With summer swiftly approaching, New Zealand is anticipating a significant rise in visitor visa applications. According to a press release from Immigration New Zealand, over 260,000 applications are expected during the peak season starting in December. If you plan to visit during the holiday season, including Christmas or New Year celebrations, it’s crucial to submit your visa application in a timely manner.
Key Deadlines to Remember
To ensure you don’t miss your planned travel dates, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has established these important submission deadlines:
- New Year and Chinese Lunar New Year Travel: Submit your application by November 15, 2024.
- Submitting after these dates may lead to processing delays, potentially disrupting your travel plans.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
INZ offers several tips to ensure your application process goes smoothly:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from New Zealand. Include a clear, scanned copy of the photo page of your passport with your application.
- Acceptable Photo: Submit a passport-sized photo that meets INZ’s requirements.
- Accurate Details: Ensure all personal information (name, passport number, date of birth) matches what is on your passport.
- Genuine Intentions: Provide documentation proving you plan to visit New Zealand temporarily and will return to your home country afterward.
- English Documentation: All supporting documents must be in English or have an English translation.
- Funds or Sponsorship: Show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay or provide details of an acceptable sponsor in New Zealand.
Visa Options for Visiting New Zealand
When planning your visit, select the right visa based on your nationality and travel intentions. Here are some options:
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
If you’re from a visa-exempt country, you can use an NZeTA to travel to New Zealand.
- Validity: Two years
- Cost: From NZD $17
- Processing Time: 72 hours
- Eligibility: Allows travel or transit through Auckland International Airport without needing a visa; stay up to three months (or six months for UK citizens).
Note that if you’re already in New Zealand and wish to extend your stay, you must apply for a visa—not an NZeTA.
Visitor Visa
For travelers from non-visa-exempt countries like India, a Visitor Visa is required.
- Duration: Up to six months (multiple entry) or nine months (single entry).
- Restrictions: You cannot work but are allowed to study for up to three months.
How to Apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa for Indians
If you’re an Indian citizen planning to visit New Zealand, here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Visitor Visa:
- Create an Online Account
Navigate to the official New Zealand Immigration website.
Register an account on Immigration Online, enabling you to submit your application digitally.
- Fill in the Application Form
Log into your Immigration Online account.
Complete the Visitor Visa application form with your personal details, travel plans, and intended duration of stay in New Zealand.
- Upload Supporting Documents
Prepare and upload required documents such as:
- Your passport
- A passport-sized photograph
- Proof of financial capability (e.g., bank statements, payslips)
- Your travel itinerary
- Optional but recommended: Travel insurance
- Any additional documentation as requested
- Pay the Visa Fee
As of October 1, 2024, the visa fee will be NZD 300. Payment can be made online using a credit or debit card.
- Submit Biometrics
Once you complete the online application, you may need to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India to submit biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo. This requirement will be part of your application process.
- Wait for Processing
Visa processing times can vary but generally take around 20 to 25 days. You can track the status of your visa application online via your Immigration Online account.
- Receive Your eVisa
Upon approval of your visa, you will receive an eVisa via email. Ensure you carry a printed or digital copy with you when traveling to New Zealand.
Visa Costs from October 1, 2024:
- Visa Fee: NZD 300 (or Rs 15,500)
- Biometric Fee: Typically Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000
