New Zealand raises tourist levy, issues warning for Summer 2024/25 visa applications

New Zealand’s International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is set to rise from 1 October 2024. The tourist tax will increase almost 200% from its current level of NZD $35 to NZD $100, with government ministers claiming that the increased charge will improve conservation efforts and help with the upkeep of infrastructure in popular tourist destinations across the country.

Immigration New Zealand has also issued a warning to tourists ahead of the peak summer season for 2024/25, encouraging them to submit visitor visa applications around six to eight weeks ahead of the planned travel dates to ensure that they can be processed in time.

Tourism Levy Increased to $100

The IVL is payable by most visitors to New Zealand, with exemptions for residents, business visitors, transit passengers and citizens or residents of Australia. This increase is the first since the levy was introduced in 2019 and, according to the New Zealand Government, was supported by 93% of respondents to a recent consultation by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment.

According to Matt Doocey, New Zealand’s Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, the tourist tax hike is not expected to have an impact on the overall number of tourists travelling to New Zealand. The additional funds generated will be used for projects such as protecting biodiversity in the country’s national parks and improving the visitor experience on publicly-maintained conservation land.

Timely Visitor Visa Applications Encouraged 

The Director of Visas at Immigration New Zealand, Jock Gilray, announced in a statement that his agency expects a large number of applications for visas to visit New Zealand this Christmas and New Year. As such, individuals wishing to visit New Zealand around Christmas and New Year (including Chinese Lunar New Year on 29 January 2025) are being advised to ensure they submit their visitor visa applications in good time.

Mr Gilray urged those planning to visit New Zealand for Christmas to submit their complete applications by 15 October 2024, while those planning to visit in January 2025 should finalise and send in their application by 15 November 2024. He warned that applications submitted after these dates may not be processed in time for applicants’ planned itineraries.

As with all visa applications, you can minimize delays and reduce the risk of delays in processing your application by ensuring that you provide accurate, up-to-date information and do not omit any details or supporting documentation required by Immigration New Zealand to reach a decision.