New Zealand Visa for Indians

The New Zealand visitor visa fee for Indians is NZD $441 plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100, totaling NZD $541 (approximately ₹28,000 INR). For paper applications via VFS, additional service fee of ₹1,715 applies.

No, the New Zealand visa fee (NZD $541) is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Even if your visa is declined, you cannot get a refund. The fee covers application processing, not the visa itself.

The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is NZD $100, increased from NZD $35 in October 2024. This levy contributes to conservation and tourism infrastructure in New Zealand and is mandatory for most visitors.

New Zealand visa fee can be paid online through the Immigration NZ portal using international credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions.

Yes. Additional costs include: Chest X-ray (₹1,500-3,000), VFS service fee for paper applications (₹1,715), travel insurance (recommended), certified translations if documents not in English.

VFS service fees are increasing from January 2026 by 10-20%. The Immigration NZ visa fee (NZD $441) and IVL (NZD $100) may also change. Always check the official website for current fees.

New Zealand visa processing typically takes 2-3 weeks for Indian applicants. 80% of applications are decided within 3.5 weeks. Some applications may take up to 4 weeks if additional documents are requested.

Immigration NZ does not offer expedited processing for visitor visas. Apply at least 6-8 weeks before travel to account for any delays. For genuine emergencies, contact Immigration NZ directly.

Apply 6-8 weeks before your intended travel date. This gives time for processing, any additional document requests, and arranging the mandatory chest X-ray if not done already.

Track your application by logging into your RealMe account on the Immigration NZ website (immigration.govt.nz). You will also receive email updates at key stages of processing.

Respond promptly to any document requests via your RealMe account. Delays in providing requested documents can lead to application decline. You typically get 10-20 working days to respond.

Required documents: Valid passport (3+ months validity), photo (35x45mm or digital), proof of funds (NZD $1,000/month), return travel proof, chest X-ray certificate (mandatory for Indians), employment proof, travel itinerary.

Yes, chest X-ray is MANDATORY for all Indian citizens applying for New Zealand visa, regardless of stay duration. India is not on the low TB incidence country list. X-ray must be from an INZ-approved panel physician.

You need to show NZD $1,000 per month of intended stay (approximately ₹52,000/month). If accommodation is pre-paid, the requirement reduces to NZD $400 per month. Provide 3-6 months bank statements.

Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is required only if your total stay in NZ will exceed 24 months. From December 2025, only PCCs from Regional Passport Offices are accepted - not from local police stations.

For paper applications: 35mm x 45mm. For online applications: 900x1200 to 2250x3000 pixels, JPEG format, 500KB-3MB file size. Gray background, neutral expression, no glasses, ears visible.

Confirmed flight tickets are NOT required at application. You can show a tentative itinerary or proof of funds to purchase return travel. Do not book non-refundable tickets before visa approval.

Travel insurance is NOT mandatory for New Zealand visitor visa but is highly recommended. NZ healthcare is expensive for visitors. Get coverage of at least NZD $50,000-100,000 for medical emergencies.

Yes, all documents not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations. Translations should be done by a certified translator or translation agency.

Apply online through immigration.govt.nz: 1) Create RealMe account, 2) Complete visitor visa application, 3) Upload documents, 4) Get chest X-ray from panel physician, 5) Pay NZD $541 fee, 6) Submit and wait for decision.