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21 days tour

Ultimate New Zealand (Southbound, 21 Days)

$ 3,259 .82 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $3,259.82

Ultimate New Zealand (Southbound, 21 Days)

This tour includes:

Meals

6 Dinner (D) 20 Breakfast (B) Paihia: A dinner of fish โ€™nโ€™ chips, enjoyed while overlooking the Bay of Islands in Paihia. Is this heaven? No sir, itโ€™s just salt and vinegar.

Transport

Coach

Guide

Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Contiki through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. For guests travelling with Contiki from 1 January 2023, Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters are highly recommended, but no longer required. Please note that regardless of time of travel guests will need to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destination visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than above. It is guestsโ€™ responsibility to ensure that they comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if guests are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to their failure to comply with these requirements.

Accommodation

11 nights in Hotels, 5 nights in Hostels, 3 nights in Lodges, 1 night in Special Stay

Others

Christchurch: Which Version is Northbound vs Southbound? Southbound trips start in Auckland and end in Christchurch. Northbound trips start in Christchurch and finish in Auckland. Theyโ€™re both the same itineraries, just in reverse. Auckland: Cameras at the ready folks, the views will be extraordinary here. Auckland: With sailboats at every angle, this is a beaut view indeed. Whangฤrei: See the work of the visionary Austrian painter, architect and ecological activist who made New Zealand his spiritual home. Paihia: The Waitangi Treaty Grounds might just be NZโ€™s most important historical site, marking the place where the British Crown and the Mฤori people signed their first accords back in 1840. Rotorua: A traditional Mฤori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Mฤori feast... this ought to satisfy even the keenest of culture vultures. Rotorua: Wait til you see โ€™em. Wait til you smell โ€™em. These geothermic mudpools are a thing to behold. Huka Falls: Huka falls is a jaw-jutting display of natural hydro power. Here youโ€™ll see 220,000 litres of water tumble over the waterfall... per second that is(!) Mount Ruapehu: Today weโ€™ll check out Mt Ruapehu, an active stratovolcano elevated almost 2,800 metres into the air! Mount Ruapehu: See even more of the sights made famous by "The Lord of the Rings." Kaikลura: Weโ€™ll take a spectacular drive along the Kaikลura Coast, and pay a visit to a nearby seal colony. Yup, itโ€™s a coastal cuteness overload. Arthurโ€™s Pass: Check out the village that has been a haven for mountain climbers for over a century. Better keep your camera ready and eyes peeled - because this is spot where you might be able to get a glimpse of rare alpine parrots AKA Keas. Wฤnaka: A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers. Milford Sound: Cruise along the glassy waters and get the kind of view people write poems about. Youโ€™ll soon see why itโ€™s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arrowtown: A historic gold mining town, Arrowtown is known as one of the cutest towns in New Zealand, so see for yourself on a walking tour that covers all the best things to see in Arrowtown. Lake Tekapo: See the church on the shores of Lake Tekapo with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks - and get that iconic Insta pic too! Lake Tekapo: Weโ€™ll stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine... and watch happily on as NZโ€™s astonishing natural beauty takes your breath away. Lake Tekapo: The Dark Sky Experience combines Mฤori astronomy, storytelling and science together in one truly unique interactive display. Rotorua: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTERยฎ Experience, weโ€™ll head to National Kiwi Hatchery near Rotorua to learn all about the localsโ€™ efforts to protect New Zealandโ€™s adorable national bird. Kaikลura: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTERยฎ Experience, weโ€™ll meet eco-warrior Sabrina Leucht, who has dedicated many years of her life to helping New Zealandโ€™s injured native birds... and is now working to establish the regionโ€™s first wildlife hospital. Hokitika: The South Island is known for Pounamu (in fact, itโ€™s even named after the stuff.) Today in Hokitika, weโ€™ll meet with a local Mฤori Guide, whoโ€™ll tell us all about the connection between the illustrious greenstone and the Mฤori people. After that, weโ€™ll go and check some out for ourselves. Te Anau: Today weโ€™ll visit a local farm in Te Anau to support the Fairlight Foundation, which works to advance women in Agriculture. Weโ€™ll learn all about farming, as well as the Fairlight Foundation and the work that they do.

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Flights

International flights are not included.

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included.

