Immigration New Zealand has recently scrapped the work visa requirement for international tour escorts.

The changes, which were effective from late May, mean that tour escorts will be able to travel to New Zealand as visitors. Previously, policy required that tour escorts hold work visas.

The change in policy has been designed to facilitate easier visa applications for tour escorts from visa-required countries (who will be eligible to apply for visitor visas rather than work visas), and visa-free travel to New Zealand for tour escorts from visa-waiver countries.

This brings international tour escorts in line with other work visa exemption groups, which include business sales representatives, visiting sports teams, events, conference and entertainment staff and management teams.

It is worth noting that a tour escort has a different role from a tour guide; their primary role is to provide pastoral care, facilitating arrival and departure formalities (across borders), translation where necessary, logistical support and organisation for the tour group.

People intending to travel to New Zealand as a tour guide are still required to obtain a work visa.

For more information, go to www.immigration.govt.nz