How long can Indians stay in New Zealand as a visitor?

Up to 3 months under the Visitor Visa. Paid work is not allowed on a visitor stay.

Can Indians work in New Zealand on a visitor stay?

No. Visitor entry covers tourism, family visits, business meetings and conferences only. To take a job, study or settle, Indians need one of the longer-stay routes compared in our New Zealand visa guide for Indians.

🇳🇿 New Zealand tourist visa for Indians 2026

Tourism, visiting family and friends, conferences and business trips. Facts verified against New Zealand's official pages; see the source at the end.

Yes. Indians need a visa before a short visit to New Zealand. India is not a visa-waiver country, so Indian citizens cannot travel on an NZeTA alone and need a Visitor Visa for any holiday, family visit, conference or business trip to New Zealand.

Quick facts

Visa: Visitor Visa
Maximum stay: up to 3 months
Government fee: about $251
Processing time: 1–4 weeks
Paid work: Not allowed
Business or conference: Covered

Where Indians apply

You apply online at immigration.govt.nz, uploading scans rather than sending your passport, and the decision is an eVisa by email.

Fee and processing time

The fee changed on 1 October 2024 to NZD 341 plus the NZD 100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, so the total is NZD 441 (about USD 251) per person; from 1 January 2026 the optional VFS Visa Application Centre service fee in India also rose. Immigration New Zealand currently decides 80 per cent of visitor applications within 2 weeks, but Indian applications that need a sponsor check or extra evidence can take 3-6 weeks, so apply well ahead of the Indian summer and Christmas peaks.

That is about $251 in US dollars at the time of verification; the official fee is set in local currency.

Travelling for business or a conference?

Invitation letter from the NZ host or organiser with event dates, role and costs.

Documents and steps

Check your passport is valid 3 months beyond departurePassport must be valid at least 3 months after your planned departure from New Zealand.
Prepare a compliant digital photoDigital photo 900x1200 to 2250x3000 px, plain light background, taken within 6 months.
Show funds of NZD 1,000 per month of stayNZD 1,000 per month (NZD 400 if accommodation prepaid) shown in 3 months of statements.
Prove you will leave: onward ticket and ties to IndiaReturn ticket or proof you can afford one, plus evidence of employment or business at home.
Write up your travel plan and accommodationDay-by-day itinerary with bookings or a host letter plus the host's NZ status evidence.
If travelling for business or a conference: get an invitation letterInvitation letter from the NZ host or organiser with event dates, role and costs.
Apply online at immigration.govt.nz and pay NZD 441Online application; NZD 341 fee + NZD 100 IVL = NZD 441 (about USD 251) per person.
Respond to any requests and provide medicals if askedeVisa by email; 80 per cent of applications decided within 2 weeks.
Complete the NZ Traveller Declaration and keep to the stay limitSubmit the New Zealand Traveller Declaration before you fly; biosecurity fines start at NZD 400.

The full checklist with timing, dependencies and personalised due dates is part of the paid plan. Start with the free quiz and pick “Visit” as your purpose.

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Frequently asked questions

Do Indians need a visa for New Zealand?: Yes. Indians need a visa before a short visit to New Zealand. India is not a visa-waiver country, so Indian citizens cannot travel on an NZeTA alone and need a Visitor Visa for any holiday, family visit, conference or business trip to New Zealand.
How long can Indians stay in New Zealand as a visitor?: Up to 3 months under the Visitor Visa. Paid work is not allowed on a visitor stay.
How much does the New Zealand Visitor Visa cost for Indians?: The fee changed on 1 October 2024 to NZD 341 plus the NZD 100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, so the total is NZD 441 (about USD 251) per person; from 1 January 2026 the optional VFS Visa Application Centre service fee in India also rose.
How long does the New Zealand Visitor Visa take for Indians?: Immigration New Zealand currently decides 80 per cent of visitor applications within 2 weeks, but Indian applications that need a sponsor check or extra evidence can take 3-6 weeks, so apply well ahead of the Indian summer and Christmas peaks.
Can Indians attend a conference or business meeting in New Zealand on this visa?: Invitation letter from the NZ host or organiser with event dates, role and costs.
Can Indians work in New Zealand on a visitor stay?: No. Visitor entry covers tourism, family visits, business meetings and conferences only. To take a job, study or settle, Indians need one of the longer-stay routes compared in our New Zealand visa guide for Indians.

Thinking of staying longer?

A visitor stay never allows paid work. Indians who want to work, study or settle in New Zealand have 2 main routes, compared in the New Zealand visa guide for Indians.

New Zealand for Indians, in depth

Visiting other countries as Indians

Visiting New Zealand from elsewhere

🇵🇭 Filipinos

Always confirm entry rules with the official government source. Fees and stay limits change; this guide is general information, not legal advice.