Airports and airlines are welcoming the government’s decision to remove certified translation requirements for visitor visa applications, reducing barriers for travellers and improving New Zealand’s global competitiveness as a tourism destination. Currently, visitors applying to come to New Zealand in languages other than English must provide certified translations of their documents – a process that adds time, cost, and complexity not required by other countries.
The announcement by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford means that while translations will still be required, visitors will no longer need to engage and pay for certified translation services. Instead, they will simply need to provide details of who completed the translation and their relevant qualifications or experience.
“We know this extra translation requirement has been a source of frustration and has affected perceptions of New Zealand in key visa markets,” says NZ Airports Chief Executive Billie Moore. “The Ministers’ announcement today will measurably improve New Zealand’s competitiveness as a tourism destination. We strongly support practical steps like this that make it easier for people to choose to apply and come here.”
Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand Executive Director Cath O’Brien agrees. “To maintain and expand New Zealand’s air connectivity, we need to systematically address friction points like this one. We fully support the commitment from Minister Upston today to make travel to New Zealand as seamless and easy as possible.”
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