Applying for a New Zealand Visa with your children

If you're reading this, you probably already know that you need a visa to travel to New Zealand. But if you're planning to travel to New Zealand as a family, you may want to know how to apply for a visa as a family. So find out about the visa and NZeTA application process for families online and other essential legal requirements you need to know before you go on holiday to New Zealand with your children.

Group visa application for New Zealand: key points

• Children must have a visa or NZeTA to travel to New Zealand, whatever their age.
• It is necessary to apply for a visa for each member of the family
• The NZeTA visa procedure for New Zealand allows group applications for families
• There is no discounted visa or NZeTA rate for children or families.

When is a visa required for a family trip to New Zealand?

A visa is generally required for family travel to New Zealand if you plan to stay for more than 90 days or if you intend to work or study during your stay. However, travellers to New Zealand for tourism or non-remunerated business purposes may be eligible for a short-term visa (less than 90 days) in the form of an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

It is therefore important to check the visa requirements for each family member before travelling, as these may vary depending on the length of stay, reasons for travel, age and occupation of each person. It is also advisable to check the New Zealand government website for the latest visa requirements for family travellers from your country of residence. Alternatively, contact the New Zealand embassy or consulate in your home country for up-to-date information on visa requirements for your family trip.

How to apply for a New Zealand group visa for the whole family?

To apply for a group visa in New Zealand, it is usually necessary to complete an online application for each family member. It is important to check the visa requirements for children, as they may be different for adults. Here are the general steps for applying for a whole family visa:

• Check the New Zealand government website for visa requirements for travellers from your country of residence.
• Prepare the necessary documents for each family member, such as valid passports, passport photos, proof of residence and information on criminal history and possible health problems.
• Complete the online group visa application forms for each family member.
• Make visa fee payments for each family member.
• Submit visa applications online for each family member and wait for a response.

How do I apply for an NZeTA for the whole family?

To apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) for the whole family, it is usually necessary to complete an online application for each family member travelling. It is important to check the NZeTA requirements for children, as they may be different for adults. Here are the general steps for applying for a whole family NZeTA:

• Access the New Zealand government website to check the NZeTA requirements for travellers from your country of residence.
• Prepare the necessary documents for each family member, such as valid passports, information on criminal history and any health problems.
• Complete NZeTA application forms online for each family member.
• Make NZeTA fee payments for each family member.
• Submit NZeTA applications online for each family member and wait for a response.

What are the formalities for travelling to New Zealand with your children?

Apart from the need to obtain an NZeTA visa, there are no specific formalities for travelling with children to New Zealand, but it is important to check the requirements for travelling with children before travelling. Here are some formalities to consider:

• Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult when travelling. It is therefore recommended that children have valid proof of identity, such as an identity card or passport.
• New Zealand authorities may require proof of parentage or custody for children travelling without their parent. It is therefore advisable to keep a copy of the proof of parentage or custody for each family member when travelling.
• It is recommended that you check the visa and testing requirements for COVID-19 for children, as these may be different for adults.
• It is also advisable to check the vaccination requirements for children, as some vaccines may be recommended for children in certain age groups.
• It is important to check travel restrictions and any quarantine protocols in place in New Zealand for family travellers before you leave.

Is a visa or NZeTA required for British minors travelling from the UK?

Minor children must have a valid passport to travel to New Zealand. They are subject to the same visa or NZeTA requirements as adults.

For stays of less than 90 days, British travellers, including minor children, must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travelling to New Zealand. To obtain an NZeTA, you need to complete an online application, have a valid passport and pay the applicable fee.

For stays of more than 90 days, British travellers, including minor children, must obtain a valid visa before travelling to New Zealand. To obtain a visa, it is necessary to complete an online application, provide the required documents, pay the visa fee and wait for a response from the New Zealand government.

It is important to check visa and NZeTA requirements before travelling, as these may change depending on the current situation. It is also advisable to check the New Zealand government website for the latest information.

Other documents required specifically for children when travelling to New Zealand

Travelling with children to New Zealand requires careful preparation, particularly in terms of specific documents. This not only ensures that you meet the country's legal requirements, but also guarantees smooth passage through customs. Here are the key documents to bring:

• Individual passport: Every child, whether infant or teenager, must have their own valid passport. To avoid any complications, it is recommended that the passport be valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of departure from New Zealand.
• Visa or NZeTA: Children, like adults, require authorization to enter New Zealand. Depending on their nationality, this may be a visa or an electronic travel authorization called an NZeTA. This must be done for each child, even if they are travelling with their parents.
• Proof of relationship: New Zealand authorities may require proof of relationship between the child and the accompanying adult, especially if they have different surnames. A birth certificate, translated into English if necessary, is generally required.
• Parental authorisation letter: If a child is travelling with only one parent or with an accompanying adult other than the parents, a parental authorisation letter signed by both parents or legal guardians is essential. This document must contain the parents' contact details, information about the trip (dates and itinerary) and details of the accompanying person.
• Health documents: If the child is undergoing medical treatment or has special needs, take a prescription translated into English for any medicines or equipment required. The authorities may also request vaccination certificates depending on the global health situation.
• Travel insurance: Although not required, travel insurance covering children is strongly recommended. This guarantees that any medical or emergency expenses will be covered.

By following these recommendations, European families will be able to travel to New Zealand with peace of mind, while respecting local obligations. Careful planning is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of children throughout their stay.