--- title: New Zealand visa for citizens of Afghanistan description: "Citizens of Afghanistan need a visa for New Zealand and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: NZ$211. Processing: 15–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/new-zealand/afghanistan lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # New Zealand visa for citizens of Afghanistan Citizens of Afghanistan need a visa for New Zealand and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* Official application site: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-to-apply-for-a-visa/visa-wizard ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (General) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 90 days - **Entries:** Multiple entry - **Processing time:** 15–30 days - **Government fee:** NZ$211 - **Passport validity:** At least 3 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay (e.g., bank statements, pay slips, or a letter from a sponsor). ## How to apply 1. **Check eligibility and prepare documents** — Ensure your Afghan passport is valid (issued between 2004 and 2021) and gather all required documents. 2. **Complete online application** — Log in to Immigration New Zealand's RealMe portal, fill the visitor visa form (INZ 1017), and pay the fee online. 3. **Book biometrics appointment** — After submitting, schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and photograph. 4. **Attend biometrics appointment** — Visit the VAC in person with your passport and appointment confirmation to enroll biometrics. 5. **Submit supporting documents** — Upload or courier any additional documents requested (e.g., police certificate, medicals) to the VAC or INZ. 6. **Wait for processing** — Processing typically takes 15-30 days. You may be contacted for further information. 7. **Receive visa decision** — If approved, you will receive an eVisa letter via email. No physical visa sticker is placed in the passport. 8. **Travel to New Zealand** — Carry your passport and a copy of the eVisa approval letter. Present them at border control. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (with at least 3 months validity beyond intended departure)** (Identity): Afghan passports issued before 2004 or after 2021 are not accepted. - **Completed visitor visa application form (INZ 1017)** (Identity): Must be filled online via RealMe login. - **Recent passport-sized photograph (35mm x 45mm)** (Identity): Must meet NZ visa photo specifications. - **Travel itinerary or flight booking** (Travel): Showing entry and exit dates. - **Proof of onward travel (return or onward ticket)** (Travel): Confirmed ticket out of New Zealand. - **Accommodation details (hotel bookings or invitation letter)** (Travel): For the entire stay in New Zealand. - **Bank statements (last 3-6 months)** (Financial): Showing sufficient funds for the trip. - **Proof of employment or study (if applicable)** (Employment, optional): Letter from employer or school confirming leave and return. - **Sponsorship letter (if sponsored)** (Financial, optional): From a New Zealand resident/citizen, including proof of sponsor's funds. - **Police clearance certificate (if requested)** (Supporting, optional): May be required for longer stays or if criminal history exists. - **Medical certificate (if requested)** (Supporting, optional): Only if intending to stay more than 6 months or if health concerns. - **Cover letter explaining purpose of visit** (Supporting, optional): Optional but recommended to clarify travel plans. - **Proof of relationship (if visiting family)** (Supporting, optional): Birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. - **Visa application fee payment receipt** (Supporting): Pay online via credit/debit card. ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** NZD 1,000 per month of stay (or evidence of sufficient funds) - Bank statements (last 3-6 months) - Pay slips - Sponsor's bank statements and letter Funds must be readily available and not borrowed. Credit cards are not accepted as proof. ## Good to know - Afghan passports issued before 2004 or after 2021 are NOT accepted for travel to New Zealand. - Biometrics must be provided in person at a Visa Application Centre; no exceptions. - Overstaying a visitor visa can result in deportation and future bans. - All documents not in English must be accompanied by certified translations. ## Common refusal reasons - **Invalid passport (issued before 2004 or after 2021)** — Ensure your Afghan passport was issued between 2004 and 2021 inclusive. - **Insufficient funds or unclear source of funds** — Provide clear bank statements showing sufficient balance and income. - **Incomplete application or missing documents** — Double-check the document checklist and submit all required items. - **Failure to attend biometrics appointment** — Book and attend the appointment on time; reschedule if necessary. - **Criminal record or security concerns** — Provide a police clearance certificate if requested; disclose any past issues honestly. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Afghanistan need a visa for New Zealand? Citizens of Afghanistan need a visa for New Zealand and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (General). ### How long can citizens of Afghanistan stay in New Zealand? Up to 90 days. ### How much does the New Zealand visa cost for citizens of Afghanistan? Government fee: NZ$211. ### How long does New Zealand visa processing take? Typically 15–30 days. ### What documents do citizens of Afghanistan need for New Zealand? Valid passport (with at least 3 months validity beyond intended departure); Completed visitor visa application form (INZ 1017); Recent passport-sized photograph (35mm x 45mm); Travel itinerary or flight booking; Proof of onward travel (return or onward ticket); Accommodation details (hotel bookings or invitation letter); and 8 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for New Zealand? At least 3 months. ### Where do I apply? On the official site: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-to-apply-for-a-visa/visa-wizard ## Sources - [immigration.govt.nz](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-to-apply-for-a-visa/visa-wizard) ## More - [New Zealand visa for every passport](/visa/new-zealand) - [Every destination for Afghanistan passport holders](/visa/passport/afghanistan)