When you are planning a trip to New Zealand, there is so much to think about. But what about language and culture? If you are Belgian, your options are limited as the two countries don’t have an official agreement on this topic. So how do you go about it?
What is the difference between a New Zealand visa and a Schengen visa?
There is a big difference between a New Zealand visa and a Schengen visa. A New Zealand visa is for tourists, while a Schengen visa is for people who are moving to another country within the Schengen Area. NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR BELGIAN CITIZENS
Do I need a visa?
You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand as long as you have a passport from a country that is listed on the New Zealand Visa Waiver Program. If you are not a citizen of one of these countries, you will need to obtain a visa in advance.
Some examples of countries that are on the Visa Waiver Program are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom.
For more information on the Visa Waiver Program and how to apply for a visa please visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/visa-waiver-program/
Are there any restrictions on which countries can enter New Zealand?
Belgian visitors travelling to New Zealand should be aware that the country is restricted to travellers from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru and the United States of America. NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR FRENCH CITIZENS
Can I visit other countries in the process of my stay in New Zealand?
Belgian visitors to New Zealand should note that they are allowed to visit other countries in the process of their stay in New Zealand, provided the visit does not exceed 90 days within a 180 day period. For example, a Belgian visitor who arrives in New Zealand on January 1 and leaves on December 31 would be allowed to visit Australia during that time period (90 days x 6 months = 540 days), but would not be allowed to visit Japan (90 days = 360 days).
Is there an exemption for working or travel during the course of your stay in New Zealand?
Belgian visitors can stay in New Zealand for up to three months without a visa and there is no restriction on working. However, Belgian citizens are required to have a travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses and loss of property in the event of an accident or illness.
What do I do to get my Schengen Visa or New Zealand Visa?
If you are planning to visit either New Zealand or Belgium, it is important to be aware of the specific visa requirements for each country.
Belgium has a visa-on-arrival policy for citizens of most countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and many European Union countries. To obtain a visa, all visitors must apply through the Belgian embassy or consulate in their home country.
New Zealand has a different visa policy for visitors from certain countries. Citizens of Australia, Canada, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland), Ireland and France can visit New Zealand without a visa for up to three months. Citizens of Germany and Switzerland can visit New Zealand for up to six months without a visa. Citizens of other countries must apply for a visitor’s visa before travelling to New Zealand. The application process can take several weeks and costs between NZD$100 and NZD$200.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand soon, be sure to know the Belgian cultural norms so that your trip goes off without a hitch! Here are some things you should do before arriving in order to make the most of your time in this beautiful country:
- Learn the basics about New Zealand’s currency and how it is different from Belgium’s.
- Familiarize yourself with some of the main tourist attractions, like The Vatican and Auckland Sky Tower.
- Find out what types of foods are commonly eaten in New Zealand (ie., Kiwi fruit, sheep farming) and learn how to say them in Maori.
- Prepare for possible rain or snow by packing appropriate clothing and gear for both conditions.