Optional

Take a day trip to Cape Reinga at the very top of New Zealandโ€™s North Island NZ$117 Carino Day Sailing NZ$130 Discover the Bay NZ$149 Island Adventure Fast Boat NZ$78 Glide through NZโ€™s Bay of Islands on a Parasailing experience in Paihia From NZ$95 Auckland Bungy NZ$165 Live life on the edge with a climb over Aucklandโ€™s iconic harbour bridge NZ$130 Sky Walk Sky Jump NZ$225 Take a walk on the wild side with a Sky Walk around Aucklandโ€™s 328m high Sky Tower NZ$150 Get a multi-sensory icecream extravaganza with a Giapo Chefโ€™s Table icecream experience NZ$45 Go white water rafting down the crashing Kaituna River NZ$99 Hike the unique volcanic landscape of Mt Tarawera, Rotorua NZ$149 Explore native rainforest at dawn with breakfast & coffee followed by ziplining on a Contiki Exclusive Rotorua Rainforest Canopy tour NZ$149 Cook your kai (food) the traditional way over an active steam vent at Te Puia Maori Village, followed by a guided tour & hands-on weaving experience NZ$84 Chris Jolly Dinner & Party Cruise NZ$80 Take a leap over the lakeside town of Taupo with a tandem skydive From NZ$299 Experience the rush of a Huka Falls Jet boat ride NZ$115 Glacier Country Kayaks NZ$115 Across Country Quad Bikes NZ$160 Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing From NZ$245 Helihike NZ$439 Carve your own pounamu (jade) pendant using traditional Mฤori methods with a master carver at Franz Josef Boat and SUP the Kiwi Sanctuary Group Photograph NZ$19 Queenstown Wine Trail Swing through the tree tops on a Ziptrek Zipline tour in Queenstown NZ$189 Enjoy dinner with unparallelled views at Queenstownโ€™s Skyline restaurant NZ$85 Canyon Swing NZ$215 Funyaks NZ$359 Take your happy hour in sub-zero temperatures at Queenstownโ€™s Ice Bar experience NZ$20 Canyon Fox NZ$150 Take the plunge on the worldโ€™s OG bungy at Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown NZ$205 Jump off the third highest bungy platform in the world at AJ Hackettโ€™s Nevis Bungy in Queenstown NZ$275 Get a thrilling perspective of Queenstownโ€™s skyline with the famous AJ Hackett Ledge bungy NZ$205 Go all out with Thrillogy - 3 of Queenstownโ€™s world class bungy jumps including the historic Kawarau Bungy, the freestyle Ledge Bungy, and the hair-raising Nevis Bungy NZ$420 Take the swing of your life on the 300m Nevis Swing, one of the worldโ€™s biggest canyon swings in Queenstown NZ$210 Get your adrenalin pumping with AJ Hackettโ€™s Ledge Swing with sweeping views of Queenstown NZ$165 Queenstown Adventurer Canyoning NZ$199 Be awed by the magical twinkle of the Te Anau glowworm caves NZ$98 Grand Traverse Scenic Flight NZ$340

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Ultimate New Zealand (Southbound, 21 Days)

  • Day 1 Day 1: Tฤmaki Makaurau (Auckland) To Paihia Via Whangฤrei
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Tฤmaki Makaurau (Auckland) To Paihia Via Whangฤrei

      Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Contiki crew and cross Aucklandโ€™s Harbour Bridge admiring the โ€™City of Sailsโ€™ harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.Weโ€™ll stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangฤrei and check out the quirky exterior of the Hunderwasser art centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch weโ€™ll hit the road again towards the Bay of Islands.On arrival to the Bay of Islands weโ€™re starting off with a dose of Kiwi history on a guided tour at Waitangi Treaty grounds where in 1840 New Zealand officially became a nation of two communities. And because we like to give you that something extra, how about a free admission at the Treaty museum, in case you seek a bit more detail on Kiwi history. Tonight weโ€™ll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana fishโ€™nโ€™chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

  • Day 2 Day 2: Paihia
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Paihia

      Whether itโ€™s parasailing or cruising the Bay of Islands while sailing on Carino - todayโ€™s (idyllic) list of optionals reads like a whoโ€™s who of adventure. This area is filled with natural beauty and is sure to inspire your inner wild child. Make the most of the Free Time Add-On experiences on offer - tomorrow we head back to the big city vibes.

  • Day 3 Day 3: Paihia To Tฤmaki Makaurau (Auckland)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Paihia To Tฤmaki Makaurau (Auckland)

      After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia & sashay our way back down NZ in the direction of Auckland. Arriving in Auckland weโ€™ve got a array of awesome Free-Time Add-Ons to choose from. Adrenaline junkies, get ready for a bungee jump, climb over the iconic harbour bridge or sky jump off the Skywalk. For those who prefer to keep two feet on the ground, why not get your taste buds tingling with a multi-sensory icecream experience at Giapo?

