If you’re an Indian citizen dreaming of exploring the stunning landscapes of New Zealand—from the breathtaking fjords of Milford Sound to the vibrant streets of Auckland—you’ll need to secure a New Zealand Visitor Visa before you go. Whether you’re planning a solo adventure, a family holiday, or a romantic getaway, this visa lets you stay in New Zealand for up to 6 months (multiple entry) or 9 months (single entry) for tourism purposes.
But navigating the visa process can feel overwhelming, especially with changing travel guidelines and detailed documentation requirements. That’s where this blog comes in.
We’ll break down everything you need to know as an Indian applicant—including visa eligibility, required documents, application fees, and how long it takes to process. We’ll also guide you on how Radvision World, a trusted name among immigration consultants in Delhi, can help simplify the entire process and boost your chances of approval.
Let’s get started on making your New Zealand travel dream a reality.
Table of Contents
What is a New Zealand Tourist Visa?
A New Zealand Tourist Visa, officially known as a Visitor Visa, allows individuals to visit New Zealand for leisure, holidays, or to meet family and friends for a short period. Depending on your travel needs, the visa permits a stay of up to 6 months with multiple entries or 9 months for a single entry. While you cannot work under this visa, it does offer the flexibility to take up short-term study courses for up to 3 months, which is perfect for travelers wanting to explore both the scenic beauty and educational offerings of the country.
To apply for this visa, you must clearly demonstrate your intention to return to India after your visit. The New Zealand immigration authorities require applicants to show proof of sufficient funds, along with evidence of good character and health. It’s important to know that some travelers may qualify for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) instead of a visitor visa, depending on their travel history and eligibility. Understanding these requirements is the first step in ensuring a smooth and successful application process.
Do Indian Citizens Need a Tourist Visa to Visit New Zealand?
Yes, Indian passport holders are required to obtain a tourist visa before travelling to New Zealand. Unlike citizens of visa-waiver countries, Indians must apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa in advance to enter the country for tourism, holidays, or to visit family and friends.
Since India is not part of New Zealand’s visa waiver program, this means that simply booking your flight and packing your bags isn’t enough—you’ll need to get your visa approved before departure. But here’s the good news: the application process is now more convenient than ever. Thanks to New Zealand’s efficient online visa system (e-visa), Indian applicants can complete the entire process digitally—eliminating the need for in-person appointments, couriered documents, or standing in long queues.
The online system allows you to submit your documents, pay the visa fee, and track your application status from the comfort of your home. With proper guidance and complete documentation, the visa approval process can be smooth and timely. If you’re unsure where to begin, reliable immigration consultants like Radvision World in Delhi can help you prepare your application accurately and increase your chances of success.
How Long Can You Stay in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa?
Your length of stay in New Zealand depends on the type of Visitor Visa you’re granted—multiple-entry or single-entry. Immigration New Zealand decides which visa to issue based on your travel history, purpose of visit, and other eligibility criteria.
No matter which type of visa you receive, the maximum time you can stay as a tourist is up to 9 months within an 18-month period. However, how this is calculated and how many times you can enter the country varies by visa type. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the differences:
Visitor Visa Duration & Entry Type Breakdown
| Visa Type | What It Allows | Duration of Stay | Entry Rules | Eligibility Notes |
| Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa | – Visit New Zealand as a tourist multiple times during visa validity
– Stay up to 6 months in total in any 12-month period |
Up to 6 months in any 12-month period | Multiple entries allowed as long as the visa is valid | – You must have been outside New Zealand for at least 9 months in the 18 months before applying |
| Single-Entry Visitor Visa | – Visit New Zealand once for an extended stay | Up to 9 months in an 18-month period | One-time entry only; re-entry is not allowed without reapplying for a new visa | – Issued if you’re staying for more than 6 months
– Or applying for a visa extension while already in NZ – Or if a multiple-entry is not required |
Example to Understand Duration Calculation:
Let’s say your planned departure date from New Zealand is 1 December 2024:
- For a multiple-entry visa, your 12-month calculation window would start from 1 December 2023.
- For a single-entry visa, your 18-month calculation window would start from 1 June 2023.
Understanding these timelines is crucial to avoid overstaying and ensure visa compliance.
Who Can Apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa from India?
