New Zealanders visiting South Africa will be required to apply for a visa as of January 16, Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba has said.
The move follows similar visa requirements imposed on South African nationals by the government of New Zealand, which declared on October 3 that it was ending a visa waiver for South African passport holders dating back to 1996.
New Zealand had cited the number of South African visitors who had overstayed the three-month visa waiver visit, the number who had been denied entry due to fraudulent documentation, and the number using the waiver to visit family or friends rather than for business or tourism purposes, Gigaba said.
That new visa requirement came into effect on November 21.
South Africa, like other governments, applied the principle of reciprocity in international relations, but in a "pragmatic manner" in line with national interests, the minister said.
"We have further noted, in recent times, a number of countries have imposed visa restrictions on South African passport holders," said Gigaba.
"After a careful consideration , I have directed departmental officials to look closely at the decisions of these countries and advise accordingly whether or not South Africa should also reciprocate ."
South African passport holders did not pose a threat to countries, with improved security systems on the passports and the broader introduction of biometric measures to improve security at points of exit and entry.
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