What changed on 24 August 2026?
Immigration New Zealand moved new Group Visitor Visa and Tour Escort Visitor Visa applications into its enhanced Immigration Online system from 24 August 2026. The transition covers Group Visitor Visa applications, including general and Approved Destination Status (ADS) groups, as well as Tour Escort Visitor Visa applications and the relevant ADS free-and-independent-traveller route.
Applications that had already been submitted in the old system continue to be processed. The change mainly affects new applications and old drafts that had not yet been submitted.
Old draft applications have a deadline
Immigration New Zealand states that draft Group and Tour Escort visitor applications in the old form must be completed and submitted by 7 October 2026. From 8 October, remaining old-form drafts are deleted and applicants need to start again in the enhanced system.
How a Group Visitor Visa application works
A group application is designed for people travelling together to New Zealand for the same purpose. One person creates and submits the group application and pays for it, but each group member still needs a completed individual Visitor Visa application within the group process. A group contact is also used for communication about travel details and the application.
Travel agencies and other authorised helpers can use the sharing functions in enhanced Immigration Online. Anyone helping with an application should stay within New Zealand immigration-advice rules and accurately record information supplied by the applicant.
Tour escorts and supporting documents
If a tour escort is travelling with the group, the escort applies separately for the Tour Escort Visitor Visa rather than being included as a normal group member. The group itinerary should still identify the escort where required.
Immigration New Zealand also requires English translations for documents that are not in English. Applicants should upload the required documents for both the group and each individual member and keep the itinerary, purpose of travel and group details consistent.
Paper applications and the enhanced online system
Immigration New Zealand has also announced broader changes to paper visitor and transit applications. From 1 October 2026, selected visa categories that are covered by the change must be submitted through enhanced Immigration Online. Because transition rules can differ by visa product, check the current official visa page before relying on an older paper form.
Official Immigration New Zealand sources
Always use the current Immigration New Zealand page for the final requirements, fees, processing information and system instructions.