If you’re an Indian citizen planning to visit New Zealand for tourism, family visits, or short-term leisure, you must meet certain eligibility conditions to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa. These requirements ensure that you are visiting for genuine reasons, can support yourself financially during your stay, and plan to return home after your trip.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria for Indian applicants:
| Requirement | What It Means |
| Good Health | You must not have any serious medical conditions that could pose a risk to public health in New Zealand. In some cases, a medical certificate may be required. |
| Good Character | You should not have any serious criminal convictions or be considered a security risk. Police clearance certificates may be requested in some cases. |
| Genuine Travel Intentions | You must be able to prove that you are visiting New Zealand for legitimate reasons—such as tourism, visiting family/friends, or short holidays. |
| Financial Support | You must show you can cover your travel and living expenses while in New Zealand. Alternatively, you can have a sponsor (such as a family member in NZ) who meets immigration criteria. |
| Proof of Return or Onward Travel | You must provide evidence (such as a return flight ticket or sufficient funds to book one) to show you plan to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay. |
Documents Checklist for a New Zealand Tourist Visa (For Indian Citizens)
Applying for a New Zealand tourist visa from India involves submitting a clear and well-documented application. Immigration authorities look for genuine intent, sufficient financial backing, and proper travel plans. Providing accurate and complete documents not only strengthens your application but also helps avoid unnecessary delays or rejections. Below is a detailed list of all the essential documents Indian applicants need to prepare before applying for a New Zealand Visitor Visa:
| Document | Details & Requirements |
| Valid Passport | A scanned copy of your passport’s front and back pages. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date. |
| Photographs | Two recent passport-sized photos (35mm x 45mm), taken within the last 3 months. The background should be plain and facial features clearly visible. |
| Proof of Accommodation | Hotel bookings, Airbnb reservations, or an invitation letter from a host (if staying with family or friends). |
| Purpose of Visit | Include documents such as an invitation letter, event or conference pass, or any other document explaining the reason for your visit. |
| Proof of Financial Means | A 6-month bank statement, signed and stamped by the bank, showing that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in New Zealand. |
| Travel Itinerary & Return Ticket | A confirmed return flight ticket to India, along with a basic day-wise travel plan or itinerary (optional but recommended). |
| Cover Letter | A formal cover letter on A4-size paper that explains your travel purpose, estimated expenses, accommodation details, and assurance to return to India. |
| Medical Certificate (if required) | A certificate from a registered doctor proving you are in good health. Required if your stay is longer or if requested by immigration authorities. |
| Police Clearance Certificate (if required) | A certified document stating that you have no criminal background. Needed in certain cases, especially for long stays. |
Eligibility Criteria for a New Zealand Tourist Visa (for Indian Citizens)
Before you pack your bags for the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, it’s important to ensure you meet the key eligibility requirements set by Immigration New Zealand. These conditions are in place to ensure that all visitors are genuine tourists with the financial means and intent to return home after their trip. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what Indian applicants need to qualify:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Valid Passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned date of departure from New Zealand. |
| Proof of Sufficient Funds | You must show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. Typically, this means at least NZD 1,000 per month (or NZD 400 if accommodation is already paid). |
| Clean Criminal Record | You must not have any serious criminal convictions. You may be required to provide a police clearance certificate if requested. |
| Intent to Return | You must demonstrate that you are a genuine tourist and that you intend to leave New Zealand once your visa expires—this could include ties to India like a job, family, or property. |
| Return Travel Ticket | You should either provide a confirmed return flight ticket or show evidence that you can afford to buy one before leaving New Zealand. |
The New Zealand Visa Fee for Different Visa Types
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
| Visa Type | Online Application | Paper Application |
| New Zealand Permanent Residence | N/A | NZD $220 — $260 |
| Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | NZD $4,890 | NZD $ 4,890 |
| New Zealand Citizenship | $470 for adults over the age of 16 $235 for children under the age of 15 | $470 for adults over the age of 16 $235 for children under the age of 15 |
| Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa | N/A | NZD $3,790 |
| Entrepreneur Work Visa | N/A | NZD $3,920 |
| Entrepreneur Resident Visa | N/A | NZD $6,860 |
| Global Impact Work Visa | N/A | NZD $860 |
| Global Impact Permanent Resident Visa | N/A | NZD $4,240 |
| Parent Retirement Resident Visa | N/A | NZD $5,260 |
| Active Investor Plus Visa | NZD $7,780 | N/A |
| Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa | NZD $210 | NZD $190 — $240 |
| Interim visa | NZD $0 | NZD $0 |
| Parent Resident Visa | N/A | NZD $3,610 |
| Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa | NZD $3,610 | NZD $3,610 |
| Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa | NZD $210 | NZD $190 — $235 |
| Dependent Child Resident Visa | NZD $3,610 | NZD $3,610 |
| Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa | NZD $210 | NZD $190 — $240 |
| Child of a Student Visitor Visa | NZD $210 | NZD $220 — $240 |
| Dependent Child Student Visa | NZD $395 | NZD $340 — $480 |
| Intercountry Adoption Resident Visa | N/A | NZD $3790 — $3995 |
| Adoption Pre-citizenship Visitor Visa | NZD $210 | NZD $190 — $255 |
| Adoption Visitor Visa | NZD $210 | NZD $190 — $250 |
| Limited Express Visa | N/A | NZD $ 395 — $ 470 (for studying) NZD $ 300 — $ 455 (for visiting) |
| New Zealand Refugee Visa | NZD $0 | NZD $0 |
| Fee Paying Student Visa | NZD $430 | NZD $440 — $485 |
| New Zealand Vocational Trainee Visa | N/A | NZD $375 — $485 |
| New Zealand Tourist Visa | NZD $170 — $245 | NZD $230 — $390 |
| Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa | NZD $125 — $245 | NZD $235 — $280 |
| Accredited Employer Work Visa | NZD $750 | N/A |
| New Zealand Diplomatic Visa | N/A | NZ $635 — $775 |
| Entertainers Work Visa | NZ $735 | NZ $740 — $815 |
| Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa | N/A | NZD $4,240 |
| Partner of a Student Work Visa | NZD $700 | NZD $635 — $770 |
| Partner of a Worker Work Visa | NZD $700 | NZD $620 — $ 770 |
| Post Study Work Visa | NZD $700 | NZD $625 — $860 |
| Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa | N/A | NZD $280 — $435 (If you apply from Kiribati, Nauru, or Tuvalu) NZD $330 —- $355 (If you apply from another country) |
| Religious Worker Work Visa | NZD $620 — $700 | NZD $630 — 760 |
| Religious Worker Resident Visa | N/A | NZD $4,240 |
| Specific Purpose Work Visa | NZD $735 | NZD $620 — $745 |
| Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work Visa | N/A | NZ $630 — $750 |
| Student and Trainee Work Visa | NZ $735 | NZ $630 — $800 |
| New Zealand Working Holiday Visa | NZD $455 | N/A |
| Working Holidaymaker Extension | N/A | NZD $210 — $495 |
| Victims of Family Violence Resident Visa | N/A | N/A |
| Victims of Family Violence Work Visa | NZD $0 | NZD $0 |
| Child of a Worker Visitor Visa | NZD $220 — 230 | NZD $210 |
| New Zealand Aid Programme Student Visa | NZD $395 | NZD $350 — $440 |
| Exchange Student Visa | NZD $430 | NZD $385 — $480 |
| Pathway Student Visa | NZD $315 — $395 | NZD $325 — $4010 |
| New Zealand Tourist Visa | NZD $170 — $245 | NZD $230 — $390 |
| Business Visitor Visa | NZD $120 — $210 | NZD $220 — $330 |
| Marriage Visitor Visa | NZD $245 | NZD $ 175 — $265 |
| Group Visitor Visa | NZD $125 | NZD $ 150 — $155 |
| Talent (Accredited Employer) Resident Visa | N/A | NZD $4,240 |
Why New Zealand Visitor Visa Applications Get Rejected – Key Reasons to Watch Out For
Applying for a New Zealand Visitor Visa can be exciting, but even small mistakes or missing information can lead to a rejection. Understanding the most common reasons behind visa denials can help Indian applicants better prepare their documents, meet eligibility criteria, and improve their chances of success. Below is a detailed breakdown of the typical causes of visa refusals:
| Reason for Rejection | Explanation |
| Incomplete Documentation | Failing to submit all required documents—such as financial proofs, return tickets, accommodation details, or passport copies—can result in an immediate denial. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) assesses applications based on complete and accurate information. |
| Incorrect or False Information | Providing misleading or false details (even unintentionally) can lead to not only rejection but also long-term bans on future visa applications. Always double-check your forms and declarations. |
| Insufficient Financial Support | As per New Zealand immigration requirements, you must prove you have at least NZ$1,000 per month (or NZ$400 if accommodation is prepaid) to support yourself. Failure to meet this financial threshold often leads to refusal. |
| Weak Home Ties | If you don’t provide evidence of strong ties to India—like family, employment, property ownership, or ongoing education—authorities may suspect that you do not intend to return, which raises red flags. |
| Lack of Return Intentions | Immigration officers need clear proof that you’ll leave New Zealand before your visa expires. This can include return flight bookings, employer letters, or family obligations. Without this, your visa could be denied. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for a New Zealand tourist visa as an Indian citizen?
Indian citizens can apply for a New Zealand Tourist Visa online through the official Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website or via trusted platforms like Teleport. The online process is generally faster and more convenient. You’ll need to create a RealMe login, fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the visa fee. Offline applications can also be submitted through VFS Global, but this may take longer and include additional charges.
What is the processing time for a New Zealand tourist visa for Indians?
The typical processing time for a New Zealand Tourist Visa is up to 20 working days after your application and documents have been submitted. However, delays can occur due to incomplete documentation or high volumes of applications. It’s advisable to apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before your travel date to avoid last-minute issues.
How much does a New Zealand tourist e-visa cost for Indians?
