Unveiling the Benefits and Purpose of the New Zealand Visa IVL
Are you ready for a breathtaking adventure in the Land of the Long White Cloud? Look no further, because New Zealand is calling your name! But before you embark on this unforgettable journey, there’s one important aspect to consider – the New Zealand Visa International Visitor Levy (IVL). Curious about its benefits and purpose? Join us as we unveil all you need to know about this visa fee that opens doors to endless opportunities. From conserving natural wonders to enhancing your travel experience, get ready to discover why the IVL is more than just a simple requirement; it’s an integral part of your Kiwi escapade! NEW ZEALAND VISA IVL
Introduction to the New Zealand Visa IVL
The New Zealand Visa International Visitor Levy (IVL) is a new border clearance measure that was introduced by the New Zealand government in July 2019. The purpose of this levy is to offset the costs of providing tourist services, infrastructure and conservation programs in the country. It is applicable to all international visitors entering New Zealand, including those on short-term stays, transit visas, and cruise ship passengers.
The IVL was developed as part of the Immigration Amendment Act 2018 which aims to improve the overall experience for tourists visiting New Zealand while also supporting sustainable tourism practices. This means that every visitor who enters New Zealand will be contributing towards maintaining and enhancing the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Who needs to pay?
All international visitors aged 2 years and above are required to pay the IVL before arriving in New Zealand. This includes people from visa-waiver countries who do not need a visa to enter New Zealand, as well as those who require a visa prior to arrival. NEW ZEALAND VISA WAIVER COUNTRIES
How much does it cost?
The IVL fee is NZD $35 per person and is payable at the time of applying for a visa or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The ETA can be obtained online through Immigration New Zealand’s website or through approved travel agents. The fee can also be paid upon arrival at airports or seaports when applying for a transit visa.
What is the IVL and How Does it Work?
The IVL, or International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, is a new fee that was introduced by the New Zealand government in 2019. It is designed to help sustain and protect the country’s natural environment and improve the infrastructure for tourists. In this section, we will delve into what the IVL is exactly and how it works.
What is the IVL?
In simple terms, the IVL is a small charge that all international visitors entering New Zealand are required to pay. It costs NZD $35 per person and can be paid at the same time as your visa application or upon arrival in New Zealand. The revenue generated from this levy will be used to fund conservation projects and support tourism initiatives across the country.
How does it work?
The process of paying for the IVL may vary depending on your mode of entry into New Zealand. If you are applying for a visa online, you will have an option to pay for both your visa application fee and IVL together. If you choose to pay separately, you can do so through Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card or via PayPal.
If you are coming to New Zealand without a visa (visa waiver countries), then you can either pay for your IVL upon arrival at Immigration New Zealand counters using cash or EFTPOS, or through an online application prior to travel.
Benefits of the IVL for Travelers
The introduction of the New Zealand Visa International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) has brought about numerous benefits for travelers planning to visit this beautiful country. The IVL was introduced in 2019 with a primary aim to help sustain and protect New Zealand’s natural environment, cultural heritage, and infrastructure. However, it also offers several advantages for tourists that make their trip more convenient and enjoyable. In this section, we will discuss some of the key benefits of the IVL for travelers.
1. Simplifies Visa Process
One significant benefit of the IVL is that it simplifies the visa process for travelers visiting New Zealand. Previously, visitors had to pay separate fees for a visa application and a tourism tax upon arrival at the airport. With the introduction of IVL, these two fees have been combined into one payment, making it easier and more efficient for travelers to obtain their visas.
2. Cost-Effective
Another advantage of the IVL is that it is cost-effective compared to other similar levies or taxes imposed by other countries. Travelers are required to pay only NZD $35 as an IVL fee per person instead of multiple fees under different names. This streamlined approach saves costs for both visitors and authorities while ensuring sustainable tourism practices in New Zealand.
Purpose of the IVL for New Zealand
The purpose of the IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) for New Zealand is to support the sustainable growth and development of the tourism industry in the country. It aims to provide a stable source of funding for conservation and infrastructure projects, while also ensuring that visitors have a positive impact on the country’s natural environment, culture, and communities.
One of the main reasons for implementing the IVL is to address the increasing strain on New Zealand’s natural resources due to growing tourism numbers. As more people visit and experience all that this beautiful country has to offer, there is a higher demand for facilities, services, and activities. This can lead to negative effects such as overcrowding at popular tourist destinations, damage to sensitive ecosystems, and pressure on local communities.
Through the collection of IVL fees from international visitors, New Zealand can invest in projects aimed at protecting its natural environment. This includes initiatives such as pest control programs, reforestation efforts, and maintaining hiking trails in national parks. These projects not only help preserve the country’s unique flora and fauna but also ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy them.
Moreover, a portion of IVL funds will go towards supporting cultural heritage preservation and community development projects. This allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s rich history and traditions while also contributing positively to local communities.
In addition to supporting conservation efforts, another important purpose of the IVL is to improve visitor experiences. By investing in infrastructure projects such as upgrading public facilities like toilets or
How to Pay and Apply for the IVL
Paying and applying for the New Zealand International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is a relatively straightforward process. In this section, we will guide you through the steps of paying and applying for the IVL so that you can easily obtain your visa to visit beautiful New Zealand.
Determine if you are required to pay the IVL
The first step is to determine whether or not you need to pay the IVL. The IVL is currently only applicable to visitors from visa-waiver countries who are entering New Zealand for less than six months. If you are from a visa-required country or planning to stay in New Zealand for longer than six months, then you do not need to pay the IVL.
Conclusion: Is the IVL worth it?
After exploring the benefits and purpose of the New Zealand Visa International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), it is time to address the burning question – is it really worth it? The answer may vary for each individual, but here are some factors to consider before making a decision.
1. Financial Impact:
One of the main concerns for travelers is the additional cost of the IVL. Currently, the levy costs NZ$35 for most visitors and NZ$20 for citizens from certain countries with visa waiver agreements. This amount may seem like a lot, especially when added on top of other travel expenses. However, it is important to remember that this fee goes towards conservation initiatives and promoting sustainable tourism in New Zealand. The country heavily relies on its natural beauty and preserving it ensures future generations can also enjoy its wonders.
2. Ease of Application:
The IVL is automatically included in your visa application process, which means you do not need to take any extra steps or pay an additional fee separately. This makes obtaining your visa much more convenient as everything can be done online without having to visit an embassy or consulate.
3. Positive Impact on New Zealand:
As mentioned earlier, the funds collected through the IVL are used towards conservation efforts and promoting sustainable tourism in New Zealand. By paying this levy, travelers are directly contributing to these initiatives and leaving a positive impact on the country they are visiting. This also helps preserve popular tourist destinations from being overcrowded or damaged due to irresponsible tourism practices.