Are you a British citizen planning to visit some new place this year or the next? Well, then you might consider visiting New Zealand. With the total number of British tourists being over 68000 last year, this place is quite a loved choice by most UK residents. So, if you also want to celebrate Christmas in the summer, then you should definitely start planning for the trip. On top of that, being on the list of the New Zealand visa waiver countries will make things even easier.
However, there are a few things that you should know before you plan for this trip. This way the rest of the journey becomes easy for you and you get to enjoy a successful trip.
What Do You Need to Visit New Zealand?
All countries have a set of entry requirements and New Zealand is definitely not an exception. Some of the things that you will need to enter New Zealand as a British citizen are;
- Passport:
Visiting New Zealand without a passport is not allowed. This is the single most important document that proves your ties with your home country. This is why you will definitely need this document for your visit. Just keep in mind that your passport remains valid for at least 3 months from the date of your arrival. Next, the passport should also have 2 blank pages (minimum) for stamping, and it should be in perfect condition without any signs of damage.
- Travel Permit:
In most cases, the word “travel permit” for international travel stands for a visa. This is a document that helps you enter and freely explore within the borders of a country. That being said, there are two kinds of travel permits for visiting New Zealand as a British citizen. These are:
- NZeTA:
Well, there is no need for a New Zealand visa for British citizens. These individuals just need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) which is more than enough. This helps British citizens to stay in the country for 6 months. The process to get an NZeTA is quite simple and it comes with a few simple steps. They are:
- Visit The Portal:
The first step of the process is to visit the Immigration website of New Zealand or any other reputed site for the NZeTA application.
- Fill Up The Form:
Next, you will have to find the application form and fill in all the details. Make sure, you add in all your exact personal details without making any mistakes.
- Add In Documents:
When it comes to documents, you will just have to provide a scanned copy of your valid passport, photograph, and most importantly your return or outward ticket. Sometimes, the process might also require you to add in your bank statements but that is not constant for all cases.
- Pay The Fee:
Paying the application fee is the last step in the process. You can choose to pay this amount through a debit or credit card, or any other authorized method.
- Visa:
As discussed before an NZeTA comes with a total validity of 6 months. However, if you plan to stay in the country for more than that then there is a slight change in the plans. In this case, you will have to apply for a normal tourist eVisa which is available in most other countries. The steps of this process are pretty simple;
- Visit The Portal:
Select the Immigration website of New Zealand or that of a reputed site of your choice. After that, you will have to navigate the website a little to find the right section.
- Form FIll-Up:
The New Zealand Tourist eVisa application form is the same as the other ones. You will just have to make sure that you add in your exact details. You should write it as it is on your government document to avoid making any mistakes.
- Adding Your Documents:
For documents, you will just have to add scanned copies of your valid passport, photographs, return tickets, and bank statements. Just make sure that the size matches the requirements set by the government.
- Fee Payment:
The application fee for a New Zealand eVisa is not the same for everyone. This is why it is best if you check the amount while doing it yourself. Just remember to use an authorized method to avoid getting scammed.
Things to Remember While Exploring
Well, there are a few things that you should remember when exploring the beautiful places of New Zealand. This way you get to avoid any mishaps and have a successful trip. Some of the things that you should remember while you are checking the New Zealand visa waiver and planning are;
- Think Twice Before Trying Something Completely New:
Well, it is true that visiting a new place demands you to discover new places, activities, and experiences. However, you should also remember to properly assess the risks before trying out something unfamiliar. Irrespective of whether it is adventure or food, consideration is a must. Just make sure you have researched its pros and cons well. This way you will be able to guarantee a memorable experience.
- Know Which Are Your Transport Options:
You will definitely have to know all your travel options if you want to freely explore New Zealand. This is basically how you get around places after you get a New Zealand visa for British citizens aka NZeTA. So, make sure you learn all the routes for public buses, trains, and taxis. Most important of all, you should look for affordable travel options. This way you will at least be able to save some money.
- Explore Different States:
Well, New Zealand is more than just about the big cities. There are so many neighbourhoods and towns that have an authentic touch to them. So, explore different places, parks, and local shops. You are guaranteed to never find these in any guidebooks, so try to get some insight from the locals. Plus, you should also find off-beat places that have a touch of the local culture.
- Remember To Eat The Local Cuisine:
Believe it or not, your trip will be incomplete if you do not try the local food. This is why you should try to be open to eating new dishes and ingredients that you won’t find back home. Trying local cuisine really helps you to connect with the culture in a far better and deeper way. Thus, guaranteeing that you experience things like a traveller and not a tourist. However, you should be a little cautious about food allergies or dietary restrictions. Otherwise, you might end up with health issues.
- Plan for things in advance:
We understand that spontaneity is fun. However, planning things ahead really helps you to stay out of any stress related to uncertainty. Plus, popular tourist sites, restaurants, and hotels can be booked up pretty easily. This is why you should book in advance to avoid missing out on your must-see attractions or experiences. You can easily plan things when you are checking the New Zealand visa waiver list or getting the NZeTA.
- Respect The Environment:
The government and citizens of New Zealand really care about nature. They take native wildlife very seriously and spend time and effort in preserving it. This is why you should also care about the same when visiting New Zealand. Make sure you do not litter when you are camping or damage the delicate vegetation. This is one of the simplest things you can do as a tourist.
Ready to Experience the Charm of New Zealand for the First Time?
Having a successful New Zealand trip is pretty easy. It just demands you to plan things smartly. On top of that, it is even easier if you are coming from the UK. This is because there is no need for a New Zealand visa for British citizens. All that you will need is an NZeTA and you are good to go.
But if you still face any difficulty in the process then you can always get help from the Helpdesk.
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