When applying online through the official INZ portal, the New Zealand Tourist Visa costs NZ$246, which is approximately ₹12,320 (subject to exchange rate fluctuations). If you apply offline via VFS Global, the base fee increases to around ₹13,000, plus a service fee of ₹1,625. Always check current rates before applying.
What are the visa fees for couples or unmarried individuals?
For a single Indian applicant, the New Zealand tourist visa fee is NZ$441. In case of a married couple, an additional NZ$100 is charged per partner, totaling NZ$541 for two applicants. If applying with a dependent child, similar additional charges apply. However, unmarried couples and friends must each pay the full NZ$441, as there’s no bundled pricing unless legally married or in a recognized partnership.
How long is the validity of a New Zealand tourist visa for Indians?
A New Zealand Tourist Visa is valid for 18 months from the date it is granted. However, the actual stay in New Zealand is limited to a specific number of months (usually 6 to 9 months). You can enter New Zealand multiple times if your visa includes multiple-entry conditions within this validity period.
How long can I stay in New Zealand with a tourist visa?
Indian citizens can stay in New Zealand for up to 6 months on a multiple-entry visa, or up to 9 months on a single-entry visa, depending on the type granted. These durations include all visits within a 12-month period. It’s important not to overstay your visa, as this may lead to future travel bans.
Can Indian citizens get a visa on arrival in New Zealand?
No, Indian citizens are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in New Zealand. You must secure an approved visa before traveling. Attempting to enter without a visa will result in denial of entry and potential legal consequences. Apply well in advance to ensure you receive your visa before booking travel.
Can I extend my stay in New Zealand beyond my visa expiration?
You cannot extend a New Zealand Tourist Visa once issued. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa or a different visa type before your current visa expires. Overstaying or waiting until the last moment may negatively impact future applications. Always plan ahead for legal stay extensions.
Can I include my family in my New Zealand work visa application?
Yes, many work visa categories in New Zealand allow you to include your spouse and dependent children in your application. Your partner may even be eligible for an open work visa, and your children can access local schooling. Ensure your visa type supports this, and provide relevant relationship and financial proof.
Can I work in New Zealand with my tourist visa?
No, working is strictly prohibited under a tourist visa. If you’re found working illegally, you risk deportation and future bans. If you have a job offer, you must apply for a New Zealand Work Visa. Other suitable visa types include the Business Visitor Visa or Special Category Visitor Visa, depending on your purpose of visit.
Can I reapply for a visa if my application is initially rejected?
Yes, Indian applicants can reapply after a visa rejection. However, it’s vital to understand and resolve the reasons for the earlier rejection—whether it was due to incomplete documents, insufficient funds, or failure to prove intent to return. A well-prepared second application improves your chances significantly.
Can I appeal a rejected New Zealand visa application?
Yes, you can request a reconsideration if your New Zealand visa is refused. You’ll need to submit a formal letter (in English) with supporting documents to INZ. A higher-ranking officer will reassess the decision. If approved, the visa will be granted. If denied again, no further appeals are available for temporary visas.
What is the New Zealand tourist visa photo specification for Indians?
Your visa photo must be recent (less than 6 months old), measuring 35mm x 45mm, with a clear headshot and plain, light background. The face should be fully visible with a neutral expression—no hats, glasses, or shadows. These specifications are strictly enforced, and non-compliant photos may delay your application.
Can Indians apply for a New Zealand visa through Teleport?
Yes, Teleport provides a simplified online visa application platform for Indian applicants. It assists with document checks, application submissions, and visa tracking. While not an official government portal, it’s a user-friendly alternative for those seeking guided support during the application process.
How do I check the status of my New Zealand visa application?
You can track your visa application by logging into the Immigration Online portal with your RealMe account. If you applied via Teleport, simply use the Teleport dashboard to view your status, updates, or requests for further documents. Checking your status regularly helps you respond quickly if more information is needed.
Can I apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa for New Zealand?
Yes, New Zealand offers multiple-entry tourist visas that allow you to travel in and out of the country multiple times during the visa’s validity period. However, you must still follow the total stay limits, usually capped at 6 or 9 months. Each time you enter, you must seek entry permission at the border.
Does New Zealand visa require biometrics for Indian Citizens?
Yes, biometric data—including a photograph and possibly fingerprints—may be required as part of your visa application. The Immigration Act 2009 permits INZ to collect this data for identity verification and border security. Refusal to submit biometrics can lead to your visa being denied. INZ will inform you if this step applies to your case.
About Neha Yadav
Neha Yadav is the Sr. HR Executive at Radvision World Consultancy Services LLP. 2.4 year of experience in Human resource & End to End Recruitment, revenue growth, top talent retention, and multi-industry IT & Non-IT Both operations to ultimately meet and exceed to hire top talent as per client expectations.
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