A recent analysis of New Zealand visitor visa applications reveals a wide range of rejection rates across different countries. While some nationalities face significant challenges, others have demonstrated high approval rates.
New Zealand’s allure as a global travel destination has grown exponentially, attracting visitors from around the world. However, the persistent challenge of securing a visitor visa can mar the dream of exploring its stunning landscapes. Despite a surge in applications, many foreign nationals continue to face rejection rates for New Zealand visas.
Visa rejection rates for first-time visitor applicants to New Zealand from January 2023 to September 2024 highlight significant disparities among countries.
According to official data of Immigration New Zealand, countries like Pakistan and India have faced some of the highest rejection rates, while nations such as Thailand and South Africa saw considerably lower rejection percentages.
Below is a breakdown of the rejection trends for various countries;
Pakistan: Highest Rejection Rate at 71%
Pakistani nationals faced the highest rejection rate for visitor visas, with 71% of their applications being denied. Of the 7,030 applications submitted, a staggering 4,957 were rejected. This high rate reflects stringent scrutiny applied to visa applications from Pakistan, potentially due to concerns over meeting immigration requirements or incomplete documentation.
India: 28% Visa Rejection Rate
Indian nationals, representing one of the largest applicant groups, had a 28% rejection rate. With 134,290 applications, a total of 37,871 were declined. Although India ranks second in rejection rates, it remains one of the largest sources of visitor visa applicants to New Zealand, reflecting a strong interest in traveling to the country despite the challenges faced by some applicants.
Indonesia: 17% of Applicants Denied
Indonesia saw a 17% rejection rate for visitor visa applications. Out of 16,573 applications, 2,811 were declined. This moderate rejection rate places Indonesia in the middle of the spectrum, suggesting that while visa issues exist, a significant portion of Indonesian travelers are still able to successfully secure visas.
Fiji: 14% Rejection Rate
Fijian nationals faced a 14% rejection rate. Fiji’s 14,579 visa applications to New Zealand faced a 14% rejection rate, with 1,987 being denied. Although this is lower than neighboring countries like Pakistan and India, Fijian applicants still encounter hurdles in meeting New Zealand’s visa criteria.
Vietnam: 13% of Visas Rejected
Vietnamese travelers saw a 13% rejection rate, with 1,423 out of 10,641 applications being denied. This rejection rate is lower than in several other nations but still reflects a considerable number of applicants unable to meet New Zealand’s visa criteria.
Russia: 12% Rejection Rate
Russian nationals faced a 12% rejection rate for visitor visas, with 1,173 of 9,573 applications being denied. This places Russia on the lower end of rejection rates compared to other countries, although some challenges remain for Russian travelers looking to visit New Zealand.
China: Low Rejection Rate of 5%
Despite submitting the highest number of applications, Chinese nationals experienced one of the lowest rejection rates, at just 5%. Out of a total of 315,467 applications, only 14,836 were rejected. China remains a key source of visitors for New Zealand, and the low rejection rate suggests a streamlined process for Chinese applicants.
Philippines: 5% Rejection Rate
Similar to China, the Philippines had a 5% rejection rate, with 1,771 rejections out of 36,193 applications. This low figure indicates a relatively smooth visa process for Filipino nationals, making New Zealand an accessible destination for travelers from the Philippines.
Thailand: 4% Visa Rejection Rate
Thailand achieved the lowest rejection rate among major applicant countries, with only 4% of applications declined. New Zealand rejected only 874 out of 20,654 applications, making it a highly accessible destination for Thai travelers. The high approval rate likely stems from well-prepared applications or favorable bilateral relations between the two countries.
South Africa: 4% Rejection Rate
South African nationals also saw a 4% rejection rate, with 505 out of 13,676 applications being declined. This low rate highlights a relatively straightforward process for South African travelers seeking to visit New Zealand.
Source : https://travelobiz.com/new-zealand-visa-rejection-rates-surge-in-2024-latest-statistics-unveiled/
