All foreign nationals, including those from New Zealand, must obtain a visa before traveling to India. There is no visa-on-arrival facility in India for New Zealand citizens, making it essential to secure the appropriate visa prior to entering the country by air, sea, or land.
To ensure a smooth and timely visa application process, it is important to understand and follow the correct procedures. This guide will provide detailed instructions to help applicants complete their visa applications correctly, thereby avoiding unnecessary delays or rejections. Visas are valid from the date of issue, so it is recommended to apply closer to the travel date.
Indian Visa for New Zealand Citizens
Visa applications can be submitted through two primary methods:Regular Paper Visa Application: Visit the Indian Visa Online Portal and click on “Regular visa application”. Regular visas are processed by the High Commission of India, Wellington.
e-Visa: Apply online via the e-Visa Portal. The processing of e-Visas is managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs of India, and the High Commission of India does not have control over this process.
Information on Indian Tourist Visa
- Granted to foreigners for sight-seeing, recreation, meeting friends/relatives, short-term yoga programs, and short-duration medical treatment.
- Validity up to 5 years with a maximum continuous stay of 90 days per visit.
- Tourist visas are non-extendable and non-convertible, except in limited circumstances.
- Biometric enrolment is required for visas valid for more than one year or multiple entries. Exemptions apply for applicants below 12 years or over 70 years. Details on biometric enrolment can be found here.
- PIOs may consider applying for an OCI Card for visa-free travel to India for life. For details, visit the OCI Registration Page.
Foreigners of Indian origin, their spouses, and children are advised to apply for an Entry visa instead of a Tourist visa for fewer restrictions.
All travelers on a cruise ship should obtain a “Tourist Visa” in advance and clearly indicate “Cruise Trip to India” on their application for appropriate entries.
How to Apply for Regular Visa?
All visa applications must be completed online. Handwritten or manually typed applications are not accepted. Follow these steps to complete the online visa application:- Access the online form at Indian Visa Online Portal and click on “Regular visa application”.
- Select "New Zealand – Wellington" as the option for the “Mission Field”.
- Use Google Chrome or Internet Explorer browsers for compatibility. The form may not work on Safari or mobile browsers.
- Fill out the visa application form completely without leaving any columns blank.
- Indicate your permanent address as that of your native country.
- Upload your photo vertically. Print the form only after successfully uploading your photograph. Refer to the photo upload instructions for details.
- After submitting the form, an application ID starting with NZLWV will be generated. Note this ID for future references.
- Print the completed application form, sign pages 1 and 2, and submit it to the High Commission of India, Wellington, along with two recent photographs (2” X 2”), the prescribed visa fee, your original passport, and the required documents.
Document Submission
Address: 72 Pipitea Street, Thorndon, Wellington – 6011, P.O. Box 12211Website: High Commission of India, Wellington
Public Working Hours:
Submission of Applications: 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Collection of Documents: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Contact Email ID: [email protected]
- Applicants should attach one self-addressed pre-paid return courier bag with tracking facility (required to post back the passport with visa) when sending their documents to the High Commission of India by registered courier (with tracking facility).
- The High Commission of India processes visas through an online system, and handwritten or manually typed applications are not accepted.
Indian Visa Fees and Payment Methods
The application fees (in NZD) for various visa categories for New Zealand passport holders are as follows:- Tourist Visa for 6 months: $168
- Tourist Visa for 1 year: $168
- Tourist Visa for 5 years: $330
Note: Duration of any visa will be decided by the Visa Officer
Payment Methods:
At the High Commission’s Counter: By Debit Card only (No Cash/Credit Cards/Money Orders/Credit Card/bank cheques).
By Courier/Post: By Online Bank Transfer. Attach a printed confirmation of the payment with the application.
Fees are non-refundable under any circumstances, even if the application is withdrawn or services are not provided.
Processing Time for Indian Visa from New Zealand
New Zealand / Samoa / Niue Passport / The Cook Islands / Vanuatu: 4-6 Working DaysOther than NZ / Samoa / Niue Passport / The Cook Islands / Vanuatu: 6-8 Working Days
Pakistan, PR China & Sri Lankan origin applicants: No Time Limit
Required Documents for Different Types of Regular Visa
Common Documentation for All Visa Categories
- Completed and signed visa application form with a vertically uploaded photo.
- Original passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
- Two recent photographs (2”X2”). Ensure they match the uploaded photograph and photograph specification.
- Visa fee as per the given schedule.
- Additional form for non-New Zealand nationals / those holding dual nationality.
- One self-addressed pre-paid return courier bag with tracking facility.
Additional Documentation for Minors (Children under 18 years of age)
- Copy of the minor's birth certificate.
- Copies of both parents' current passports.
- Copies of parents' current or canceled Indian passports if of Indian origin.
- Signature of both parents on the visa application form or a no-objection letter from the non-signing parent.
- Additional proof for single parents/guardians such as custody orders or death certificate.
- Statutory Declaration attested by Justice of Peace if the status of the minor’s father is unknown.
