New Zealand Visa – A Complete Guide for Indian Travellers
What Is the New Zealand Visa?
If you’re an Indian traveller planning to visit New Zealand (also known as Aotearoa), knowing which New Zealand visa you need is crucial. Whether it's for tourism, study, work, or transit, the visa type determines how long you can stay, how many entries you can make, and what conditions apply.
Visa Types Relevant to Indian Travellers
Indian nationals applying for a New Zealand visa commonly use:
Visitor / Tourist Visa: For leisure, sightseeing, and short stays.
Student Visa: For full-time study at a New Zealand institution.
Work Visa: For employment opportunities under skilled or specific employer-sponsored categories.
Transit Visa: For passing through New Zealand en route to another destination.
Each visa type comes with its own conditions, validity, and entry requirements, depending on your purpose of travel.
Key Policy Updates & Visa Fee Changes (2024–2025)
As of October 1, 2024, New Zealand has increased visa application fees across most categories, including visitor, student, and work visas. (The Economic Times)
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) was raised to NZD 100 per eligible person from October 1, 2024. (Immigration New Zealand)
These changes reflect New Zealand’s push for a more sustainable immigration system where visa applicants share more of the cost. (Business Today)
New Zealand Visa Fee Structure for Indian Applicants
As of the recent fee update:
The Visitor Visa application fee is now around NZD 300, plus the IVL of NZD 100.
Student visas have seen a jump, with the fee rising to approximately NZD 485.
There may also be an immigration levy depending on the visa type.
Additionally, when applying via VFS Global from India, there is a service charge (for example, for visitor visa applications).
Documents Required for New Zealand Visa (From India)
When applying for a New Zealand visa as an Indian passport holder, you generally need:
A valid Indian passport (with enough validity for your proposed stay)
Completed online application form via Immigration New Zealand’s website
Recent passport-size photographs
Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements) for your stay
Confirmed return or onward travel tickets
Proof of accommodation in New Zealand
Employment or study proof (if applying for work or a student visa)
Travel insurance may be required or highly recommended
Visa fee payment receipt
Be sure to check the official INZ checklist for Indian applicants to ensure you have all the required documentation. (Immigration New Zealand)
How to Apply – Step by Step
Register and fill out your visa application through the Immigration New Zealand online portal.
Upload your documents, photos, and proof of funds.
Pay the visa fee and IVL as required.
Submit the application and, if needed, attend a VFS Global centre in India for biometric data.
Monitor your application status online.
Once approved, either get your passport stamped or your visa label (depending on category).
Validity, Duration, and Stay Conditions
Visitor visas typically let you stay in New Zealand for up to 6 months in a given period, depending on what's granted.
There’s no visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens - you must apply before traveling.
The IVL surcharge (NZD 100) is mandatory for most visitor and student visa applicants, and it applies at application time.
Why Choose MusafirBaba for Your New Zealand Visa?
Navigating visa applications can be complex — but at MusafirBaba, we simplify the entire process for Indian travellers:
Expert guidance on choosing the correct visa type
Document checklist and review to avoid rejections
Step-by-step help with the online INZ portal
Updates on the latest policy changes, fees, and levies
Travel planning support for your trip once visa is approved
With us by your side, your New Zealand adventure starts off stress-free and well prepared.
