India entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
New Zealand passport holders need an eVisa to visit India in 2026. The eVisa covers tourism, business, or medical visits and is processed online before you travel. The application is straightforward, but you must meet a few key requirements to avoid delays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for an Indian eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. The fee ranges from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type (tourist, business, medical). Approval usually comes within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in India. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from India | Immigration officers at Indian airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in India. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your trip. Officers rarely ask, but it's smart to have it ready if questioned. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your date of arrival. Airlines check this before boarding — if it's close, renew first.
eVisa is not for all entry points
The eVisa is only valid at 28 airports and 5 seaports. If you're arriving by land (e.g., from Nepal or Pakistan), you need a regular visa from an Indian embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, fill out the application, upload a passport photo and your passport scan, and pay the fee (around $25–$100 depending on duration). Processing takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive an approval email with a PDF.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save on your phone: the eVisa approval, your passport, return ticket, and first night hotel booking. Also grab a local SIM or eSIM (like Airalo) so you have data the moment you land.
3
Arrive at an Indian airport
eVisa is valid at 28 airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata. At immigration, join the 'eVisa' queue, present your passport and eVisa, and get your entry stamp. No need to fill out a paper arrival card — it's digital.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Keep your documents handy in case of random checks.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostUSD 100 (USD 100)
Apply at Indian embassy; requires interview.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
CostUSD 150 (USD 150)
For frequent travellers; same application process.
Business Visa
Max stay180 days
Validity1 year from issue
CostUSD 120 (USD 120)
Requires invitation letter from Indian company.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostUSD 80 (USD 80)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions.
retirement visa
India Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
USD 150 (USD 150) per year
For individuals aged 60+ with a pension or sufficient funds. Requires proof of income and health insurance. Allows long-term stay without frequent renewals.
work visa
India Employment Visa
1 year, renewable up to 5 years
USD 120 (USD 120) per year
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires sponsorship and minimum salary threshold. Can lead to permanent residency.
student visa
India Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 5 years
USD 80 (USD 80) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Indian institutions. Allows part-time work on campus. Renewable annually.
investor visa
India Business Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
USD 200 (USD 200) per year
For investors with a minimum investment of USD 100,000 in an Indian company. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Can lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Tourist) - 30 daysFor single entry, valid for 30 days from arrival. | USD 25 (USD 25) |
| eVisa (Tourist) - 1 yearMultiple entries, max 90 days per visit. | USD 40 (USD 40) |
| eVisa (Tourist) - 5 yearsMultiple entries, max 90 days per visit. | USD 80 (USD 80) |
| eVisa extension (per month)Up to 6 months total stay, apply online via FRRO. | USD 60 (USD 60) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of USD 500. | USD 50 (USD 50) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete eVisa application30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through India
No transit visa needed
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Indian airports for up to 24 hours, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in most regions, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Traveler's DiarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high in most parts of India, especially rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers visiting these regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
Level 2, East Block 8, Sector 1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, Delhi 110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For eVisa extensions and visa-related issues; online appointment recommended.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, CGO Complex, Mumbai 400051
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles extensions and registration; bring passport and visa copies.
Practical information for NZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.67 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to India
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least 4 days before your flight. You'll get an email with the approved PDF.
The fee depends on the duration: 30-day tourist eVisa is about $25, 1-year is about $40, and 5-year is about $80. Business and medical eVisas have different fees. Payment is online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave India before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different visa type from outside India.
The eVisa is valid at 28 airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa, and Ahmedabad. It's also valid at 5 seaports (Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Kochi, and Mangalore).
No, India uses a digital arrival system. You'll provide your details online when you apply for the eVisa. At immigration, just present your passport and eVisa.
You won't be allowed to board your flight or enter India. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa with the new passport.
No, you cannot change visa types while in India. If you need a business visa, apply for the correct eVisa type (business) before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.