Nonrefundable visitor levy is ‘underhand’ – immigration advisor

Nonrefundable visitor levy is ‘underhand’ – immigration advisor
The Kākāpō Recovery Programme received a grant of $8 million, paid for by the International Visitor Levy. (Image: NZ Herald)
Jem Traylen
The Government stands to make around $10 million a year by taxing tourists who will never set foot in the country.A non-refundable International Visitor Levy (IVL), set to increase to $100, is paid along with other visa processing fees on application, and nothing is refunded if the visa is declined.A separate border levy is also collected by travel agents, which covers the costs of Customs and biosecurity.While visa application fees are meant to recover Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) costs, the IVL pays for tourism and conservation proje...

More Policy

LNG imports: Watts open-minded on scale
Policy

LNG imports: Watts open-minded on scale

Energy sector analysts fear a "small, cheap" option will push up the LNG price NZ pays.

Pattrick Smellie 09 Oct 2025
Adrian Orr launches new company as restraint of trade lifts
Economy

Adrian Orr launches new company as restraint of trade lifts

It’s been six months since his exit from the central bank.

Denise McNabb 07 Oct 2025
Auckland’s Milldale housing project approved
Policy

Auckland’s Milldale housing project approved

The project is the third approved since applications opened in February.

Michael Neilson 03 Oct 2025
Govt outlines strategy to deliver Defence Capability Plan
Economy

Govt outlines strategy to deliver Defence Capability Plan

The economy and NZ industry would be beneficiaries.

Staff reporters 03 Oct 2025