new zealand tourist visa
Canada Tourist Visa: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
The stunning landscapes, natural beauty, looks of Maori culture, and adventure activities have always made New Zealand an island wonder to visit. For Indian passport holders planning to travel to this beautiful country the first step is understanding how the New Zealand tourist visa process works.
Travelers aspiring to visit this land are in for a treat as in this article we will explain everything regarding the New Zealand tourist visa for Indians including its eligibility requirements, necessary documents, and application submission guidelines followed by processing time, fees along with some FAQs. This article is useful for all kinds of travelers; be it a mountain lover wishing to explore Queenstown or someone who wants to relax around the breathtaking beaches of Auckland.
What is a tourist Visa for New Zealand?
In simpler terms, a tourist visa is a temporary document permitting individuals from other countries entry into New Zealand intending solely for tourism activities. The individual possesses this document can enter New Zealand to travel and spend time with relatives or friends engagement in recreational activities including short courses lasting three months or less.
Depending on an individual’s travel history, available finances and objective of visit these permits are functionally offered for up to 9 months out of 18 months.
Who Needs a New Zealand Tourist Visa?
All citizens from India need to apply for a tourist visa in order to enter New Zealand, as they do not qualify for visa upon arrival benefits. Indians are required to obtain a visitor visa prior to travel unlike nationals from other countries with Visa waiver agreements.
Key Features of Visitor Tourism Visa For Indians
Category: Visitor Visa (Tourist stream).
Validity Period: Upto 9 months
Type of Entry: Can be with Single or Multiple Entry.
Intended Use/ Purpose: For tourism, short visit to family and friends, some short term studies.
Processing Location: Through the Internet at INZ (Immigration New Zealand) office page.
Biometrics Required? Yes
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Applicants
Indians applying for tourist visas must meet the following criteria:
Hold a valid Indian passport issued within the last ten years and valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure.
Demonstrate intent to travel solely for tourism purposes or visiting family/friends.
Evidence of funds set aside specifically for the trip (NZD 1,000 per month or NZD 400 per month if accommodation covered already).
Display proof of onward rural flight ticket travelling outside NZ or return flight ticket purchased towards end of journey.
No record of criminal activities or having been deported from any country.
Must have good health and may require medical examination when staying more than six months duration.
Required Documents for a New Zealand Tourist Visa
The following documentation is however critical in ensuring the success of the application:
✅ Basic Documents:
Current passport possess a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of travel for issued passport.
A Recent Passport Sized Photograph Of The Applicant.
Filling INZ 1017 Form Offline Or Filling It Online On INZ Portal.
Writing A Cover Letter To Accompany Documents Stating The Travel Plan And Its Purpose In Addition To Cover Letter For Provided Travel Itinerary.
✅ Financial Documents:
Account Statements For The Past 6 Months.
Presents ITRs (Income Tax Returns) Statement Issued Within Last 2-3 Year Period.
Recent Payslips Or Employment Proof on Company Letterhead (If Employed).
Documentary Evidence Of Fixed Deposits, Mutual Funds Or Other Types Savings Investment Accounts,
✅ Travel Documents:
Tickets for flights booked and paid in an advance are confirmed;
Details Of Reservation Made Or Guarantee Implied By Booking For Hotels/Motels
In NZ, travelling day-wise;
✅ Additional Documents (if applicable):
Letter of invitation from residents of New Zealand (invited friends/family)
Sponsorship Declaration form as per statement “associate with visitor” if you have no funds to pay or your trip
Travel insurance policies covering the period staying in New Zealand outside their home country
Steps to securing a new zealand tourist visa from India
For Indians applying for tourist visa can use online website portal or submit paper based applications.
Upload all mandatory documents in PDF format.
Visa fees can be paid utilizing credit or debit cards.
Book a biometrics appointment at the nearest VAC (Visa Application Centre).
Submit passport and participate in biometrics collection.
An e-visa will be sent to you via email post application approval.
Offline Application Process:
Download and complete Form INZ 1017.
Supporting documents must be added.
Request drafts for demand published under visa fees paid.
FINALIZE submission at the VAC with all forms and supporting documentation.
New Zealand Tourist Visa Processing Time
For most travelers, one of the key factors to consider is New Zealand tourist visa processing time. For Indian citizens, the processing time generally ranges between:
Online Applications: 20 – 30 working days
Paper-based applications: 30 – 45 working days
However, processing times are impacted by various factors including:
Seasonality (peak travel seasons typically delay processing)
Application completeness
Need for additional evaluation processes like background checks or medical examinations
It is advisable to apply no later than 6 to 8 weeks prior conceptually to avoid unnecessary stressful situations right before travel date.
