New Zealand Visitor Visa

A Guide to New Zealand's Visitor Visas for Indian Citizens

For those in India dreaming of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, understanding the different visitor visa options is the first step.

Here’s an overview of the main visitor visa categories available:

1. Visitor Visa (General)

Purpose: Ideal for holidays, sightseeing, visiting loved ones, or participating in amateur sports or adventure activities. You can also undertake short-term study for up to 3 months.
Duration of Stay: You can apply to stay for up to 9 months within an 18-month period.

2. Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa

Purpose: To spend quality time with your children or grandchildren who live in New Zealand.
Duration of Stay: This visa is valid for three years and allows you to stay for up to six months at a time. The total time you can spend in New Zealand is a maximum of 18 months over the three-year validity period.

3. Group Visitor Visa

Purpose: Suitable for tour groups, school trips, or sports teams travelling for a specific event or itinerary.
How it Works: The application is submitted by a designated group leader on behalf of all members. The entire group must have the same travel plans and intend to enter and leave New Zealand together.
Key Requirements: Each member of the group must meet the standard visitor visa requirements for health, character, and funds.

4. Business Visitor Visa

Purpose: To attend meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or to negotiate business deals.
Duration of Stay: Typically granted for short periods, usually up to 3 months.
Key Requirements: You will need to provide evidence of your business activities, such as an invitation letter from a New Zealand company or conference registration.

5. Transit Visa

If you are just passing through New Zealand on your way to another country, you will need a Transit Visa.

Purpose: To transit through Auckland International Airport for up to 24 hours.
Key Requirement: You must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a country that you have the right to enter. You must stay in the transit area of the airport.

Total cost

Part 1: Mandatory Costs

These are the essential fees that every applicant must pay.

1. Visa Application Fee (Payable to Immigration New Zealand) This is the main government charge for processing your visa. As of recently updated fee schedules, it includes the visa fee and two compulsory levies.

Visa Application Fee: NZD $300
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): NZD $100
Immigration Levy: NZD $41
Total Government Fee: NZD $441
Approximate INR: ₹22,500 to ₹23,800

This fee is paid online directly to Immigration New Zealand during the application process. 2. VFS Global Service Fee

Passport Handling Fee: Approximately ₹1,400 per application

Part 2: Potentially Required Costs

3. Medical Examination

Chest X-ray only (for stays between 6-12 months): Approx. ₹700 – ₹1,500
Full Medical Examination (for stays over 12 months): Approx. ₹5,000 – ₹6,000

These fees are paid directly to the clinic.

Document Requirements

I. Core Application & Identity Documents

These are the foundational documents for your visa application.

Completed Online Application: The Visitor Visa application (form INZ 1017) must be filled out accurately on the official Immigration New Zealand website.
Valid Passport: Your current passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand. You must provide a scanned copy of your passport’s bio-data page (the page with your photo and details).
Previous Passports: Include copies of any old passports to show your travel history.
Acceptable Photographs: Two recent, high-quality colour photographs (35mm x 45mm) for each applicant. The photos must be less than six months old, have a plain, light-coloured (but not white) background, and show your full face looking forward with a neutral expression.

II. Financial Capacity Documents

Bank Statements: Personal bank statements for the last six months. These should be stamped by the bank and show a consistent history of savings and transactions.
Income Tax Returns (ITR): Your ITRs for the past three years to demonstrate a stable income source.
Proof of Other Income/Assets (Recommended): Documents relating to Fixed Deposits, Public Provident Fund (PPF) statements, property ownership, or share holdings can strengthen your application.
Sponsorship Documents (If applicable): If your trip is sponsored by a New Zealand resident or citizen, they must complete the Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025) and provide evidence of their financial capacity (bank statements, employment letter).

III. Employment & Ties to India Documents

This is a critical section to prove you have strong reasons to return to Bardoli, Gujarat after your visit.

For 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.

For 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.

For Students:
- A letter from your school or college confirming your enrolment and sanctioned leave.
- A copy of your student ID card.

For Retired Individuals:
- Proof of pension or other retirement income.

IV. Purpose of Visit & Itinerary

Clearly outline your reasons for visiting New Zealand.

Personal Cover Letter: A signed letter addressed to the Visa Officer explaining:
- The purpose of your visit (e.g., tourism, visiting family).
- Your intended travel dates and the duration of your trip.
- A day-by-day travel plan.
- Who is funding the trip.
Travel Itinerary: A detailed plan of your activities in New Zealand.
Flight & Accommodation Proof:
- Flight Itinerary: A flight reservation showing your intended travel dates. You do not need to purchase confirmed tickets before visa approval.
- Hotel Bookings: Confirmed hotel reservations or proof of pre-paid accommodation.
- Invitation Letter (If applicable): If you are visiting family or friends, a letter of invitation from them, along with a copy of their New Zealand passport or residence visa.

V. Health & Character Requirements

Health Requirements:
- If you intend to stay for more than six months, you will likely need to provide a Chest X-ray Certificate.
- If you intend to stay for more than 12 months, you will need to provide a full General Medical Certificate.
- These must be completed by a panel physician approved by Immigration New Zealand. You will be notified if a medical certificate is required.

Character Requirements:
- You may be asked to provide a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) if you plan to stay for 24 months or longer (including any previous time spent in New Zealand).