If you are planning to visit New Zealand, it’s important to be aware of the different visa types available for each country. Similarly, if you’re considering a trip to New Zealand, you may need a New Zealand tourist visa for Indians, which allows Indians to enter New Zealand for tourism, travel, and leisure purposes. Before applying, make sure to familiarize yourself with the New Zealand tourist visa requirements, processing time, and fees to ensure a smooth and successful application process.
New Zealand tourist visa for Indians
You can only travel to New Zealand with a visa. Upon arrival in New Zealand, authorities do not permit you to enter or stay in the country. You must complete an arrival card, which the airline will provide to you during your flight. You may be denied entry if you do not meet the country’s character requirements or if your financial circumstances have changed since you were granted a visa. This could also happen if you refuse to let the authorities take your picture or scan your iris and fingerprints, or if you can’t show proof of return travel.
New Zealand tourist visa requirements
Regardless of the New Zealand visa type you are applying for, you need to provide the following documents:
- Travel document– The applicant’s passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after the intended departure from New Zealand. You must ensure that your passport has at least two blank pages and that it has been issued within the last ten years. The passport should not have any observation regarding the front data page.
- Application form– The applicant must submit a fully completed application form. Applicants must note that any incomplete information or false statement in the application could delay processing or rejection of the application. You can download the application form in English or Hindi, but it must be filled out only in the English language.
- Photograph– Applicants require one recent original passport-size color photograph with a white background. The picture should not be more than six months old.
- Applicant’s letter- You must submit a letter explaining why you want to go to New Zealand. You must sign and date the letter. Submit this with your other documents.
Your letter must include the following details:
Letter for New Zealand visa for Indians must include following details:
- Your full name
- Postal address
- The reason you wish to go to New Zealand
- The dates you plan to arrive and leave New Zealand
You must also include a commitment in the letter that you will:
- Obey the conditions of your visa fully.
- Not become a burden on the state of New Zealand by relying on public services.
- Leave New Zealand before your immigration permission or visa expires.
5) Travel medical insurance– When visiting New Zealand, ensure you have valid travel insurance that covers health expenses and medical treatment. The insurance should also include repatriation to India if necessary and be valid for the entire duration of your stay in New Zealand.
6) Proof of means of transport – Applicants needs their flight reservation of return or round ticket. Please note that the keys do not have to be paid for; only the booking receipt must be submitted.
7) Proof of lodging – The applicant’s hotel reservations, receipt of renting a holiday home or campus residence reservation is required as proof. If the applicant plans to stay with a family member or friend in New Zealand, the host must provide proof of sponsorship and private accommodation.
8) Proof of financial means– The applicant’s original bank statement showing their transactions in the last three months, duly stamped and signed by the bank authority, or Indian income tax return statement acknowledging returns for the last two assessment years are required. You must have at least NZ $1,000 per month, or NZ $400 per month if you have already paid for your accommodation, for every month of your expected stay.
If you are being sponsored, you must provide evidence of your sponsor’s ability to support you in New Zealand. Evidence can be in the form of their:
- Recent bank statements
- Most recent pay slips
- Employment agreement
- Accommodation ownership or payment of rent
If the applicant is retired:
- Pension statement for the previous 6 months.
- Proof of regular income received from property or rent for the last 6 months (if any).
- Minor Applicant
- If a minor is traveling with only one parent, they need written consent from the other parent or guardian, unless the traveling parent has sole custody or guardianship. The consent should be certified by a public notary.
- If a minor is traveling alone without a legal guardian, they need written consent certified by a public notary from the parents or guardians with custody. You must submit copies of the parents’ passport or identity proof.
- Minors must be accompanied by parents or legal guardians to sign the application form, except when visiting a parent in New Zealand.
- Passport Copy– All applicants must include a full-color photocopy of their valid passport with all its pages attached. The authorities recommend that applicants submit any old copies of expired or cancelled passports they may have.
Note-
- Married applicants who cannot provide evidence of marital status in the passport must submit a marriage certificate. If applicable, a copy of the ration card can also be submitted.
New Zealand visa fees
A Tourist Visa for an adult costs INR 8900.
The Visa Application Centre (VAC) Service Fees to receive your application and submit it to Immigration New Zealand can range from INR 1,038 – INR 1,840. The current exchange rate dictates the visa fee in Indian Rupees, and it is subject to change without notice, as per fluctuations in the economy. Regardless of whether the visa is granted or not, all visa fees are non-refundable.
How to apply for a New Zealand visa?
Offline method
Step 1: Visit the website Select the visa type you are applying for. Then select tourist visa application form.
Step 2: You will be redirected to a PDF version of the form. Download the paper mentioned above of the application. Take a print-out of the form and fill it inaccurately.
Step 3: Fill in the application form by stating the following details:
- First name and surname at present and of birth
- Date of birth, place and country of birth
- Current nationality and nationality at birth
- Sex and marital status
-
In case of a minor applicant
- Fill in first name, surname, address (if different from the principal applicant), and nationality of parents or legal guardians.