New Zealand Tourist Visa Fees
The price associated with obtaining a tourist visa includes service charges levied by the VAC and other designated fees.
Type | Fees (Approx) |
Visa Application Fee | NZD 246 (≈ INR 12,000) |
VAC Service Fee | INR 1,100 – 1,500 |
Biometrics Fee | Included or INR 1,000 |
Note: Prices are indicative and subject to change. Ensure you review the current fee schedule on the INZ website or VAC page prior to submission.
Validity and Duration of Stay
Upon approval, tourists visas typically allow:
Stay duration: Up to 9 months within an 18 month frame
Visa validity: Discretionary duration set by INZ; commonly up to 12 months.
Entry type: Single or multiple entry depending on travel itinerary.
Reasons for Visa Rejection and Strategies to Counter Them:
Regrettably a number of visa applications get rejected for a variety of reasons including but not limited to:
Insufficient documentation that is requested.
Lack of adequate financial resources.
Insufficient travel history.
Concerns about non-return intentions
Ambiguous or unverifiable details regarding trip itinerary.
Suggested Best Practices:
To Minimize Risk of Refusal:
Be straightforward in your application without embellishing details.
Substantial evidence demonstrating employment and finances must be provided.
Do not provide fraudulent paperwork.
Include a comprehensive cover letter with well-organized travel plans outlining detailed itineraries.
Demonstrate strong ties to India through documentation of employment, family connections domestically anchored or real estate holdings.
COVID-19 Considerations (If Relevant)
Travel restrictions for New Zealand have, in general, been eased. Nonetheless, with regards to:
Confirm vaccination prerequisites
Check the policy on COVID testing
Ensure travel insurance covers COVID expenses
Visit official INZ and Ministry of Health websites for the most current information.
Is It Possible To Renew A New Zealand Tourist Visa?
Yes, there are circumstances under which it is possible to apply for an extension. Furthermore, you must not meet the following criteria:
You would not have exceeded 9 months stay in the last 18 months period.
Your application is submitted before expiry date of the visa.
Present justification documents to support extension request.
Demonstrate additional funds as well as accommodation plans beyond initial arrangements.
Services Provided By Visa Consultants: Should You Hire An Agent To Help You Submit Your Application?
A large number of Indian travelers prefer visiting a well-known immigration consultant because they trust the processes will be seamless. Agents help with:
Submission of documents
Submission online
Appointment scheduling for biometrics
Insurance and itinerary services related to travel
First time applicants or those who feel tentative about the applicartion process can save themselves from making mistakes or having their applications declined by obtaining professional assistance.
What are New Zealand’s Top Tourist Attractions
With your visa organized, you’re all set to plan an adventure! Here is some places on New Zealand you should not miss:
🌄 North Island :
Auckland – Sky Tower, beaches and nightlife Auckland
Rotorua – Geothermal wonders and Maori culture
Wellington – National museums and harbor life
Bay of Islands – Scenic marine cruises exploring dolphins and the rich marine ecosysystem.
🏔️ South Island:
Queenstown – Adventure capital with bungee jumping, skydiving- super exciting.
Milford Sound – Stunning fjords featured in numerous films
Christchurch -Garden city with English charm
Franz Josef glacier helicopter tours followed by glacier hiking.
New Zealand tourist visa faqs for indians
❓ Am I able to work while visiting New Zeland on a tourists visa?
Paid employment is prohibited under a tourist visa. A work visa will be required if you intend upon working.
Question: Address the reasons for rejection and reapply?
Yes, after resolving the issues that led to your initial denial, you are free to apply again.
Do minors need individual visas/or can they share with thier guardians?
Children will require their own visas but will need to be accompanied by their parents or guardians.
Tracking application progress Visas cannot be tracked individually but requires logging into the INZ account alongside contacting VAC.
Conclusion
For many Indians, New Zealand is a tourism haven waiting to be unearthed. Planning well can turn this dream into a reality. As long as the documents are authentic and intentions clear, applying for the New Zealand tourist visa for Indians will not pose any hurdles.
Familiarizing yourself with the prerequisites of getting a New Zealand tourist visa is super important, especially their processing times. For thrill-seekers, nature lovers and also those interested in soaking up different cultures: New Zealand extends an unprecedented travel opportunity to everyone.
As words “Kia Ora!” welcome you into the scenic beauty of New Zealand, remember that there is no better time to start your visa application process than now!