Quick answer
Indians need a Visitor Visa for New Zealand, applied for online. The total cost is NZD 441 (about ₹22,900), including the NZD 100 International Visitor Levy. INZ decides about 80% of general visitor visas within two weeks. Since 24 September 2026, applications start in the new Immigration Online system, and paper forms are no longer accepted for most visitors.
At a glance
- Visa type
- Visitor Visa (general), applied for online
- Stay allowed
- Up to 6 months in 12 (multiple entry) or up to 9 months in 18 (single entry)
- Fee
- NZD 441 (about ₹22,900): NZD 341 visa charge plus the NZD 100 International Visitor Levy
- Processing
- About 80% of general visitor visas decided within 2 weeks (INZ); apply 6–8 weeks before travel
- Validity
- As granted, matching your trip or longer for multiple entry
- Apply at
- Official portal
Documents checklist
- Passport valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand
- Online application in INZ's enhanced Immigration Online system (RealMe login)
- Recent digital photograph meeting INZ specifications
- Bank statements for the last 3–6 months showing about NZD 1,000 per month of stay (NZD 400 if accommodation is prepaid)
- ITR acknowledgements for the last 2–3 years
- Employer letter with approved leave and salary slips, or business proof
- Return or onward flight booking, or proof of funds to buy one
- Itinerary and accommodation bookings
- Family visits: invitation from the host with their visa or citizenship status, and a sponsorship form if they are paying
- Consent letter from the absent parent if a child travels without both parents
- Previous visas and details of any refusals
Common mistakes that get Indians refused
- Expecting a refund of the NZD 100 IVL after a refusal; it is not refunded.
- Trying paper forms or old visa-centre routes after 1 October 2026; most visitor visas are now online only.
- Large recent deposits that make funds look borrowed.
- Assuming an Australian visa covers New Zealand; it does not.
- Ignoring INZ's India-specific checklist for visits under six months.
Which visa do Indians need for New Zealand?
A Visitor Visa, applied for online. Indian passport holders cannot use the NZeTA. The total cost is NZD 441 (about ₹22,900): NZD 341 for the visa itself (application fee plus immigration levy) and NZD 100 for the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). The IVL is not refunded if the visa is declined.
What changed in September 2026?
Immigration New Zealand moved visitor visas to its enhanced Immigration Online system. From 24 September 2026, new applications start in the new system, with a RealMe login, an adaptive form and a progress dashboard. From 1 October 2026, paper forms are no longer accepted for most visitor visas except in exceptional circumstances agreed with INZ. If you applied on paper through a visa centre in the past, that route has effectively closed for standard tourist visas.
How long does it take?
INZ says about 80% of general visitor visas are decided within two weeks; parent and grandparent visitor visas can take up to three months. Apply six to eight weeks before travel to leave room for document requests, and earlier for the December–February peak.
How long can you stay?
Up to six months in a 12-month period on a multiple-entry visa, or up to nine months in 18 months on a single-entry visa, depending on what you are granted.
What does INZ look for?
- Funds: about NZD 1,000 per month of stay, or NZD 400 per month if accommodation is prepaid, shown through bank statements or a sponsor's undertaking.
- Onward travel: a return or onward ticket, or the money to buy one.
- A genuine visit: INZ publishes an India-specific checklist for visits of under six months. Follow it exactly.
- Health and character: declare past refusals and medical conditions honestly. Medical certificates are requested only when needed.
Travelling as a family
Each traveller, including children, needs their own visa and pays the fee and levy. If a child travels without both parents, carry a signed consent letter from the absent parent.
Common refusal triggers
Funds that look borrowed because of large recent deposits, an unclear purpose, previous overstays or undeclared refusals, and documents that don't match the form.
New Zealand and Australia need separate visas. One does not cover the other.
Our visa assistance team prepares INZ applications, and we arrange travel insurance. See the New Zealand trip cost and best time to visit New Zealand guides; for a combined trip, see the Australia visa guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the New Zealand visitor visa fee for Indians?
Can Indians use the NZeTA for New Zealand?
How much money do I need to show for a New Zealand visa?
Can I still apply for a New Zealand visa on paper through VFS?
How we checked this page
Last reviewed
Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
