How to Get a Visa Appointment for New Zealand?

Booking a New Zealand visa appointment is the first key step for Indian travellers applying for a Visitor Visa. Since New Zealand does not offer walk-in appointments for short-term tourism, most Indians complete their “appointment” online by submitting documents through the official immigration portal. 

In some cases, such as additional verification, long-stay visas, or biometrics, the embassy may require an in-person appointment at an overseas mission, as there is no New Zealand Embassy in India. This guide explains how to book the appointment, required documents, fees, timelines, and expert tips for smooth approval.

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How to Schedule a New Zealand Visa Appointment?

Scheduling a New Zealand visa appointment is the first step for Indian citizens planning to visit New Zealand for tourism, business, family visits, education, or long-stay purposes. Indian applicants have two primary pathways for completing their visa appointment:

• Online Appointment Through the Official New Zealand Immigration Portal
• Offline Appointments (Only When Requested by New Zealand Authorities)

Online Steps

Step 1: Visit the Official New Zealand Immigration Portal

Go to:https://www.immigration.govt.nz/. Click on “Apply for a Visa” and create a login through the RealMe secure service.

Step 2: Create Your RealMe Account

Provide:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Password

You will receive a confirmation email to activate your RealMe login.

Step 3: Select Your Visa Type

Choose:

• Visitor Visa (Tourism, Family Visit, Business)
• Transit Visa
• Group Visitor Visa (if travelling in groups)

NZeTA is not a visa and applies only to visa-waiver nationalities, not Indians.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form

The form requires:

• Personal details
• Passport information
• Family details
• Employment details
• Purpose of visit
• Financial documents
• Health declarations
• Character declarations

Ensure every detail matches your passport exactly.

Step 5: Upload All Required Documents

Accepted file formats: PDF, JPEG. Maximum file size varies by section.

You must upload:

• Passport bio page
• Photo (ICAO-compliant)
• Flight itinerary
• Hotel bookings
• Bank statements
• Income proof
• Travel insurance
• Cover letter

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee

Payment is made online via:

• International debit card
• Credit card (Visa/Mastercard)

Your application will only begin processing after the full fee is paid.

Step 7: Submit Your Application

After submission, your application enters the New Zealand visa review system.

Step 8: Provide Biometrics (if Required)

Some applicants may be asked to provide biometrics at a designated centre abroad.
You will receive an email with instructions if needed.

Step 9: Track Your Application

Use your RealMe login to track updates such as:

• Application Received
• Under Assessment
• Additional Information Required
• Approved
• Declined

Step 10: Receive Your New Zealand Visa

Most New Zealand visas are now electronic and will be emailed to you as a PDF visa label. Print and carry it during travel.

Must Read: New Zealand Visa – E-Visa Requirements, Eligibility & How To Apply

Offline Steps

Offline appointments apply in special cases only. These include:

• Long-stay visas
• Work or study visas requiring identity checks
• Applicants needing biometrics
• Complex cases require an interview

Step 1: Check Your Request Email

If New Zealand authorities need an in-person appointment, they provide instructions in an official letter.

Step 2: Identify the Nearest New Zealand Visa Submission Point

Since there is no New Zealand Embassy in India, applicants may be directed to authorized missions such as:

• New Zealand High Commission, Singapore
• New Zealand Visa Office, Dubai
• New Zealand Visa Office, Bangkok

Step 3: Request an Appointment

Appointments must be scheduled via:

• Email
• Phone
• Online appointment systems (if applicable)

Step 4: Prepare All Physical Documents

Carry:

• Original passport
• Application printout
• Supporting documents
• Photos
• Embassy appointment letter

Step 5: Attend the Appointment

Submit biometrics (if required) and documents. Officials may ask brief questions about your travel purpose.

Step 6: Receive Your Visa Decision

Your passport will be returned by courier or collected in person, depending on the mission’s policies.

