About New Zealand Visitor Visa
For those planning to travel to New Zealand for tourism, a New Zealand tourist visa is a must. This visa allows you to visit the country for sightseeing, attending events, and other leisure activities. Before we dive into the New Zealand visa process, here's a brief overview of the country.
| Key Facts | Description |
| Currency | New Zealand Dollar (NZD = 50.33 INR) |
| Time Zone | New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), GMT+12 |
| Capital City | Wellington |
| Official Languages | English, Māori |
| Popular Tourist Destinations | Auckland, Queenstown, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Milford Sound, Bay of Islands |
| New Zealand Visa Processing Time | Around 2 weeks |
New Zealand Visitor Visa Fee for Indians
Here's a break-up of the New Zealand visitor visa fee for Indians:
| Application Type | Fee |
| Online Visa | Online: NZD 246 (approx. INR 12,381.68) |
| Apply on Paper | Application Cost: INR 13,000 Visa Application Centre (VAC): INR 1715 |
*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations
Note: A NZD 35 fee for International Visitor Conservation and Tourism is included in the visa cost.
Documents Required for a New Zealand Visitor Visa for Indians
Before starting your New Zealand visitor visa application process, it is crucial to have all the necessary documents in place. Here's a comprehensive list of documents required for Indian applicants:
| Document | Description |
| Passport | Provide a scanned copy of your passport, including: 1. The photo page 2. All pages with visa records and entry/exit stamps. If you are submitting a paper application, include your original passport or a certified copy. |
| Photo | For paper applications: 1. Photo size: 35 mm wide x 45 mm high. For online applications(JPG/JPEG): 1. File size: 500 KB to 3 MB 2. Dimensions: 900 x 1,200 pixels to 2,250 x 3,000 pixels |
| Cover Letter | Detailing your travel plans and purpose of visit |
| Proof of Sufficient Funds | If paying for yourself: 1. Show at least NZD 1000 per month (NZD 400 if accommodation is prepaid). 2. Provide proof like: a. Hotel pre-paid vouchers or receipts. b. Bank or credit card statements. c. Bank drafts or travellers’ cheques. If sponsored: Your sponsor must prove they meet the criteria and can support you in New Zealand. |
| Proof of Accommodation | Hotel bookings or a letter from your host in New Zealand |
| Confirmed Flight Tickets | To and from New Zealand |
| Medical Certificate | Provide one from an approved doctor if requested |
| Character Certificate | Police certificates are required if your stay in New Zealand totals 24 months or more, including past ones. Must be less than 6 months old at the time of application and should be from any country where you're a citizen or have lived for over 5 years since turning 17. |
| Genuine Intentions | To visit New Zealand, you must: Be a genuine visitor planning to leave at the end of your stay. Provide clear supporting information. Consider your personal circumstances and past application details. |
| Family Relationships | You can add your partner and any dependent children up to 19 years old to your application. |
Types of New Zealand Visitor Visa
The New Zealand visitor visa offers two types of entry:
| Visa Type | Duration of Stay | Number of Entries |
|
Visitor Visa |
9 months | Single Entry |
| 6 months | Multiple Entry |
Note: While on a visitor visa in New Zealand, you cannot work, but you can study for up to 3 months.
New Zealand Visitor Visa Requirements
To qualify for a New Zealand visitor visa, you must meet several criteria:
- You should have a valid passport.
- You should have a genuine reason for visiting New Zealand.
- You should plan to stay only for the duration permitted by your visa.
- You must have enough funds to support yourself during your stay (i.e., NZD 1000 INR 50,536.90 per month) or have an acceptable sponsor.
- You should hold a ticket to leave New Zealand or have enough money to buy one.
How to Apply for the New Zealand Visitor Visa?
To apply for a New Zealand visitor visa, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting your application process, make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria.
Step 2: How to Apply
- Online Application: It is the fastest and easiest method
- Paper Application: If online is not an option, download and fill out this available form.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the necessary documents as per the list provided above.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form & Submit
Fill out the application form with accurate information. You can submit your application online via the official website of the New Zealand High Commission or offline by visiting the nearest embassy or consulate.
Step 5: Pay the New Zealand Tourist Visa Fee
If applying digitally, pay the required visa fee online or at the embassy if applying offline.
Your application will be reviewed upon submission, and you'll receive an email about your visa status.
New Zealand Tourist Visa for Indians: FAQs
-
Q1: How long can I stay in New Zealand on a Visitor visa?
Ans: If you have applied for a single-entry visitor visa, then you can stay for up to 9 months. In the case of a multiple-entry visa, you can stay for up to 6 months. -
Q2: Can I work in New Zealand with a visitor visa?
Ans: No, you can't work in New Zealand with a visitor visa. You need to apply for a work visa. However, you can study for up to 3 months under the visitor visa. -
Q3: How can I check my New Zealand visa Status?
Ans: To check your New Zealand visa status, log in to Immigration Online using your RealMe account. Go to the 'My Visas' tab and check the 'Submitted applications' section. Then, review the 'Status' column. -
Q4: Do you need to apply for entry permission when you arrive in New Zealand?
Ans: Yes, upon arrival in New Zealand, you have to apply for entry permission by completing a digital or paper New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity will also check if you meet the requirements of entry. -
Q5: How long does it take to process a New Zealand visitor visa?
Ans: The processing time varies but typically takes around 2 weeks.
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