Kiwis now need visas for South Africa
This is in response to New Zealand’s withdrawal of visa free travel arrangements for South African passport holders
HOME Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba has announced that South Africa has taken a decision to reciprocate by withdrawing the visa exemption which New Zealand passport holders enjoy.
This is in response to New Zealand’s withdrawal of visa free travel arrangements for South African passport holders.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Tuesday, Minister Gigaba said South Africa has adopted a visa policy which is based on the principle of reciprocity.
New Zealand diplomatic, official and ordinary passport holders, who arrive at a South African port of entry on or after 16 January 2017 and are not in possession of a visa for the intended purpose and duration of stay, will not be allowed entry into South Africa.
Decision not taken lightly
‘We have been of the considered view that South Africa on its part should not unduly impose severe restrictions on other states and their citizens wishing to travel to our country.
Gigaba says,’It is not our policy to deter foreign visitors or to reduce the flow of tourists, business people and other travellers to our country.
‘Immigration, particularly for development, is high on our agenda, and thus the current endeavour on our part comprehensively to review our international migration policy.
‘We remain ever committed to the vision of a country, region, continent and world in which people are and feel safe, and shall not be distracted from working for the creation of a better continent and a better world for all of humanity,’ Gigaba said.
New Zealand withdrawal
On 19 September, the New Zealand High Commission officially informed the South African Government of a decision to introduce visa requirements for all South African nationals wishing to travel to New Zealand with effect from 21 November.
On 3 October an announcement in this regard was made in the media.
The New Zealand Government attributed certain factors which led them to the decision to withdraw the visa waiver arrangements for South African passport holders.
It listed, among others, the number of South African visitors who exploit the visa waiver arrangement to visit family and friends in New Zealand, as opposed to travelling to New Zealand for tourism or business purposes.
New Zealand also said the number of South African visitors who had overstayed the three months visa waiver limit or who did not return to South Africa and the number of South African travellers who had been refused entry at the New Zealand border due to counterfeit or fraudulently obtained South African passports were contributing factors.
New Zealand ordinary passport holders should visit the department’s website at www.dha.gov.za to acquaint themselves with the supporting documents that need to accompany a visa application before visiting the South African High Commission in Wellington to submit a visa application form and supporting documents in person.
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