New Zealand Tourist Visa
Visitor Visa · For India citizens
Planning a trip to New Zealand as an Indian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Visitor Visa: required documents, NZD 441 fee, processing time of 3 weeks, and strategies to improve your approval chances. With a 72% approval rate for Indians in 2024, thorough preparation is essential.
New Zealand Tourist Visa for Indian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For India citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your current passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from New Zealand
Complete the visa application online through Immigration New Zealand's online portal
Recent passport-sized photograph meeting New Zealand specifications
Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in New Zealand: at least NZD 1,000 per month, or NZD 400 per month if accommodation is prepaid
Details of your planned activities, accommodation, and travel within New Zealand
Documentation proving your employment status, income, and approved leave
Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to India after your visit
Recommended (Optional)
A personal statement explaining your visit purpose, itinerary, and ties to India
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies during your stay
Letter from your host in New Zealand inviting you to stay with them
Completed Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry if you have a sponsor
Chest X-ray certificate from an approved panel physician
Police certificate from India and any other country you have lived in for 5+ years since age 17
Application Process
Indian citizens must apply for the Visitor Visa online through Immigration New Zealand’s portal.1 Indians are not eligible for visa-free entry or the NZeTA electronic travel authority.
1. Gather Your Documents
Before starting your application, collect all required documents. Use the official INZ checklist for Indian applicants to ensure you have everything.2
- Valid passport with 3+ months validity
- Recent passport photo
- Financial evidence showing NZD 1,000+ per month
- Employment or education letter
- Travel itinerary and accommodation details
- Evidence of ties to India
2. Create an Account and Apply Online
Register at apply.immigration.govt.nz to create your account.1 Complete the Visitor Visa application form, entering your identity details exactly as they appear in your passport.
3. Upload Supporting Documents
Attach all required documents as clear digital scans or photographs. Documents must be in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format. Non-English documents must include certified English translations.
4. Pay the Application Fee
The fee of NZD 441 is payable online via credit card, debit card, or other accepted methods.1 This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
5. Wait for Processing
You will receive a confirmation of your application submission. Processing typically takes 6 to 9 working days for Indian applicants, with 80% of applications decided within 3 weeks.1
6. Receive Decision
If approved, you will receive an eVisa linked to your passport. There is no physical visa sticker. Print a copy of your eVisa to carry while traveling.
Fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa application | NZD 441 |
| Chest X-ray (if required) | Varies by clinic |
| Police clearance (if required) | Varies |
| Document translation | Varies |
The NZD 441 fee applies whether you receive a 6-month or 9-month visa.1 Payment is non-refundable even if your application is declined.
What You Need to Prove
Immigration New Zealand assesses whether you are a genuine temporary visitor. Case officers must be satisfied that you:1
- Have genuine reasons: Your purpose for visiting is legitimate tourism, visiting family, or attending events
- Will leave New Zealand: You have strong reasons to return to India and will not overstay
- Have adequate funds: You can support yourself without working, with at least NZD 1,000 per month
- Meet character requirements: You have no serious criminal history
- Meet health requirements: You do not pose a health risk, particularly for TB
Processing Times
Current processing times for Indian applicants:1
| Metric | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| 80% of applications | 3 weeks |
| Average for Indians | 6 to 9 working days |
Processing may take longer if:
- Additional documents are requested
- Health examination is required
- Information needs verification
- Application is incomplete
Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before your intended travel date to allow time for processing.
After Your Visa is Approved
Your visa is granted electronically and linked to your passport number. You do not need a visa label or stamp. Print a copy of your eVisa to carry while traveling.
Before you travel, complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) form online. This can be submitted from 24 hours before your journey begins.1
At the New Zealand border, you may be asked to show:1
- Return or onward flight tickets
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Details of your travel plans
Border officers can refuse entry even with a valid visa if they have concerns about your intentions or if your circumstances have changed since the visa was granted.