Must Read: New Zealand Visa Appeal for Indians

Top Locations for New Zealand Visa Appointment (for Indian Residents)

Since no New Zealand embassy operates in India, Indian applicants may be directed to the following global missions (if offline verification is required):

1. New Zealand High Commission – Singapore

Address: 1 George Street, #21-04, Singapore 049145

Submission Timing: Monday to Friday, 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM (By appointment only)

Contact:

• Phone: +65 6235 9966
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/asia/singapore

2. New Zealand Visa Office – Dubai

Address: Dubai World Trade Centre Offices, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE

Timings: Monday to Friday, 09:00 AM – 03:00 PM (By appointment only)

Contact:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/

3. New Zealand Visa Office – Bangkok

Address: Level 12, Serm-Mit Tower, 159 Sukhumvit 21 Road, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Timings: Monday to Friday, 09:00 AM – 03:00 PM

Contact:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/

Most tourists do not need offline appointments because the New Zealand Visitor Visa is processed entirely online.

Must Read: New Zealand Visa Photo Requirements for Indians

What Is the Purpose of a New Zealand Visa Appointment?

Purpose	Details
Verification of Documents	Immigration officers review your passport, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, financial statements, and supporting documents to confirm eligibility.
Interview & Eligibility Check	In rare cases, you may be asked questions regarding your travel purpose, duration of stay, employment, financial capacity, and ties to India to ensure genuine travel intent.
Identity Confirmation	Officials verify that your identity, photograph, and passport details match the information provided in your online application to prevent inaccuracies or fraud.
Application Submission	If an in-person appointment is required, this step serves as the formal submission of your complete visa file along with any originals requested.
Additional Clarification	Authorities may request extra documents or clarifications to support your application before making a final decision.

Must Read: New Zealand Visa Rejection for Indians

Documents Required for the New Zealand Visa Appointment

To complete your New Zealand visa appointment, whether online or during any embassy-requested verification, you must prepare the following documents. 

• Completed Visa Application Form: Fill out the New Zealand Visitor Visa application accurately through the official immigration portal, ensuring all details match your passport. Any inconsistency may delay processing or trigger additional verification. Keep a saved copy of your submitted form, as it may be required for later checks.
• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay in New Zealand, as required by Immigration NZ. Provide clear scans of the biodata page, older visas, and immigration stamps to help establish your travel history. Ensure the passport is undamaged and all details are clearly legible.
• Photographs: New Zealand requires ICAO-compliant photographs sized 35mm × 45mm with a neutral expression and a plain light background. The photo must be recent (within the last six months) to reflect your current appearance. Non-compliant photos can result in immediate rejection by the portal.
• Travel Itinerary: Submit a complete flight itinerary showing your arrival and departure dates to help immigration verify your travel timeline. Include your planned route, transit details (if any), and destinations within New Zealand. A detailed itinerary demonstrates genuine travel intent and supports your visa purpose.
• Proof of Accommodation: Provide confirmed hotel bookings for the full duration of your stay, mentioning check-in and check-out dates. If staying with a host, attach an invitation letter along with the host’s ID proof and residential address. These documents allow authorities to verify where you will be staying during your visit.
• Travel Insurance: Your insurance must cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation during your entire trip. A minimum recommended coverage of USD 30,000 ensures you can meet unexpected medical costs while abroad. Immigration NZ strongly advises having comprehensive travel insurance for all visitors.
• Financial Proof: Submit 6 months of bank statements, ITRs, and salary slips to prove you can support your travel and stay. Your account should show stable income and sufficient closing balance to cover expenses. If a sponsor is funding your trip, include a sponsorship letter with their financial documents.
• Supporting Documents: Attach a cover letter detailing your travel purpose, planned activities, and travel history to strengthen your application. Include employment proof, business registration papers, or a student NOC, depending on your profile. Relationship documents, such as marriage or birth certificates, are required for family travel.

Must Read: How To Check New Zealand Visa Status Using Passport Number?

