New Zealand Tourist Visa For Indian Passport holders

The people who are willing to travel to New Zealand for tourism, a tourist visa is issued for those individuals. This permit allows you to travel to the country for sightseeing, visiting, attending concerts and other leisure activities. This visa is generally provided for a stay of 3 months and can be single-entry or multiple-entry. The validity is generally for 12 months but it may vary as per the type of your visa as well. Although, it must be noted that the visa doesn’t guarantee you an entry in the country. If the border control finds an issue with your permit or yourself, they can keep you from entering.

The process for the application of a tourist visa to New Zealand is two ways - online and offline. But before moving on to the procedure, it is necessary that you go through the eligibility criteria for the application. These are the parameters that will tell you if you can get the permit.

The New Zealand visa process is given as follows:

• Online Process

• • Visit the official website of the New Zealand High Commission.
  • Choose the category of the visa.
  • Fill out the application form.
  • Upload photos and scanned documents.
  • Pay the New Zealand tourist visa fees.
  • You can then wait for approval.

• Offline Process

• • You can start by downloading the application form.
  • Choose the visa type that you require.
  • Fill out the visa application form and other documents.
  • You can then collect the required documents.
  • Submit the documents to the New Zealand Immigration
  • You can then pay the required fee.
  • Wait until you get your documents approved.

It must be noted that a tourist visa for less than 3 months can be obtained through either of the above procedures, however, if you are planning a holiday for more than 3 months, you will have to apply through the offline process. The online New Zealand tourist visa for Indians is permitted only for short term trips that are less than 3 months.

Also, at the time of filling out the information in the application forms, you must fill in the correct details. If the provided information is found to be false or unverifiable, there are chances that you will have to face visa rejection. Getting your visa rejected can affect your future applications for any other kind of permit or to any other country. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult a professional or employ a visa agency if necessary.

• Age: No specific age restrictions, but applicants under 18 may require additional documentation.
  
  
• Passport: Valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in New Zealand.
  
  
• Intent to Leave: You must demonstrate intentions to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay.
  
  
• Sufficient Funds: Proof of enough money to support yourself during your stay.
  
  
• Good Health and Character: May require health and character certificates in some cases.

There are different kinds of documents that are required for the issuance of this permit. They may vary based on the type of visa. The common New Zealand tourist visa requirements for Indians are listed as follows:

• An original passport valid for at least 6 months ahead of the date of travel.
• Coloured photographs as per the photo specifications
• A cover letter with all the required details
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Income Tax Returns proof
• Medical Certificate
• Proof of accommodation - hotel reservation, etc.
• Proof of purpose of visit - invitation letter, exhibition or conference pass, etc.
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statement or any other equivalent document.
  
  

5.1 Determine Your Eligibility

• Action: Check the Immigration New Zealand website.

• Steps:

• Visit the Website: Go to www.immigration.govt.nz.
  

• Use the Visa Tool: Utilize the "Check if you need a visa" or "Visa Options" tool.

• Select Your Country: Choose "India".

• Select Your Reason for Visiting: Choose "Visit" or the option that best fits your purpose (e.g., tourism, visiting family/friends).

• Answer Additional Questions (if prompted): Regarding your stay duration, intentions, etc.
  
  

• Review Eligibility Outcome:

• Eligible: Proceed with gathering documents.

• Not Eligible or Unclear: Consider consulting the Immigration New Zealand contact centre or a licensed immigration adviser.
  
  

5.2 Gather Documents

• Action: Ensure all required documents are ready.
  
  

• Steps:

• Refer to the Required Documents List (as outlined in section 4 of this guide):

• Passport

• Completed Application Form

• Recent Passport-Sized Photos

• Proof of Funds

• Travel Itinerary or Tickets

• Accommodation Details

• Health and Character Certificates (if required)

• Proof of Onward Travel (if applicable)

• Additional Documents (for specific circumstances, e.g., minors)

• Verify Document Specifications:

• Check Expiry Dates: Ensure your passport and other documents won’t expire soon.

• Validate Formats: Confirm photo and document scan/upload requirements.

• Organize Documents:

• Digital Copies: Scan documents clearly for online application.

• Physical Copies: For paper application submission at a VAC.
  
  

5.3 Submit Your Application

• Options:

• Online

• Paper Application via a New Zealand VAC in India
  
  

Online Application

• Steps:

• Create an Account: On the Immigration New Zealand website.
  
  

• Fill Out the Application Form:

• Accurately Enter Information: Match your documents.

• Upload Required Documents.
  
  

• Submit Your Application:

• Review Summary: Ensure all information is correct.

• Confirm Submission.
  
  

Paper Application via a New Zealand VAC in India

• Steps:

• Download and Complete the Form:

• From the Immigration New Zealand website.

