New Zealand Visa for Indians
By Ganesh ·
Indians need a New Zealand Visitor Visa, not the NZeTA. The online application, the fee and visitor levy, documents and timing.
Indian passport holders need a New Zealand Visitor Visa for tourism or visiting family. The NZeTA that many other nationalities use doesn't apply to Indians unless they hold certain residence permits, such as Australian permanent residence. You apply online with Immigration New Zealand, pay the visa fee and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, upload documents, and get an eVisa by email if approved. There's no sticker in the passport.
Costs (approximate)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa fee (online, applying from India) | Roughly NZD 340 per person |
| International Visitor Levy (IVL) | NZD 100 per person |
| Optional VFS help with scanning or document checks | Varies |
Fees rose in 2024 and can change again. Check the current amount on the official Immigration New Zealand fee guide before paying.
How to apply
- Create a RealMe login on the Immigration New Zealand website and start a Visitor Visa application.
- Upload your passport bio page, a recent photo and supporting documents.
- Pay the fee and IVL online.
- Answer any follow-up questions from the case officer. They sometimes ask for more bank statements or a clearer itinerary.
- Receive the eVisa by email and carry a printout or PDF when you fly.
Documents that help
- Bank statements and tax returns showing you can pay for the trip. Immigration NZ looks for about NZD 1,000 per month of stay, or prepaid accommodation, as a guide; check their page for the current figure.
- Employment letter with approved leave, or business documents.
- Return flight booking or proof you can buy one.
- A day-by-day plan, especially if you're doing a campervan or road trip.
- If visiting family: an invitation letter and a copy of their NZ visa or passport.
- Earlier visas for Australia, the US, the UK, Canada or Schengen.
Planning around the visa
Apply well ahead of the trip. Processing times vary through the year and are longer before the southern summer (December to February) and during Indian holiday seasons. Many Indian travellers combine New Zealand with Australia; you'll need a separate Australian visitor visa for that part.
FAQ
Can I use the NZeTA as an Indian?
Not on an Indian passport alone. If you're an Australian permanent resident you don't need an NZeTA or a visa for a visit; other residence-based exceptions are listed on Immigration NZ's site.
How long can I stay?
Usually up to 9 months in an 18-month period on a Visitor Visa, but the length of each visa is set by the officer, often matching your plan.
Do I need travel insurance?
It isn't a visa requirement for most visitors, but health care in New Zealand is expensive for tourists, so it's strongly advised.
Photo: Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park 14 by Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
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