Category: New Zealand

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

7 More Countries Can Now Visit China Without a Visa

China is opening its doors wider than ever with a recent expansion of its visa-free entry program, now allowing citizens from seven additional countries to visit for up to 15 days without needing a visa.  This move is part of China’s broader effort to revive international tourism and stimulate economic growth after the pandemic years…
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EU’s Entry/Exit System Faces Fresh Delays Ahead of November 2024 Launch

The European Union’s much-anticipated Entry-Exit System (EES), which aims to revolutionise the way non-EU travellers enter and exit its borders, is once again under scrutiny as doubts grow over its readiness for the November 10 launch. EES, a cutting-edge biometric system designed to streamline border crossings, will use digital photographs and fingerprints to register travellers…
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New Zealand Hikes Tourist Tax: How It Will Affect Your Visit

Planning a trip to New Zealand? Starting October 1, 2024, the cost of entry will be significantly higher, with the country’s International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) set to nearly triple. The IVL, originally introduced in 2019 to support environmental conservation efforts, will increase from NZ$35 to NZ$100. This hike comes despite international tourist…
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New Zealand To Increase Visa Fees In October

The New Zealand government has announced a significant increase in visa fees set to take effect in October, aiming to generate over NZ$500 million in revenue over the next four years. The fee hike will affect various visa categories, including student, work, and visitor visas.  The most notable change is for student visas, which will…
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UK Among the Top 5 in World’s Most Powerful Passports – Latest Global Ranking July 2024

In an impressive climb, the UK’s passport has secured fourth place on the Henley Passport Index, which ranks the world’s best passports based on the number of countries where they are allowed visa-free entry. This is the UK’s highest position on the list since 2017, putting it alongside Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland.…
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