• Print Clearly: Use a printer.
  
  

• Gather and Attach Documents:

• Originals and Copies: As per VAC’s instructions.
  
  

• Visit a New Zealand VAC in India:

• Locations: Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata.

• Submission: Hand over your application package.

• Receive an Acknowledgement: Keep it for your records.
  
  

5.4 Pay the Application Fee

• Methods:

• Online: During the online application process.

• At a VAC: For paper applications.
  
  

• Steps:

• Check the Fee: Currently around INR 12,200 (subject to change).

• Online Payment:

• Credit/Debit Card: Use a valid card.

• Transaction Receipt: Keep for your records.

• VAC Payment:

• Accepted Methods: Cash, Credit/Debit Card (check with the VAC).

• Receipt: Obtain a payment receipt.
  
  

5.5 Wait for Processing

• Action: Check your email for updates.
  
  

• Steps:

• Regularly Check Your Email:

• Updates and Requests: Respond promptly if additional information is requested.
  
  

• Track Your Application Status (if available online):

• Login to Your Account: On the Immigration New Zealand website.
  
  

• Contact the VAC or Immigration New Zealand (if concerned about delays):

• Phone or Email: Use the contact details provided on the Immigration New Zealand website or by the VAC.
  
  

5.6 Biometrics (if required)

• Action: Visit a VAC for biometric data collection.
  
  

• Steps:

• Notification:

• Email or Letter: Informing you that biometrics are required.
  
  

• Schedule a Biometrics Appointment (if necessary):

• Contact the VAC: To book a time slot.
  
  

• Visit the VAC for Biometrics:

• Identification: Bring your passport and appointment confirmation (if scheduled).

• Biometric Data Collection: Fingerprint scanning.
  
  

5.7 Receive Your Visa Decision

• Outcomes:

• Approved

• Rejected
  
  

Approved: Your Visa Will Be Sent Via Email

• Steps:

• Receive the Visa Email:

• Check Your Spam Folder: If not in your inbox.
  
  

• Open and Review the Visa Document:

• Visa Details: Check for accuracy (name, passport number, duration of stay, etc.).
  
  

• Print or Save the Visa:

• For Travel: Ensure you have a clear, legible copy.
  
  

Rejected: Reasons Will Be Provided; You Can Appeal

• Steps:

  • Review the Rejection Letter:

    • Reasons for Rejection: Understand the grounds for the decision.
      
      

  • Consider Appealing:

    • Eligibility: Check if your decision can be appealed.

    • Seek Advice: From Immigration New Zealand or a licensed immigration adviser.
      
      

  • Submit an Appeal (if proceeding):

    • Follow Appeal Instructions: As outlined in the rejection letter or on the Immigration New Zealand website.

• Visitor Visa Fee: Currently around INR 12,200 (subject to change).
  
  
  
• Additional Costs:
  
  
• Paper Application Submission Fee (if applicable)
• Biometrics Fee (if required)
  
  
  
• Payment Methods:
  
  
• Online: Credit/Debit Card
• VAC: Cash, Credit/Debit Card (check with the VAC for accepted methods)

• Typical Processing Time: 15-30 working days, but can vary.
  
  
• Status Updates:
  
  
• Online Application: Check through your Immigration New Zealand online account.
  
  
• Paper Application: Contact the VAC where you submitted your application.

• Requirement: May be necessary for some applicants.
  
  
• Collection: At a New Zealand VAC in India.
  
  
• Notification: You will be informed if biometrics are required as part of your application process.

• E-Visa: Sent to your email if your application is approved.
  
  
• Visa Label or Confirmation: In some cases, you might receive a label to attach to your passport or a confirmation to present to airlines.

• Apply Early: To account for any unexpected delays.
  
  
• Document Accuracy: Ensure all documents are complete and accurate.
  
  
• Stay Updated: Regularly check the Immigration New Zealand website for the latest requirements.

• Insufficient Funds
  
  
• Incomplete or Inaccurate Application
  
  
• Failure to Meet Health or Character Requirements
  
  
• Unclear Intentions to Leave New Zealand

• Eligibility: Check if your decision can be appealed.
  
  
• Process:
  
  
• Submit an Appeal Form.
• Pay the Appeal Fee (if applicable).
• Wait for the Appeal Decision.

• Immigration New Zealand Website: www.immigration.govt.nz
  
  
• New Zealand Visa Application Centres in India:
  
  
• Website: www.vfsglobal.com/newzealand/india/ (or similar, depending on the service provider)
  
  
• Locations: Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata
  
  
  
• Contact Immigration New Zealand:
  
  
• Phone: +64 9 914 4100 (international)
  
  
• Email: enz.query@mbie.govt.nz