What Happens if You Overstay Your New Zealand eTA?
To improve the immigration system of New Zealand, the government launched a scheme on 1st October 2019. The NZeTA helps the government to take control over border security checks, ensures hassle-free entry and keeps up with the compliance in accordance with regulations set by the immigration department.
The NZeTA is valid for travelers belonging to visa waiver countries and the cruise ship passengers for entering New Zealand.
After the introduction of the NZeTA, it has been made compulsory for the eligible travelers to apply for the electronic visa who are planning to enter the country for short-stays for various reasons like tourism, transiting through the nation or attending business affairs.
Important Factors related to NZeTA
To make sure that the travelers comply with the rules and regulations of NZeTA, here are some of the factors that you should know:
Know the expiry date of NZeTA
It is important to know the expiry date of NZeTA, as it allows you to stay in New Zealand for a specified period of time. So before you visit New Zealand, you should know the expiry date so that it remains valid during your stay in the country.
Know the maximum stay period offered per visit
Although the NZeTA is valid for 2 years with multiple entries, it offers travelers to stay in New Zealand for 3 months (90 days) per visit. It is crucial for the travelers to stick to the stay period offered to avoid any unwanted issues. If a traveler overstays with the NZeTA, it may result in penalties, fines, etc.
Know the expiry date of your passport
Apart from keeping a check on the expiry of your NZeTA, travelers must also check the validity of their passport. The passport must also be valid for 3 months including till the time you return. If your passport is expiring before your return, you need to update your passport, otherwise you will have to face serious issues, or rejection of NZeTA application.
Understanding the Expiration Date of Your NZeTA
Travelers before traveling to New Zealand should know the expiry date of the travel authority, here are some of the key points related to the NZeTA that will help you understand about the expiration date:
Validity period of NZeTA
This travel authority is valid for 2 years and when you apply for the NZeTA the approved NZeTA gets automatically connected to the passport. With the approved NZeTA, travelers can enjoy entry into the nation multiple times for two years for activities related to tourism, transiting and business.
Do inspect your Passport for its expiry date
As the NZeTA is electronically linked with the passport, it is necessary to know that your passport should be valid before applying for the NZeTA. The NZeTA is valid for 2-years and is connected to your passport, so make sure that your passport is valid to enjoy multiple-entries into the nation. On expiry of your passport, your NZeTA will be invalid too. Post passport updation, you will have to apply for a new NZeTA.
NZeTA will automatically become invalid
Once the approved NZeTA completes its 2-years of duration, it will become invalid. It means travelers will have to apply for a new NZeTA, after it expires, in case they plan to visit the country again.
Time for your NZeTA renewal
On expiry of the NZeTA, travelers will be required to apply for a new NZeTA. You cannot extend your NZeTA, instead when it expires apply for a fresh NZeTA. You will have to again go through the same process of applying for the NZeTA online and pay the NZeTA fees and wait for the NZeTA to get approved.
Recheck the Expiry Date of your NZeTA
You have to be certain about the expiry date of your NZeTA, below are some of the different ways mentioned to check the expiry date:
Check the approved NZeTA mail
The approved NZeTA is sent through email which contains important information like start date and expiry date. Simply save this email and note down the start and expiry date of the NZeTA.
Cross-check the expiry date of NZeTA
Cross-checking the validity period of the NZeTA is important so that you have the correct information and you don't fall into any unwanted issues.
Check the status of NZeTA in advance
If you already have the approved NZeTA and you have the intention to visit New Zealand, you can visit the website,login and get access to the permit details of the NZeTA.
Checking in advance the expiry date of the NZeTA, you are sure to avoid any unwanted boundations in your travel plans.
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Time-period offered to Stay in New Zealand with the NZeTA
Visitors are provided with a certain duration of time to stay in New Zealand with the approved NZeTA, for more information check below:
Stay limit offered
With the approved NZeTA travelers are offered a 3 months (90 days) stay period, and it applies to most of the nationalities.
Extended stay offered to UK Citizens
Only UK citizens are offered extended stays, they are allowed to stay in New Zealand for 6 months.
Arriving date and departure date
On the day of your arrival in New Zealand, it is counted as day one. It is important to plan your departure date according to the stay limit offered in your NZeTA. The stay-limit offered is 3 months from the day you arrive.
Result of overstaying with the NZeTA
Travelers with the approved NZeTA, should stay within the time-period offered. Extension of the stay is not allowed, doing so you will have to bear the consequences of serious fines and penalties. To keep a strict check on overstaying, the passport of the traveler will be scanned at the check-gates upon departure. If it is found that you have overstayed, you will have to face fines, penalties, deportation, legal issues and even ban on future travels. It is advised to comply with the time-allotted for your stay.