Photograph Requirements for New Zealand Visa

Size:

• The photograph must be 35mm wide and 45mm high, following New Zealand Immigration’s ICAO-compliant specifications.
• Your head (from chin to crown) must cover approximately 80% of the image.
• Head height should fall between 32mm and 36mm.
• Eyes must be positioned roughly 24 mm–34 mm from the bottom of the photograph.

Note: New Zealand is strict about ICAO standards for biometric processing. If submitting a digital photo for online applications, the recommended pixel dimensions are 900 × 1200 pixels with a file size under 500 KB. Always follow the photo upload guidelines shown on your application dashboard, as specific sizing instructions may appear during your online submission.

Background:

• The background must be plain white or light grey.
• No shadows, patterns, textures, furniture, or objects may appear behind the subject.
• Lighting must be even, without glare, overexposure, or underexposure.
• Skin tone must appear natural, with no red-eye or reflective patches caused by flash.

Expression:

• Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
• Both eyes must be fully open and looking directly at the camera.
• Do not smile, show teeth, tilt your head, or raise your eyebrows.
• Ensure your entire face is centered, symmetrical, and clearly visible.

Glasses & Headgear:

Glasses: Allowed only if:

• Lenses are clear (no tint, no reflection).
• Frames do not cover the eyes or cast shadows.
• There is no glare from the light source.

Tinted lenses, reflective coatings, and oversized frames are not permitted.

Head Coverings:

Permitted only for religious or medical reasons, provided:

• The forehead, eyebrows, cheeks, and chin remain fully visible.
• The head covering does not cast shadows or obscure facial features.

Caps, hats, and fashion accessories are not allowed.

Additional Requirements:

• The photo must be recent, taken within the last 6 months.
• The image must be sharp, high resolution, and not digitally altered.
• No filters, softening tools, beauty effects, or enhancements are allowed.
• Shoulders should be visible; do not crop too close to the face.
• Printed photos must be on high-quality matte or glossy photo paper.
• Digital uploads must be in JPEG/JPG format, with:
• Correct exposure
• Balanced contrast
• No compression artifacts

New Zealand Tourist Visa Fees for Indians (2026)

Visa Type	Fee (NZD)	Approx. INR
Visitor Visa (Tourist)	NZD 211	INR 10,500 – INR 11,800
Group Visitor Visa	NZD 211 per person	INR 10,500 – INR 11,800
Transit Visa	NZD 85	INR 4,200 – INR 4,600
Long-Stay Visitor Visa	Varies	Based on the category

Notes:

• Fees vary depending on the INR–NZD exchange rate.
• All fees must be paid online.
• Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is rejected.

How Much Is the Waiting Time for the New Zealand Visa Appointment?

On average, Indian applicants can expect 3–6 weeks for New Zealand Visitor Visa processing during non-peak months. 

Factor	Details
Peak Seasons	Appointment-related delays (when required) and online processing slowdowns are common during April–July and October–January due to global travel demand. Applications undergo longer verification during these months.
Type of Visa	Tourist visas require extensive proof of funds, travel intent, and documentation checks, which can increase processing time. Work, study, and partnership visas require deeper background verification and often take longer. Business visas may progress faster with official invitations.
Location/Mission Load	Since India has no New Zealand Embassy, applicants needing offline appointments are directed to missions in Singapore, Dubai, or Bangkok. Processing time depends on each mission’s workload and the complexity of the case.
General Estimate (Off-Peak)	Online visa processing: 3–6 weeks. If an appointment is required: 1–2 weeks for allocation at the overseas mission.
General Estimate (Peak Season)	Online visa processing: 6–10 weeks. Offline appointment allocation (if requested): 2–4 weeks, depending on global demand and document volume.

