How to Apply for NZ Visitor Visa from India: Step-by-Step

Complete application process — online portal, documents, biometrics, and tracking

Good to know: If you hold a valid UK visa, USA visa, Canadian visa, Australian visa, or a Schengen visa issued in the past 24 months, you may qualify for a simplified application process.

New Zealand Visitor Visa Application Process for Indian Nationals

Indian citizens need a valid visitor visa to enter New Zealand. All applications are submitted online through the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) portal. There are no in-person submission centres — the entire process is digital.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before applying, confirm you meet the NZ visitor visa eligibility requirements: valid passport (6+ months beyond return date), sufficient funds (NZD 1,000 per month or NZD 400 if accommodation is pre-paid), genuine tourist or family visit purpose, and a clear intention to return to India.

Step 2: Create an INZ Account

Go to the Immigration New Zealand website and create an RealMe account or sign in with RealMe. RealMe is New Zealand's official digital identity system. Once logged in, you can access the online visa application (Visa Online).

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

Fill in the application form (INZ 1188 is completed online). You'll need to provide: personal details, passport information, travel history for the past 10 years, employment/education history, any criminal history, and the purpose and duration of your visit.

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload all required documents from the NZ visitor visa checklist: passport bio page, bank statements (last 3 months), return flight itinerary, hotel bookings or invitation letter, proof of employment (leave letter + salary slips), ITR or payslips, and travel insurance. Documents must be in PDF or JPEG format.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

The standard NZ visitor visa fee for Indian nationals is NZD 441 (approximately ₹24,000, before VFS charges, subject to exchange rate). Payment is made by debit/credit card during the online application. The fee is non-refundable.

Step 6: Biometrics

After submitting your online application and fee, INZ may request biometrics (fingerprints and a digital photo). You'll be directed to a VFS Global centre in India to complete this. Biometric capture typically costs an additional fee of approximately ₹2,500.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Standard processing takes 15–25 working days for straightforward applications. Complex cases or those requiring additional information may take longer. Check your application status on the INZ portal using your application reference number.

Step 8: Receive Your Visa

If approved, your visa is issued electronically and linked to your passport. There is no physical sticker — immigration officers check your visa through their system when you arrive. You will receive an email confirmation with your eVisa label to print and carry with your travel documents.

Common Reasons Applications Are Refused

Insufficient funds, vague travel purpose, no ties to home country, and previous visa refusals are the most common causes. Read the NZ visitor visa refusal reasons guide to know what to avoid. For an invitation letter from a NZ-based host, see our invitation letter guide.