New Zealand to introduce safer visa payments system for applicants

New Zealand is planning to introduce a safer system for online visa payments, which is aimed at protecting applicants from online payment fraud and making the visa process more secure.

The new system uses 3D Secure, an additional layer of authentication for card payments. After entering card details, applicants may be asked to:

• Enter a one-time code sent to the cardholder’s phone or email
• Follow a verification link sent to the cardholder’s email
• Enter a code from the cardholder’s banking app

These steps will confirm that the payment is genuine and secure.


Those using a family member’s or agent’s card must have permission and may need to coordinate with them to complete the transaction. The system is already used in countries such as Australia and should not prevent applicants from using their cards.

Guidance on using 3D Secure for visa payments is available online, and applicants needing help must contact Immigration New Zealand directly.