration New Zealand’s government visa fee and the International Visitor Levy (IVL). Contact our Sahiwal or Islamabad office for our current service fee.

Can Pakistani citizens use the NZeTA instead of a Visitor Visa?
No. The NZeTA is only available to citizens of visa-waiver countries. Pakistani nationals must apply for a full Visitor Visa.

What is the International Visitor Levy (IVL)?
It’s a separate charge (currently NZD 100) paid by most visitors alongside their visa or NZeTA application. It is not refunded even if your application is declined.

Can I work while on a Visitor Visa?
No. Visitor Visas do not permit paid work in New Zealand — a separate work visa is required.

• Visa fees and the IVL are non-refundable, even if your application is declined.
• Visitors staying longer periods may need chest X-rays, medical certificates, or a police clearance certificate — we advise you if this applies to your case.
• You can apply to extend a Visitor Visa from within New Zealand, but extensions are assessed case by case and are not guaranteed.