Bringing Groups to New Zealand for an Event or Visit

Are you hosting an event in New Zealand with 30 or more international visitors? Here’s how we can help your group with the visa application process.

If you’re planning to host an event in New Zealand with 30 or more international visitors, it’s important to ensure that all attendees have the correct visas. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) offers a Group Visitor Visa to streamline the process for visitors in Groups.

 This guide explains how to notify INZ about your event, how to prepare for group visa applications, and what to do to ensure your event runs smoothly.

Group Visitor Visa

A Group Visitor Visa is designed for groups travelling to New Zealand for a common purpose and under the same travel arrangements. Events that qualify include:

• Corporate events
• Conferences
• Exhibitions
• Sports events

Personal celebrations and ceremonies do not qualify for this visa. Attendees of such events should explore other visa options using INZ’s visa selection tool.

Key Details for Group Visitor Visa:

• Length of stay: Up to 1 month (extensions possible for longer trips, such as study tours)
• Cost: From NZD 171
• Processing time: 80% of applications are processed within 2 weeks

With this visa, your group can:

• Travel to New Zealand together
• Ensure applications are processed as a group for faster and more coordinated approvals

Important Notes:

• All documents not in English must include official English translations
• The group must enter and exit New Zealand together

How to Notify INZ About Your Event

If you’re hosting an event with 30 or more international attendees, it’s important to notify INZ at least 3 months before the event. This will give enough time to process visas and avoid delays.

Send the following information to INZ.EventNotifications@mbie.govt.nz:

1. Event confirmation letter on your organization’s letterhead, including:

• Event description, start and end dates, and location
• Number of international visitors and their countries of origin
• Roles of attendees (e.g., participants, speakers, media personnel)
• Contact details for the event organizer and travel agent, if applicable

2. Event itinerary and invitation letter for attendees, which should include:

• Attendee’s full name as shown on their passport
• Role in the event
• Arrival and departure dates
• Who is covering their costs (e.g., accommodation, travel expenses)

3. Attendee details in a spreadsheet, including:

• Full name, passport number, date of birth
• Role in the event
• Intended arrival and departure dates

Visa Options for Attendees

Depending on the nature of the event and the attendees’ roles, different visas may apply:

NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority): For eligible visitors traveling for short stays.

• Visitor Visa: For attendees visiting as event participants.
• Group Visitor Visa: For attendees arriving together for the same purpose, allowing all applications to be processed together.
• Sports Events Visitor Visa: For sportspeople, support staff, and media personnel attending sports events.
• Tour Escort Visitor Visa: For tour escorts supporting a tour group. (Note: Tour guides employed by New Zealand companies need a Specific Purpose Work Visa.)
• Specific Purpose Work Visa: For individuals working at the event, such as media staff, event organizers, or caterers.

Preparing for Visa Applications

To avoid any delays, ensure that all visa applications are submitted with the correct documentation, including:

• Invitation letters
• Proof of travel arrangements
• Financial documents (if the organiser is not covering costs)

Applications for visas should be submitted at least 4 weeks before the intended travel dates. If the attendee is applying for an NZeTA, they should submit it at least 3 days before travel.

Arrival in New Zealand

Before travelling, remind attendees to:

• Have an approved visa or NZeTA, as failure to obtain one may result in denied entry
• Carry a copy of their visa approval and invitation letter to show at check-in or the border

Conclusion

Organising in New Zealand with international attendees can be a smooth process if proper visa applications are completed on time. Immigration New Zealand is available to assist you with group visa applications for events with 30 or more visitors, ensuring all participants have the correct visas and can enter the country without hassle.

By notifying INZ early, providing all necessary documentation, and ensuring your attendees are prepared, you can focus on making your event a success.

For any assistance or to notify us of your event, contact us at applications@immigrationconsultancies.com