Indian citizens are not eligible for the New Zealand ETA (NZeTA). This website assists eligible nationalities with NZeTA applications only. Indian passport holders must apply for a standard New Zealand visitor visa directly through Immigration New Zealand (INZ) at immigration.govt.nz. This article explains what that process involves.
Is India Eligible for the NZeTA?
No. The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority is only available to citizens of countries that have an existing visa-waiver arrangement with New Zealand. India does not have such an arrangement, which means Indian passport holders cannot apply for an NZeTA.
The NZeTA is available to citizens of countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, most EU member states, Japan, South Korea, and a number of other nations. To see a full list of eligible nationalities, visit our eligible countries page.
What Do Indian Citizens Need to Visit New Zealand?
Indian passport holders who wish to visit New Zealand for tourism, family visits, or short business trips must apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa. This is a traditional visa issued by Immigration New Zealand, and it must be applied for before you travel.
The visitor visa application is submitted online through the INZ website or, in some cases, through the New Zealand Visa Application Centre (NZVAC) in India. Unlike the NZeTA, a visitor visa requires you to submit supporting documentation along with your application.
Documents Required for a New Zealand Visitor Visa
When applying for a New Zealand visitor visa as an Indian citizen, you will typically need to provide:
- Valid passport — with at least six months of validity beyond your intended departure from New Zealand
- Bank statements — typically the last three to six months, demonstrating sufficient funds for your trip
- Travel itinerary — your planned travel dates, destinations, and activities
- Accommodation proof — hotel bookings, an invitation letter from a host, or other evidence of where you will stay
- Return air ticket or onward travel confirmation
- Proof of employment or business ties — to demonstrate your intention to return to India
- Travel insurance — recommended and may be required
- Passport-size photographs meeting INZ specifications
Processing Time for a New Zealand Visitor Visa
Processing times for the New Zealand visitor visa vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your case. As a general guide, standard visitor visa applications are processed within 20–30 working days, though this can be longer during peak periods. INZ recommends applying well in advance of your intended travel date — ideally at least six to eight weeks before departure.
NZeTA vs New Zealand Visitor Visa — Key Differences
| Feature | NZeTA | NZ Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Available to Indian citizens | No | Yes |
| Application method | Online only | Online or NZVAC |
| Documents required | Passport details only | Full supporting docs |
| Processing time | 24–72 hours | 20–30 working days |
| Validity | 2 years / multiple entry | Set by INZ per application |
| Maximum stay per visit | 90 days (or 6 months for some) | Up to 9 months (tourist) |
For more context on how these two travel authorisation types differ, read our NZeTA vs New Zealand Visa comparison guide.
How to Apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa from India
The application process for Indian citizens is managed entirely by Immigration New Zealand. You should:
- Visit immigration.govt.nz to access the official visitor visa application form
- Create or log into your INZ online account (RealMe or INZ account)
- Complete the application form and upload required documents
- Pay the visa application fee online
- Submit your application and wait for INZ to contact you if further information is needed
Note: This website is an independent NZeTA service and is not affiliated with the New Zealand government. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about visitor visa requirements, always refer directly to INZ.
Are There Any Exceptions for Indian Citizens?
Indian citizens who hold a valid visa or residence permit for Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, or certain other countries may be eligible for a simplified Visitor Visa category with reduced documentation requirements. This is sometimes referred to as the "Australia, UK, US, Canada or Schengen visa holder" pathway. Check the current INZ policy to confirm whether your circumstances qualify.
Checking whether your nationality qualifies for the NZeTA is always the first step — visit our types of NZeTA page for more detail on what the ETA covers and who it is for.