Wishing for longer stays
If travelers are planning to stay in New Zealand for a longer period that is more than the time period offered in the NZeTA, then you have to apply for a visa that fulfills the purpose of your visit along with the stay period. Check with the immigration authorities for clarification about the type of visa you should apply for.
Having a better clarification about the stay-limit granted with the NZeTA is important for enjoying a smooth entry and exit from the country. Travelers should plan their visit to New Zealand in such a way that they stick to the timeframe allotted. If you want to enjoy a long stay in New Zealand, then you should consult with the immigration specialist and apply for the right visa.
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Is your NZeTA Valid with an Expired Passport?
It is important that travelers should know about the validity of NZeTA with expired passport, here is what you need to know:
Valid Passport for applying NZeTA
Since NZeTA is electronically linked to your passport, hence the validity of your passport is crucial. Therefore travelers cannot use an expired passport with NZeTA.
Opt for new NZeTA
When your passport expires, it is advised to apply for a new NZeTA with your updated passport (with the new issuing date and expiry date). The application process to apply for NZeTA again remains the same.
Validity of your passport
With the passport you are applying for NZeTA, should have a minimal 3 months (90 days) validity period, surpassing your return period. Traveling with an expired passport or passport that is about to expire is not allowed as the NZeTA also becomes invalid with it. Travelers should make sure that the passport is valid before applying for the new NZeTA.
Penalties for Overstaying with the NZeTA
Travelers should know that overstaying with the NZeTA, beyond the allotted days, severe fines and penalties may be imposed. Here are is a list of the penalties that might be imposed in case you overstay:
Ban on future entries into the country
Travelers who have extended their stay in New Zealand, might face a ban on future entry into the nation. The period of ban will be dependent on the number of days overstayed and on the judgment of the immigration officials.
Deportation from the nation
Overstaying with the NZeTA can lead to deportation from the nation. Individuals who have exceeded his stay will be kept in a detention center, once his arrangements are met he will be deported from the country. This leaves a bad impression as you are forcibly moved and you have to face extra fines and other future entry restrictions.
Problems for family members or any person assisting in overstaying
Those who are already staying in New Zealand assisting individuals to overstay with the NZeTA can also face serious penalties and fines. In fact their immigration status is reviewed, might have to face future entry restrictions, visa cancellations, etc.
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Travelers from visa-waiver countries have to apply for the electronic authorization from 1st October 2019, to visit New Zealand. If you want to know the New Zealand eTA for First Time Travelers for short-term travel to the country, here is the required information.
Measures to Undertake if you have Overstayed with your NZeTA
Travelers if intentionally or unintentionally overstayed with the NZeTA, here are some of the important options that you can opt for
Immediately depart from New Zealand
The most reliable and fast option to avoid fines and penalties is to immediately depart from New Zealand, voluntarily, as soon as possible. If you leave the country voluntarily, you will be able to lessen the legal charges that might be imposed on you and get rid of unnecessary barriers. Simply stick to the rules, and act in accordance with the authorities.
Appeal for resident or temporary visa
If a traveler has overstayed, he can plea for resident or temporary visa. However it will entirely depend on the circumstance and the reason for your resident or temporary visa application. Cases for which the resident or temporary visa can be applied include unforeseen emergencies. But there is no confirmation that your resident or temporary visa appeal will be accepted or not.
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Those travelers from visa-waiver countries wishing for short-stays as vacationers to explore New Zealand or for business activities or for transiting through New Zealand, they should Apply For NZ eTA with the Online New Zealand Visa Application. Those who do not belong to visa-waiver countries should apply for a normal regular visa.
Appealing for a Temporary or Resident Visa in New Zealand
In case, due to some unforeseen incidents you have overstayed with your NZeTA, you can try requesting for the resident visa or temporary visa, according to the New Zealand Immigration Act of section 61. If you are not aware as to how it works, below are the steps to follow:
Draw up a written request
Write a letter, requesting for resident visa or temporary visa, explaining your situation and why you need it. Clearly mention the unforeseen and exceptional situations that support your request for the resident or temporary visa with proper evidence, documents that support your reason for extending your stay.
Submission by post
Below is the postal address for postal submission, requesting for resident visa or temporary visa:
Immigration New Zealand, Manukau City, Auckland 2241, PO Box 76895, New Zealand
Make sure that your request for resident visa or temporary visa is well documented, systematically arranged and clearly mentioning the reason as to why your request should be accepted.