  • Day 4 Day 4: Tฤmaki Makaurau (Auckland) To Rotorua
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Tฤmaki Makaurau (Auckland) To Rotorua

      Weโ€™ll drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealandโ€™s best Rugby players for the All Blacks. Weโ€™ll visit the worldโ€™s largest kiwi bird conservation project, watch the birds roam, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow and even visit the incubation centre where over 2,100 kiwi chicks have been born. Tonight, weโ€™ll enjoy a traditional Mฤori dinner and performance (youโ€™ll also have the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA).

  • Day 5 Day 5: Rotorua
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Rotorua

      The day is yours to roam free in this geothermal paradise. Soak in a hot spring, go white water rafting or hike up a volcano. The options are limitless and the decisions are yours. We recommend the Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour, exclusive to Contiki, where youโ€™ll watch the sun rise, eat some breakfast and drink coffee up in the towering trees as the birds make start their morning calls. Then, youโ€™ll get to soar 1200m through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

  • Day 6 Day 6: Rotorua To Taupล Nui A Kiwa (Lake Taupล) Via Huka Falls
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Rotorua To Taupล Nui A Kiwa (Lake Taupล) Via Huka Falls

      From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupล, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220,000 litres (thatโ€™s 58 000 gallons) of water gush over Huka Falls per second. Just let that sink in for a minute. Wild, right? Even wilder still is the Hukafalls Jet experience - a thrilling ride that will get you experiencing the full force of the falls and leave you with even more of a taste for adventure. A good thing really, given Lake Taupล is on the horizon. We arrive at Lake Taupล, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. Volcanic peak views & trout fishing will seamlessly slip us into quaint lake life. But donโ€™t be fooled by the seemingly still scenery - a skydive is on the menu if that adrenaline itch needs scratching.This evening we jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with our Contiki fam.

  • Day 7 Day 7: Taupล Nui A Kiwa (Lake Taupล) To Ruapehu (Mount Ruapehu)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Taupล Nui A Kiwa (Lake Taupล) To Ruapehu (Mount Ruapehu)

      We drive through the central plateau to the southern end of the Tongariro National Park, Ohakune is known as the aprรฉs ski capital of the North Island. Today you have the option to go mountain biking along one of NZโ€™s most picturesque track, "the Old Coach Rd".Tonight we stay in a heritage listed building built in 1913 which is now a vibrant modern ski lodge, located at the base of a volcano, Mt Ruapehu with views unlike any other youโ€™ve seen.

  • Day 8 Day 8: Ruapehu (Mount Ruapehu) To Te Whanganui A Tara (Wellington)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Ruapehu (Mount Ruapehu) To Te Whanganui A Tara (Wellington)

      These landscapes are unique and the sights will leave you breathless. On route to the windy capital Wellington where weโ€™ll show you the sights of this city.As much as weโ€™ve been loving the nature time, the change of scenery to New Zealandโ€™s well-cultured capital will prove an utter delight. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington, and a chance to explore the great food scene, a night on the town will be on the cards.

  • Day 9 Day 9: Te Whanganui A Tara (Wellington)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Te Whanganui A Tara (Wellington)

      Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, why not head to a local cafe and try the famed flat white coffee in its city of origin (sorry Australians). Caffeinated and refreshed, weโ€™ll take a trip to Zealandia, a 225-hectare (basically massive) eco-sanctuary that protects over 40 rare native wildlife species. Because Zealandia is fully fenced, youโ€™ll be able to walk alongside incredibly rare birds like the hihi and the takahฤ“. Look out for the tuatara, a prehistoric reptile known as a โ€™living fossilโ€™, which can only be found in New Zealand!

  • Day 10 Day 10: Te Whanganui A Tara (Wellington) To Kaikลura Via Waitohi (Picton)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Te Whanganui A Tara (Wellington) To Kaikลura Via Waitohi (Picton)

      So long north island! Today weโ€™re making tracks for your southern brother, darting across the Cook Strait via the Inter-Island ferry. Our first port of call on the South Island will be Picton, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Kaikลura is known for its marine life (among many other things), so keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins and seals โ€“ which weโ€™ll check out along the way. Next up, weโ€™ll visit Kaikลura Wildlife Rescue to meet Sabrina Leucht, a local biologist whoโ€™ll teach us about local wildlife, the threats they face and how we can make a difference. Tonight, weโ€™ll check into our seafront hotel for a relaxing evening.

