How Indian passport holders get a visa for New Zealand: visa type, government fee, processing time, maximum stay, the documents required and where to apply. Government-sourced — always verify on the official site before you travel.
Quick facts
- Visa type: Visitor visa — apply online (NZeTA is NOT for Indians)
- Government fee: NZD 341 (~₹17,000) Visitor Visa fee + NZD 100 (~₹5,000) International Visitor Levy (IVL). Total NZD 441 (~₹22,000), non-refundable.
- Processing time: Aim for ~20 working days from a complete application; many decisions in 3 weeks. 80% of applications cleared within 3 weeks. Apply 4–6 weeks before travel.
- Maximum stay: Up to 9 months per entry within an 18-month period; multi-entry visitor visas can be valid up to 3 years for repeat travellers.
- Interview: Not required
- Ease for Indian travellers: 50/100
Documents you'll need
- Passport 3+ months beyond intended departure date
- Recent digital photograph
- Proof of funds (NZD 1,000/month or NZD 400/month if accommodation is pre-paid)
- Confirmed return/onward ticket
- Travel itinerary and hotel bookings
- Employer NOC / business proof
- Sponsor letter if visiting family
How & where to apply
Apply online via the Immigration New Zealand portal (RealMe account). No NZeTA option for Indian nationals — that is only for visa-waiver country citizens. Immigration NZ — Visitor visa (official)
Transit & connections
Indians need a Transit Visa (free) for transiting through Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC) even airside, unless the trip qualifies under specific airline exemptions.
How New Zealand compares in Oceania
With an ease score of 50/100 this is a moderate-effort application for Indians — start early and follow the document checklist exactly. New Zealand requires a full pre-travel application (embassy / visa application centre) for Indian passport holders.
| Country | Visa type | Government fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | Visitor visa — apply online (NZeTA is NOT for Indians) | NZD 341 (~₹17,000) Visitor Visa fee + NZD 100 (~₹5,000) International Visitor Levy (IVL). Total NZD 441 (~₹22,000), non-refundable. | Aim for ~20 working days from a complete application; many decisions in 3 weeks. 80% of applications cleared within 3 weeks. Apply 4–6 weeks before travel. |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Visitor visa subclass 600 (Tourist stream) — ETA / eVisitor NOT for Indians | AUD 195 (~₹10,800) Visa Application Charge (VAC) for Visitor visa subclass 600 Tourist stream (2026 rate). Plus biometrics fees at VFS (~₹2,000). | Officially 21 days; realistically 4–8 weeks for first-time Indian applicants (75% within ~22 days, 90% within ~50 days per Home Affairs). |
| 🇫🇯 Fiji | Visa-free — 4 months | No government visa fee. | Granted on arrival at Nadi or Suva international airport — no advance application needed. |
| 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea | eVisa — apply online via evisa.ica.gov.pg | USD 50 (~₹4,200) Short Term (30 day) eVisa. Long Term 60 days higher. | 5 working days. Apply at least 5 days before travel. |
| 🇼🇸 Samoa | Free visa on arrival — 60 days | FREE visa-on-arrival. Extension fee: WST 100 (~₹3,200) for an additional 60 days. | Granted on arrival at Faleolo International (APW) — no advance application. |
| 🇵🇼 Palau | Visa on arrival — USD 50 + USD 100 environmental fee | USD 50 visa fee + USD 100 mandatory Palau Environmental Fee. Total ~USD 150 (~₹12,600). | Granted on arrival at Roman Tmetuchl International (ROR) — no advance application. |
| 🇨🇰 Cook Islands | Visa-free — 31 days | No government visa fee. | Granted on arrival at Rarotonga International (RAR). |
Fees and processing times are indicative and change with exchange rates and season — always confirm on each country's official source before applying.
Good to know
NZeTA is NOT available to Indian nationals — Indians must apply for the full Visitor visa. The IVL (NZD 100) is bundled into the application. Once granted, the visa often allows multiple entries over 3 years (case-officer discretion). Visa rules change often — confirm on the official government source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/fees-processing-times-and-refunds/fees-decision-times-and-where-to-apply/
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for New Zealand?
Visitor visa — apply online (NZeTA is NOT for Indians). NZeTA is NOT available to Indian nationals — Indians must apply for the full Visitor visa. The IVL (NZD 100) is bundled into the application. Once granted, the visa often allows multiple entries over 3 years (case-officer discretion).
What documents do Indians need for a New Zealand visa?
Passport 3+ months beyond intended departure date; Recent digital photograph; Proof of funds (NZD 1,000/month or NZD 400/month if accommodation is pre-paid); Confirmed return/onward ticket; Travel itinerary and hotel bookings; Employer NOC / business proof; Sponsor letter if visiting family
How long does a New Zealand visa take and what does it cost?
Processing: Aim for ~20 working days from a complete application; many decisions in 3 weeks. 80% of applications cleared within 3 weeks. Apply 4–6 weeks before travel.. Government fee: NZD 341 (~₹17,000) Visitor Visa fee + NZD 100 (~₹5,000) International Visitor Levy (IVL). Total NZD 441 (~₹22,000), non-refundable.. Maximum stay: Up to 9 months per entry within an 18-month period; multi-entry visitor visas can be valid up to 3 years for repeat travellers..
How do Indians apply for a New Zealand visa?
Apply online via the Immigration New Zealand portal (RealMe account). No NZeTA option for Indian nationals — that is only for visa-waiver country citizens. Official source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/fees-processing-times-and-refunds/fees-decision-times-and-where-to-apply/
Is a New Zealand visa hard to get for Indian citizens?
With an ease score of 50/100 this is a moderate-effort application for Indians — start early and follow the document checklist exactly. No interview is normally required.
Can Indians get a New Zealand visa online or on arrival?
New Zealand requires a full pre-travel application (embassy / visa application centre) for Indian passport holders.
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