Wait for the reply
Once you submit your request for resident or temporary visa, the New Zealand immigration officials will cross-check your application and verify thoroughly. Sometimes the processing-time might be longer due to extra checks and verification, so calmly wait for the visa result.
Next instructions mentioned to be followed
If the request is approved, the immigration department will provide a set of instructions which you are required to follow. This may include providing additional documents, fees or next steps to follow to receive the resident or temporary visa.
Written Application for Visa Extension Request to New Zealand Immigration
When the traveler is requesting for visa extension, it is important to provide a thorough clarification, explaining your situation and the reason for your request. To improve the chances of considering the written request for visa extension, below are the important points that you must include:
Provide basic personal details
The applicant should provide details like full name, nationality, date of birth, gender, passport number, passport issuing country, passport issue and expiry date, mobile number, email address, residence address, etc. If requested in the form, provide Immigration New Zealand client number.
Accurate and honest reason for overstaying
Mention accurately and honestly the reason for overstaying, the unforeseen situations or challenges that might have obstructed you from leaving New Zealand within the timeframe offered. Explain in detail about the events that led to the extension of stay.
Give your reasons for not returning back to your nation
Provide genuine information, why you did not return back to your country and apply for a fresh NZeTA. State your personal or financial difficulties that made it impossible to leave New Zealand within the provided time-period.
Provide genuine reasons in support of your extension of stay
To request for your extension provide honest and genuine reasons. You can mention reasons like work, family issues, education or any other serious circumstance for which you were not able to leave New Zealand.
Long-term stay plans
If you have the intention to stay in the country for a longer-period of time, explain about your contributions to the country, how you are an asset to them, your experiences, qualification, and skills and your commitment for the growth and development of the nation.
Provide additional documents
In support of your request for visa extension, the applicant needs to submit additional documents that justifies your claim and provide extra evidence. You can include supporting letters, employment contract letters, academic transcripts, etc, that strengthens your cause of submitting the visa extension request.
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Approval or Denial of Visa Extension Requests
When a traveler is requesting for visa extension, it is important for them to know how the process goes, and what are its possible consequence, check the below mentioned points to be clear:
Decision depends on the immigration authority
Travelers requesting for the visa extension, their applications are reviewed thoroughly and verified by the immigration officials situated at INZ, Manukau City, Auckland, who have the right to accept or reject your request.
No boundation set to provide the reason for denial or acceptance
The immigration officer is not bound to provide the reason for denial or acceptance of the extension request. The acceptance or denial of your visa extension solely depends on the evaluation and the information provided by you.
Visa extension request, if denied
If your visa extension request is denied, you have to stick to the decision and immediately make preparations to leave the country. If you fail to do so, legal actions will be taken against you and you have to face the consequences, and even ban on future entry into the country.
If your visa extension request is accepted
If your visa extension request is accepted, you will have to pay the fees and if asked have to provide additional documents. After making the visa-extension fee, you will get the approved extended visa.
Seek assistance regarding visa extension
If you believe that you are qualified to plead for visa extension, you can visit the immigration office before your visa expires. The immigration officials will provide you proper guidance and advice related to your situation and how to go forward with the application.
Renewal of Overstayed NZeTA or Visitor Visa
Travelers should know that renewal on overstayed NZeTA or visitor visa is not allowed, so below are some of the other options that you can check:
Submit a written application for requesting visa extension
If you have overstayed with your NZeTA or visitor visa, you have to submit a written request for visa extension. You can highlight the factors in detail for which you need the extension. While submitting the requests make sure to follow the guidelines set by the immigration department like submit by email or visit the embassy to submit.
Reapply for new NZeTA
Travelers who have departed for their home country, if you desire to revisit, you can apply for a fresh NZeTA.
Request for fresh NZeTA
If you have returned back to your country and wish to visit New Zealand again, you have to apply for a new NZeTA. The application process to apply for the new NZeTA remains the same, simply make sure to provide correct information and valid supporting documents.
Note: Travelers should know that visa extension approval or applying for new NZeTA will entirely depend on the decision of the immigration officials. Each application is carefully evaluated and verified, so denial or acceptance solely varies from case to case and valid reason and documents provided.
Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for New Zealand eTA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). United States citizens, European citizens, Hong Kong citizens, and United Kingdom citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA. United Kingdom residents can stay on New Zealand eTA for 6 months while others for 90 days.