  • Day 11 Day 11: Kaikoura
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Kaikoura

      We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikลura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where youโ€™ll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals and dusky dolphins. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikลura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, Quadbiking through Glenstrae Farm, and more. Weโ€™ll stay another night in Kaikลura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

  • Day 12 Day 12: Kaikลura To ลŒtautahi (Christchurch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Kaikลura To ลŒtautahi (Christchurch)

      Weโ€™re onto our next destination, so long Kaikลura! Weโ€™ll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where weโ€™ll take an inspiring tour of the city that was totally rebuilt after the Christchurch earthquake. Look out for the Cardboard Cathedral, the only cathedral in the world to be built mostly from plain old cardboard!

  • Day 13 Day 13: Tautahi (Christchurch) To Kฤ Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef) Via Hokitika And Arthurโ€™S Pass
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Tautahi (Christchurch) To Kฤ Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef) Via Hokitika And Arthurโ€™S Pass

      Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps. In the gold rush town of Hokitika, weโ€™ll meet with a local Mฤori guide whoโ€™ll teach us all about pounamu on a unique tour. Weโ€™ll learn about the history of the illustrious green stones (which the South Island is named after) and its connection with the Mฤori people. Back on the coach, weโ€™re coastline bound to one of the islandโ€™s most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots (and thatโ€™s saying somethingโ€ฆ) Weโ€™ll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places youโ€™ll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

  • Day 14 Day 14: Kฤ Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Kฤ Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef)

      This morning we take to the ice of Franz Josef Glacier. Weโ€™ve got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs, or the opportunity to carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant, under the tuition of a Mฤori mastercraftsman. Pounamu is sacred to the Mฤori people, and this is a great way to learn about its cultural significance, while also creating a beautiful please of jewellery.

  • Day 15 Day 15: Kฤ Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef) To Tฤhuna (Queenstown) Via Tioripatea (Haast) And Wฤnaka
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Kฤ Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef) To Tฤhuna (Queenstown) Via Tioripatea (Haast) And Wฤnaka

      With a new appreciation for frozen water, weโ€™ll hop on the coach & continue to Queenstown, with a few cheeky stops along the way.Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.Weโ€™ll stop for lunch in Wฤnaka, a pretty ski resort town situated on a lake front and dwarfed by mountains. This town is fast becoming one of NZโ€™s most popular spots, and a trip to the โ€™Dough Binโ€™ for a luscious pie should be high on the list.Welcome to the adventure capital of the world! First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

  • Day 16 Day 16: Tฤhuna (Queenstown)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Tฤhuna (Queenstown)

      Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and check out the activities up for grabs in the next two days. Take a stroll around beautiful this stunning town, nestled in the Southern Alps that has so much to offer.

  • Day 17 Day 17: Tฤhuna (Queenstown)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 17: Tฤhuna (Queenstown)

      Itโ€™s times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and exploring wine cellars and caves, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. Itโ€™s your holiday - run wild as you see fit. Please note: If youโ€™re here during ski season, you can opt for an exclusive Ski day-trip to Cardrona. Check out โ€˜Dates & Pricingโ€™ to see these "Special Departures".

  • Day 18 Day 18: Tฤhuna (Queenstown)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 18: Tฤhuna (Queenstown)

      With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers youโ€™ve put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

  • Day 19 Day 19: Tฤhuna (Queenstown) To Te Anau Via Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 19: Tฤhuna (Queenstown) To Te Anau Via Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)

      Alright, itโ€™s time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealandโ€™s most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory. Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, itโ€™s a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

  • Day 20 Day 20: Te Anau To ลŒhau (Lake ลŒhau) Via Takerehaka (Kingston) And Kฤ Muriwai (Arrowtown)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 20: Te Anau To ลŒhau (Lake ลŒhau) Via Takerehaka (Kingston) And Kฤ Muriwai (Arrowtown)

      So long, Te Anau. Itโ€™s been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their โ€˜fieldโ€™ just by turning up. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake ลŒhau. For our last night, weโ€™ll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - weโ€™ll spend our final night by Lake ลŒhau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

  • Day 21 Day 21: Hau (Lake ลŒhau) To ลŒtautahi (Christchurch) Via Takapล (Lake Tekapo)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 21: Hau (Lake ลŒhau) To ลŒtautahi (Christchurch) Via Takapล (Lake Tekapo)

      Weโ€™ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, itโ€™s time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Mฤori astronomy. Here weโ€™ll learn how the Mฤori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important. And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, thereโ€™ll be some sadness, but thatโ€™s normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

+18
Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 18 / Max: 35

This experience is exclusive for travelers from 18 years old, ID must be showed.

Select a country to define if the visa is required