Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Immigration Act 2009

Visas - Visas generally

46: Grant of visa does not guarantee entry permission

You could also call this:

“Having a visa doesn't always mean you can enter New Zealand”

When you get a visa, it doesn’t always mean you can enter New Zealand. Even if you have a visa, you might not be allowed to come into the country.

There are two exceptions to this rule. If you have a permanent resident visa, you can enter New Zealand. Also, if you have a resident visa that was given to you while you were already in New Zealand, you can enter the country.

For all other types of visas, having the visa doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be allowed to enter New Zealand. The immigration officers at the border will still need to check if you can come in.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM1440649.

Topics:
Immigration and citizenship > Visas
Immigration and citizenship > Border control
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“Visa decisions are made at the discretion of immigration officials”

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47: Grant of visa may be conditional on payment of bond, or

“You might need to pay money before getting a visa”

Part 3 Visas
Visas generally

46Grant of visa does not guarantee entry permission

  1. The granting of a visa does not of itself entitle the holder to be granted entry permission.

  2. Subsection (1) applies except if the visa granted is—

  3. a permanent resident visa; or
    1. a resident visa, and the visa was granted in New Zealand.