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is declined, you will receive a decision letter explaining the reasons. With a 28% rejection rate for Indian applicants, understanding the refusal grounds is important.34
Steps after refusal:
- Read the refusal letter carefully: Understand the specific grounds cited
- Request reconsideration: If in New Zealand, you can request reconsideration within 14 days
- Address the concerns: Gather additional evidence that responds to the stated reasons
- Reapply when ready: There is no mandatory waiting period, but ensure your circumstances have improved
- Consider professional advice: Immigration advisers can help with complex cases
Common rejection reasons for Indians include incomplete documentation, weak financial evidence, and insufficient ties to India.3 Address these issues thoroughly before reapplying.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing documents, incorrect information, or forms not filled out properly are the leading cause of rejections for Indian applicants.
How to avoid: Double-check all documents against the official INZ checklist for India. Ensure names, dates, and amounts match across all documents. Submit translated copies of any documents not in English.
Weak Financial Evidence
Bank statements showing insufficient funds, unexplained large deposits, or inconsistent income patterns raise concerns about ability to support the trip.
How to avoid: Show 3 to 6 months of bank statements with consistent income and stable balance. Minimum NZD 1,000 per month of stay plus return flight costs. Avoid large unexplained deposits before applying.
Insufficient Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to India, raising concerns about potential overstay. This affects young, single applicants without property or stable employment.
How to avoid: Provide employment letters showing tenure of 1+ years, property ownership documents, family certificates showing dependents in India, or enrollment in ongoing education.
Genuine Temporary Entrant Concerns
Immigration officers doubt the applicant's intention to visit temporarily based on profile, travel history, or vague travel plans.
How to avoid: Provide a clear, detailed itinerary with accommodation bookings. Show previous international travel history, especially to countries you returned from on time. Write a compelling cover letter explaining your trip purpose.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa refusals to New Zealand or other countries, or previous overstays, significantly impacts approval chances.
How to avoid: Be honest about previous refusals. Explain what has changed since the refusal. Wait at least 6 months before reapplying and address the original concerns.
Character or Health Concerns
Criminal convictions, deportation history, or health conditions that may burden New Zealand's public healthcare system.
How to avoid: Disclose any criminal history honestly. Provide court documents showing charges were resolved. For health concerns, get medical clearance before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit New Zealand?
Yes. Indian passport holders must apply for a Visitor Visa before traveling to New Zealand. Unlike citizens of some countries, Indians are not eligible for visa-free entry or the NZeTA electronic travel authority.
How long can I stay in New Zealand on a tourist visa?
You can stay for up to 6 months on a multiple-entry visa, or up to 9 months on a single-entry visa. The maximum stay is 9 months in any 18-month period.
What is the New Zealand tourist visa fee for Indians?
The application fee for the Visitor Visa is NZD 441 (approximately INR 22,000). This fee is non-refundable even if your application is declined.
How long does New Zealand visa processing take from India?
80% of applications are processed within 3 weeks. The average processing time for Indian applicants is 6 to 9 working days. Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before your intended travel date.
What is the approval rate for Indians applying for New Zealand visas?
Approximately 72% of Indian visitor visa applications were approved in 2024, meaning about 28% were rejected. This is one of the higher rejection rates among major applicant nationalities.
How much money do I need in my bank account?
You must show at least NZD 1,000 per month of intended stay, or NZD 400 per month if you have prepaid accommodation. This is in addition to funds for return flights.
Can I work on a New Zealand tourist visa?
No. You cannot work in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa. However, you may work remotely for an employer or client based outside New Zealand. If you want to work, you need a separate work visa.
Can I study on a New Zealand tourist visa?
You can study for up to 3 months on a Visitor Visa. For longer courses, you need to apply for a Student Visa.
What happens if my New Zealand visa is refused?
You can reapply with stronger documentation addressing the concerns in your refusal letter. There is no mandatory waiting period, but ensure your circumstances or documentation have improved. Some decisions may be reconsidered within 14 days of the decision.
Do I need travel insurance for New Zealand?
Travel insurance is not mandatory, but Immigration New Zealand recommends having full medical insurance. Visitors are not covered by public healthcare and medical costs can be very expensive.
Can I extend my New Zealand tourist visa?
You can apply for a new Visitor Visa while in New Zealand before your current visa expires. Extensions are not automatic and you must continue to meet all requirements. The maximum stay is 9 months in any 18-month period.
What is a multiple-entry vs single-entry visa?
A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter New Zealand multiple times during its validity, staying up to 6 months total per 12-month period. A single-entry visa allows one entry for up to 9 months, and expires when you leave the country.