- Type of document held by applicant (official passport, ordinary passport, diplomatic passport, or service passport).
- The number and validity of the travel document (passport number).
- Applicant’s home address, email address, and telephone number.
- State whether you have received immigration advice on this application.
- Write the names and addresses of any friends, relatives, or contacts you have in New Zealand (if applicable).
- List your current and previous two employers, including periods of self-employment. Start with the current position you hold.
- The primary purpose of the journey (such as tourism, business, visiting friends and family, culture, sports, or other reasons).
- Dates of entry and exit.
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In you have a partner:
- Fill in their details such as name, gender, date of birth, address, passport details. Fix two passport-sized photographs of them.
- Please indicate whether your partner is included in your application.
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If you have a children:
- Fill in their details such as name, gender, date of birth, address, passport details. Fix two passport-sized photographs of them.
- In the next section, answer questions related to health. State whether anyone in your application has Tuberculosis, any medical condition that requires special care, is pregnant, etc.
- Indicate whether you or anyone included in this application has been convicted of any offense, including any driving offense.
- Provide information if you or anyone included in this application has ever been refused a visa to visit, work, study, or reside in any country.
- Mention if you or someone included in your application has ever been a member of any terrorist organization.
- State if you or someone included in this application, has had any previous involvement with a government, regime, or group that has advocated or committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, or has abused other human rights.
- Sign the declaration form.
- The applicant’s immigration adviser must complete the next section. If the applicant does not have an immigration adviser, this section does not have to be completed.
- The person who has assisted you by providing immigration advice, explaining, translating, or recording information on the form must fill in this section and sign. You do not need to complete this section if you do not have an immigration adviser, and no one assisted you in filling out this form.
- State the application fee you are paying, the currency, and the mode of payment.
Step 4: The applicant must filled application form along with required documents to the visa application centre .
Step 6: At the visa application centre, the applicant’s picture will be taken by the service centre personnel (for all applicants). A biometrical process will take the applicant’s fingerprints.
Step 7: After the verifying application pay the New Zealand tourist visa fees. then you will also receive an email confirming receipt/acknowledgement of the visa application.
Online method
Step 1: Visit the URL https://www.realme.govt.nz/. Click on the ‘Get Verified’ link at the top. Create an account for the online registration.
Step 2: Type in your email ID, username, contact details, password, security questions and answers, and a secret PIN. Then tick the confirmation box. You will receive a confirmation code via text message. You will then have access to the online application form.
Step 3: Fill in the application accurately as in step (3) of the offline method.
Step 4: Upload copies of all the required documents and pay for the visa using a credit card. You can only pay this fee using visa, MasterCard, or UnionPay credit cards. Each paper you upload must be a single file in PDF form. Your photographs must be of JPG/JPEG form.
Step 5: After clicking ‘Submit,’ a screen to confirm that your application has been received will be shown. There may be a short period where your submitted application’s status is ‘Submitting.’
Step 6: Some applicants are required to provide their passports for visa processing after submission. After you submit your visa application, the authorities will inform you if you need to provide your passport. You must then take copies of your documents and passport to the nearest visa application centre. You must pay the VAC service fee too.
Step 7: Your application will then be sent for assessment by an Immigration officer. Once the authorities make a decision on your application, they will notify you via email or text message. They will issue your eVisa or place a physical label on your passport accordingly.
New Zealand visa status tracking
If you submitted your application and want to check the New Zealand visa status tracking, visit the URL. There you will have to fill in the following details:
- Receipt number
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Captcha
Your passport processing status will be displayed on your screen. For offline submissions, you can call the number +64 9 914 4100 for assistance. Ensure that you have your client number, application number, and passport number when you call. You can contact the number from 6:00 am Monday to midnight on Saturday (New Zealand local time).
On arrival in New Zealand
When you arrive in New Zealand, you will need to apply for entry permission. You can do this by giving an immigration officer:
- You will receive the completed arrival card on your flight to New Zealand.
- Passport
- Visa (if you have an eVisa, you can provide a print-out).
- Your return travel ticket out of New Zealand to your home country.
The procedure for requesting entry permission is usually simple. However, before granting you entry permission, immigration officers may ask you some additional questions. They will determine whether you are genuine. This means they’ll inquire about your reasons for visiting New Zealand and whether you plan to return at the end of your stay. It would be beneficial if you answered these questions honestly. If they are satisfied with your answers, you will be granted access. This decision is also based on whether you are sincere about your reasons for visiting New Zealand and how you intend to spend your time there.
FAQ’s
Is the New Zealand tourist visa open for Indians?
Yes, Indians can apply for a New Zealand tourist visa.
How much bank balance is required for a New Zealand visit visa?
In New Zealand, minimum NZD $1000 per month i.e. approx. INR 52000/- per month require for basic things accommodations etc. Accordingly you will have to keep minimum bank balance while travelling to New Zealand.
Is New Zealand visa free for Indians?
No, Indians have to apply and pay fees for obtaining New Zealand visa.
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