Australia Visitor Visa vs. New Zealand Visitor Visa: A Comprehensive Comparison

Thinking of exploring the Southern Hemisphere? Whether you're captivated by Australia's vibrant cities and iconic outback or New Zealand's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, getting the right visa is essential. This blog post provides a comprehensive comparison between Australia's Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) and New Zealand's Visitor Visa. Discover which visa option best suits your travel needs and plans.

This streamlined table comparison between the Australian and New Zealand visitor visas.

Australian Visitor Visa

• Identity: Valid passport and personal identification documents.
• Health: Meet specific health requirements; may require health examinations.
• Character: Must be of good character; police certificates may be requested.
• Genuine Visitor: Demonstrate genuine intent to visit temporarily.
• Funds: Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay.
• Return Home: Proof of ties to your home country (employment, family, property).

New Zealand Visitor Visa

• Identity: Valid passport and identity documents.
• Health: Must meet health standards; health examinations may be required.
• Character: Must be of good character; background checks are possible.
• Genuine Intentions: Must genuinely intend to visit and leave after the visit.
• Funds: Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay or evidence of sponsorship.
• Onward Travel: Must have a ticket to leave New Zealand or enough funds to buy one.

Length of Stay

Australian Visitor Visa

• Stay: Generally allows stays of up to 12 months.

New Zealand Visitor Visa

• Single Entry: Allows a stay of up to 9 months.
• Multiple Entry: Permits a stay of up to 6 months but allows multiple entries within a 12-month period.

Application Process and Costs

Australian Visitor Visa

• Preparation: Gather documents such as passport, proof of funds, and travel itinerary.
• Application: Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Payment: The application fee starts from AUD $190.
• Processing: For an indication of processing times, use the visa processing time guide tool provided by the Department of Home Affairs. This tool offers a guide based on recently decided applications and is not specific to your application.

New Zealand Visitor Visa

• Preparation: Collect necessary documents, including proof of funds and travel plans.
• Application: Submit an online application via Immigration New Zealand's website.
• Payment: The visa fee starts from NZD $211.
• Processing: Expect a processing time of approximately 3 weeks for 80% of applications.

Ease of Obtaining the Visa

Australian Visitor Visa

• Documentation: Requires detailed documentation and evidence.
• Processing Time: Fairly quick but can vary based on individual circumstances.
• Success Rate: Generally high if all requirements are met and documents are accurate.

New Zealand Visitor Visa

• Documentation: Moderately extensive documentation required.
• Processing Time: Typically efficient, often completed within 3 weeks.
• Success Rate: Generally high, especially for applicants with strong ties to their home country.

Opportunities for Extension or Renewal

Australian Visitor Visa

• Extensions: Possible but not guaranteed; must apply for an extension before the current visa expires.
• Renewal: Usually requires leaving Australia and applying for a new visa.

New Zealand Visitor Visa

• Extensions: Can extend the stay by an additional 3 months, up to a maximum of 12 months in a 24-month period.
• Renewal: Similar to Australia, usually requires leaving the country and reapplying.

Limitations on Activities Allowed

Australian Visitor Visa

• Work: Not permitted.
• Study: Allowed for courses up to 3 months.
• Other Activities: Can visit family or friends, be here as a tourist, for a cruise, or for purposes other than business or medical treatment.

New Zealand Visitor Visa

• Work: Not allowed.
• Study: Permitted for courses up to 3 months.
• Other Activities: Can visit family, friends, and enjoy tourist activities.

Special Conditions or Requirements

Australian Visitor Visa

• Insurance: Health insurance is recommended but not mandatory.
• Biometrics: May be required to provide biometrics.
• Eligibility: Must intend to come to Australia to visit only, have enough money for the stay, and be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is decided.

New Zealand Visitor Visa

• Insurance: Recommended to have health insurance.
• Entry Permission: Must apply for entry permission upon arrival.
• NZeTA: Some visitors from visa waiver countries might need an NZeTA instead of a visa.

General Travel and Safety Advice

Australia

• Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended due to the high cost of healthcare.
• Safety: Generally safe but stay informed about local conditions and weather hazards.
• Local Laws: Respect local customs and regulations to avoid legal issues.

New Zealand

• Travel Insurance: Advised to cover potential health and travel disruptions.
• Safety: One of the safest countries, but natural disasters like earthquakes can occur.
• Local Laws: Adhere to local laws and customs to ensure a trouble-free visit.

Actionable Advice

• For a short vacation: Both countries offer excellent experiences, so consider your interest areas and travel priorities.
• For extended stays: Australia provides more options for longer stays, but New Zealand offers easier extensions.
• Ease of Process: If speed is crucial, New Zealand’s processing time might be more predictable.

For a seamless application process and to ensure all your documents are in order, consider consulting with a registered migration agent or legal practitioner. Safe travels!

Conclusion: Which Visa Should You Choose?

Choosing between an Australia Visitor Visa and a New Zealand Visitor Visa largely depends on your travel plans, duration of stay, and specific needs.

Australian Visitor Visa

For detailed information and application guidelines on the Australian Visitor Visa, visit the official website of the Department of Home Affairs:
Australian Visitor Visa - Tourist Stream (Overseas).

New Zealand Visitor Visa

To explore comprehensive details and step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa, the Government of New Zealand provides a valuable resource:
How to Apply for a Visitor Visa.

Evaluate your specific needs and circumstances to make the best choice. For further guidance, consulting with immigration professionals or utilizing official government resources can provide additional clarity.

Whichever destination you choose, we hope you have a memorable and enjoyable experience. Safe travels!