“All South African visitors to New Zealand will require visitor visas from the 21 November this year. These changes are being made as a result of an increase in the number of South African nationals who have been refused entry at the New Zealand border in comparison to other visa waiver countries‚” the New Zealand government announced on Monday.

“Additionally‚ there have been incidents of passengers who have been found holding counterfeit or fraudulently obtained South African passports.”

Currently‚ people from South Africa do not need to apply for a visitor visa before travelling to New Zealand‚ with genuine visitors being granted a visitor visa on arrival. But‚ as a result of the change‚ all visitors from South Africa will need to obtain a visa before travelling to New Zealand.

This follows tighter rules being imposed by Britain for the same reason‚ in 2009.

New Zealand authorities said even South Africans who had purchased a ticket prior to today’s announcement‚ should apply for a visitor visa.

The cost of a visitor visa is NZ$165 (R1‚646.98) if you apply before 21 November 2016.

From 21 November 2016 the cost for paper applications increases to $184 while the online cost remains $165.

All South African nationals passing through New Zealand as a transit passenger will also need to apply for a transit visa before they travel‚ unless they are travelling to Australia and hold a valid visa for this destination.

New Zealand will want you to prove that you have enough money to support yourself and everyone included in your application.

Amongst other criteria for a visitor visa‚ New Zealand will want you to prove that you have enough money to support yourself and everyone included in your application.

Find out more here.