New Zealand tourist visa
Here is the detail that catches many first-time travellers off guard: the NZeTA that waves Britons, Australians and dozens of other nationalities through the airport does not extend to Indian passport holders. India is not on New Zealand's visa-waiver list, so there is no NZeTA and no visa on arrival. To sightsee, or to visit family and friends, you need a Visitor Visa — application form INZ 1017 — approved by Immigration New Zealand before you fly. You apply online at apply.immigration.govt.nz, or on paper through a VFS Global New Zealand Visa Application Centre in India.
The visa buys you up to 6 months per visit, and some grants stretch to 9, capped at 9 months in any 18-month period. Holiday, stay with relatives, even study for up to 3 months — but paid work is off the table, save for remote work for an employer based overseas. What Immigration New Zealand looks for is plain enough: good health, good character, enough money, and a genuine intention to head home when the visit ends.
Who this visa is for
- ✓Indian citizens travelling for tourism, a holiday, or to visit family and friends in New Zealand
- ✓Applicants who can show at least NZD 1,000 for each month of stay, or NZD 400 per month if accommodation is already paid for
- ✓Travellers who can demonstrate strong ties to India and a genuine intention to return
- ✓Individuals, a couple, or a family with dependent children applying together for the same duration
- ✓Applicants in good health and of good character
Visa options for New Zealand
Visitor Visa (general)
The standard visitor visa (form INZ 1017) for tourism or visiting family and friends; issued as single or multiple entry, with stays usually up to 6 months (some grants up to 9 months).
Group Visitor Visa
For organised groups travelling to New Zealand together for the same purpose and the same duration.
Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa
A multiple-entry visitor visa for parents and grandparents of New Zealand citizens or residents, allowing longer combined stays over its validity.
Documents typically required
- ✓Completed and signed Visitor Visa application form (INZ 1017)
- ✓Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand, plus a copy of the identity pages
- ✓Two recent passport-sized colour photographs (less than 6 months old, plain light-coloured background)
- ✓Proof of funds and onward travel: bank statements or payslips for the last 3 months, bank deposit books showing savings history, credit card statements and limits, and income tax returns for the last two years — or a completed Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025)
- ✓Evidence of ties to India: an employer's leave-approval letter confirming your return to work, or business registration/licence and business tax returns, or proof of study, assets owned, or a pension/retirement certificate
- ✓Day-to-day travel itinerary and accommodation details for New Zealand
- ✓Cover letter setting out your travel dates, the reasons for your visit, and who you are travelling with
- ✓For an accompanying partner or child: marriage certificate or the child's birth certificate showing parents' names; a travel-consent letter from any non-travelling parent
- ✓Certified English translations for any document not in English (not translated by a family member or friend)
- ✓Application fee plus the NZD 100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), paid online when you apply — confirm the current fee for India on Immigration New Zealand's fee finder
Your exact checklist depends on your profile — we confirm it during your case analysis. Every visa decision rests with the embassy or consulate.
Indian passport holders cannot use the NZeTA — it is reserved for visa-waiver nationalities. Applying online at apply.immigration.govt.nz is the quickest route; paper applications go through VFS Global New Zealand Visa Application Centres in India, where a separate VFS service fee applies. Neither the application fee nor the IVL is refunded if your application is declined. For stays over 6 months, a chest x-ray may be required.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit New Zealand?
Yes. India isn't on New Zealand's visa-waiver list, which rules out both the NZeTA and any visa on arrival. You'll need a Visitor Visa from Immigration New Zealand, secured before you travel.
How long does the New Zealand visitor visa take to process?
Immigration New Zealand publishes an average of about 4 working days for the general visitor visa, with 80% of applications completed within 2 weeks. Your own timeline turns on your circumstances and how busy the queue is.
How long can I stay on a New Zealand Visitor Visa?
Most grants run up to 6 months per visit, some up to 9, and never more than 9 months in any 18-month period. You can holiday, stay with family or friends, and study for up to 3 months — but not work.
Do you guarantee the visa?
No. That decision rests entirely with Immigration New Zealand. What we do is assess your case honestly and build the strongest application we can. Over the last 2-3 years, our applications have carried a 97% success rate.