New Zealanders now need a visa to visit South Africa and it will come into force next year on January 16.
The surprise move comes after the move of Kiwi government earlier this year. An increase number of South Africans were refused entry at the border compared to other visa waiver countries.
Meanwhile, Immigration New Zealand general manager Peter Elms said the country only allows those visitors to the country who meet the immigration requirements and with the changes they are now in line with countries like United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia who welcomes and encourage legitimate visitors.
South Africa Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba said the government has matched the move like several other international governments and has applied the principle of reciprocity in maintaining their international relationships.
He added the visa fees will however remain low and all the other documentations will be made in the interests of South Africa’s broader national interests.
Gigaba further mentioned he has directed the departmental officials to take a close look at the decisions of other countries who have reciprocated similarly in international relations.
Both the countries enjoyed visa-free visit agreement for twenty years and a person visiting freely to friends and family cannot exceed the stay more than three months.
In 1996 the two countries agreed to allow citizens of each other to visit their country without a visa.
Lately it was found the South Africans are overstaying and are taking the help of fraudulent documents and people.