Tips for a Successful New Zealand Visa Interview

• Be Prepared: Carry all required documents and know your complete New Zealand travel plan, including dates, itinerary, accommodation details, and return arrangements. Ensure your financial proof and supporting documents are accurate and neatly organized.
• Be Honest: Provide clear and truthful answers about your purpose of visit, employment, income, and ties to India. New Zealand Immigration performs strict background checks, and any inconsistency between your statements and documents can lead to delays or rejection.
• Dress Appropriately: Choose clean, well-presented formal or semi-formal clothing. A neat and professional appearance creates a positive first impression during any in-person verification.
• Be Punctual: If New Zealand authorities request additional documents, biometrics, or clarification, submit them promptly within the given timeline. Timely responses reduce processing delays and show compliance.
• Practice Common Questions: Prepare for basic questions such as “Why do you want to visit New Zealand?” and “Where will you stay?” “How long is your trip?” and “Who is funding your travel?” Clear and concise answers demonstrate credibility and genuine travel intent.
• Stay Calm: Remain composed during any interview, verification call, or written clarification. Speak confidently, avoid unnecessary explanations, and provide only the information asked. A calm and focused approach helps build trust during assessment.

How to Track a New Zealand Visa from India?

• Online Portal: You can track your New Zealand visa application directly through the official Immigration New Zealand website using your RealMe login. The portal shows updates such as “Submitted,” “Under Assessment,” “Additional Information Requested,” or “Approved.”
• Application Number: After submitting your online visa form, you will receive a unique application number. Keep this safely; it’s required for checking your status and responding to immigration queries.
• Direct Inquiry: If you face issues with tracking or need clarification, OneVasco’s visa support team can assist you by reviewing the status, explaining immigration messages, and helping with follow-ups when required.

FAQs

Is it mandatory to visit a center personally for a New Zealand visa? Can I send a representative?

No. Most New Zealand Visitor Visa applications from India are completed fully online, and no physical visit is required. If Immigration New Zealand specifically requests an in-person appointment overseas (for biometrics or verification), you must appear personally. Representatives are not allowed.

How early should I apply for a New Zealand visa appointment?

Apply 6–8 weeks before travel. During peak seasons (April–July and October–January), applying 8–10 weeks in advance is recommended due to longer assessment timelines.

What is the waiting time for a New Zealand visa appointment?

Online applications do not require an appointment, but processing takes:

• 3–6 weeks during off-peak months
• 6–10 weeks during peak periods
  If an offline appointment is required, allocation may take an additional 1–3 weeks.

What questions can I expect during the New Zealand visa interview?

Interviews are rare, but if requested, you may be asked about your travel purpose, itinerary, duration of stay, funding, employment, and ties to India to confirm genuine travel intent.

Is there any dress code for the New Zealand visa appointment?

There is no official dress code, but if attending an appointment overseas, formal or semi-formal clothing is recommended for a professional impression.

What steps can I take to avoid cancellation of my New Zealand visa application?

Ensure your documents are accurate, upload compliant photographs, provide valid financial proof, maintain passport validity, and respond promptly to any “Additional Information” requests from Immigration New Zealand.

Can I correct or resubmit my New Zealand visa application?

Yes. If Immigration NZ requests revisions, you can correct and re-upload documents. OneVasco assists applicants in making accurate edits and ensuring full compliance.

Is there an expedited New Zealand visa option?

No official express visa service exists. Only urgent humanitarian or government-supported cases may receive priority handling at the discretion of Immigration NZ.

Do babies need separate visa applications for New Zealand?

Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, must submit an individual application with their own passport, photograph, and supporting documents.

What happens if I submit incorrect information in my New Zealand visa form?

Incorrect details may delay processing, trigger document requests, or result in rejection. Always review your form carefully. OneVasco helps applicants avoid such errors.

What is the easiest way to get a New Zealand visa appointment from India?

For most Indians, the easiest way is to apply online through the official immigration portal with OneVasco’s guidance, ensuring error-free documentation and faster processing.

Is biometric submission required for a New Zealand visa?

Biometrics are not required for most Indian tourist visa applicants. They are only requested for specific long-stay or complex cases, and applicants must attend in person if instructed.