New Zealand Visitor Visa Guide for Indian Citizens
For travellers in India planning a New Zealand visitor visa application, choosing the correct category is the first step. Since multiple New Zealand visitor visa options exist for tourism, family visits, business travel and transit, understanding each route helps make the process smoother and more successful.
Below is a clear overview of the main New Zealand visitor visa categories available to Indian applicants.
New Zealand Visitor Visa Categories
1. Visitor Visa (General)
This visa suits tourists, family visitors and short-term travellers.
Purpose: It allows holidays, sightseeing, visiting relatives, amateur sporting activities and short study programmes of up to three months.
Duration of Stay: Applicants may stay for up to nine months within an 18-month period.
2. Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa
This category lets parents and grandparents spend extended time with their family members living in New Zealand.
Purpose: Visiting children or grandchildren who are residents or citizens.
Duration of Stay: The visa is valid for three years, allowing stays of up to six months at a time. Altogether, visitors may remain in the country for a maximum of 18 months during that period.
3. Group Visitor Visa
Tour groups, school trips and sports teams usually apply under this category.
Purpose: Travel for a fixed event or itinerary as part of a group.
How It Works: A nominated leader submits one application for all members, and the group must enter and leave New Zealand together.
Key Requirements: Each traveller must satisfy health, character and financial conditions.
4. Business Visitor Visa
This visa supports short-term business-related travel.
Purpose: Attending meetings, trade fairs, conferences or contract negotiations.
Duration of Stay: Most approvals allow stays of up to three months.
Key Requirements: Evidence such as invitation letters from New Zealand companies or event registrations must be provided.
5. Transit Visa
Travellers merely passing through New Zealand may require a Transit Visa.
Purpose: Transit through Auckland International Airport for up to 24 hours.
Key Requirement: A confirmed onward ticket is compulsory, and travellers must remain in the airport’s transit area.
Total cost
Mandatory Government Charges
Every New Zealand visitor visa applicant must pay certain compulsory fees directly to Immigration New Zealand during the online application process.
1. Visa Application Fee (Payable to Immigration New Zealand)
Visa Application Fee: NZD 300
IVL Levy: NZD 100
Immigration Levy: NZD 41
Total: NZD 441 (approx. ₹22,500–₹23,800)
2. VFS Global Service Fee
Passport handling: approx. ₹1,400
3. Medical Examination
Chest X-ray: ₹700–₹1,500
Full medical exam: ₹5,000–₹6,000
Documents Required for New Zealand Visitor Visa
I. Core Application & Identity Documents
These documents are essential for every New Zealand visitor visa application.
Online INZ 1017 form
Valid passport
Previous passports
Two recent photographs
II. Financial Capacity Documents
Six-month bank statements
Income-tax returns
Investment proofs
Sponsor documents (if applicable)
III. Employment & Ties to India Documents
This is a critical section to prove you have strong reasons to return to India after your visit.
Salaried Individuals:
Leave Sanction Letter: An official letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your position, salary, date of joining, and confirming that your leave for the trip has been approved.
No Objection Certificate (NOC): A letter from your employer stating they have no objection to your travel.
Salary Slips: Payslips for the last three to six months.
Self-Employed/Business Owners:
Business Registration Proof: Your company’s registration certificate, GST certificate, Partnership Deed, etc.
Company Bank Statements: Bank statements for the company account for the last six months.
Company ITR: Income tax returns for the business for the past three years.
Students:
A letter from your school or college confirming your enrolment and sanctioned leave.
A copy of your student ID card.
Retired Individuals:
Proof of pension or other retirement income.
IV. Purpose of Visit & Itinerary
Clearly explaining your itinerary helps visa officers understand your travel intentions.
Cover letter
Travel plan
Flight itinerary
Hotel bookings
Invitation letter (if applicable)
V. Health & Character Requirements
Depending on the length of stay, medical or police certificates may be requested by Immigration New Zealand.