New Zealand to open new Visa Application Centre in Tonga from September 14

New Zealand will open a new Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on September 14, 2026, allowing customers to access New Zealand visa services locally, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) said.

The centre will be operated by VFS Global on behalf of INZ and will accept paper visa applications and supporting documents through a face-to-face service. It will also offer longer opening hours and appointment bookings through the VFS Global Tonga website.

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The Tonga VAC will be located at the General Post Office, Ground Floor, Salote and Taufa‘ahau Road, Nuku’alofa.

RSE applications to be submitted at VAC

From September 14, all Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) visa applications must be submitted through the Tonga VAC.

INZ Tonga staff will be available during the first weeks of operation to assist customers submitting RSE applications.

The VAC service fee will be TOP 86. For RSE visa applications, the fee will be TOP 43 per application, in addition to any applicable visa application fee.

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Applicants who need to submit a scanned copy of their passport can also have their passports scanned at the VAC. A separate passport scanning fee will apply.

INZ said opening the VAC in Tonga reflects New Zealand’s relationship with the Pacific and will give customers easier access to visa services closer to home.

The centre will provide administrative support services only. It cannot provide immigration advice or influence visa decisions.