Originally Posted by
JandM
No, the date by which the visa must be activated is ABSOLUTE. Even when planning to travel, it is recommended to allow at least 4 days before the use-by date, because NO excuses are accepted. Arrive at the NZ airport 10 minutes after the end of the day in question, even if it is because there was an aircraft malfunction or severe weather event (i.e. nothing that was your fault, absolutely beyond your control), and you would still be refused entry because your visa and entry permission would have lapsed through non-activation.
You do not both have to travel together. One can go and activate their visa while they are well, then the other later if in their turn they have recovered, as long as it is before the date on the label.
Neither of you has to stay in NZ at that time, having activated the visa, if it is thought desirable for you to go back to complete a course of treatment.
Once I step in and activate my Visa, can I immediately return back? Or should I need to stay in NZ for some days?