India Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit India with an e-Tourist Visa obtained online for USD 25, valid for 90 days. India offers an incomparable range of experiences for NZ travellers.
New Zealand passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to India.
NZ citizens must apply for an India e-Tourist Visa at indianvisaonline.gov.in before travel. Cost: USD 25 (fees vary by visa type). The e-Tourist Visa allows double entry and a stay of up to 90 days. Processing is typically 72-96 hours. You must apply at least 4 days before your arrival. Download and print the eVisa approval to present at immigration. India has specific entry point restrictions for eVisa holders: only designated airports and seaports are valid entry points (all major international airports qualify).
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in India with at least two blank pages.
India e-Tourist Visa
Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in before travel. Cost: USD 25. Double entry allowed. Up to 90 days. Apply at least 4 days before arrival. Print the eVisa.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of onward or return travel from India. Required at immigration.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking or contact address in India for your first stop.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Bank statements or credit card with sufficient funds for your stay. Recommended minimum USD 100 per day.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Strongly recommended. Medical care costs can be significant. Ensure coverage includes evacuation.
Passport-Size Photos Recommended
Carry 4-6 recent passport photos. Required for some permits (Ladakh, Sikkim inner line permits).
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to India: What You Need to Know
India is one of the world's most complex and rewarding travel destinations, drawing New Zealand travellers who want to experience its extraordinary diversity of landscapes, cultures, religions, and cuisines. The Taj Mahal, Rajasthan's palaces, Kerala's backwaters, Goa's beaches, the Himalayas, and Mumbai's energy are all major attractions. NZ citizens must obtain an eVisa in advance, which is a straightforward online process.
How to Get There
Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Bangalore (BLR) are the main international entry points. Singapore Airlines, Air India, and Cathay Pacific serve the Auckland-India route via Singapore or Hong Kong. Flight time is approximately 18-22 hours with connection. Within India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India offer cheap domestic flights. Overnight trains between major cities are an iconic way to travel.
Money & Banking
India uses the Indian Rupee (INR). Currently around 55-60 INR per NZD. India is extremely affordable for NZ travellers. A full thali meal at a local restaurant costs INR 100-200. Auto-rickshaw rides across a city cost INR 50-150. Mid-range hotels in most cities cost INR 1500-3000/night. ATMs are widely available in cities. Carry some USD or EUR as backup currency. Bargaining is expected in markets.
Practical Tips
India has a significant bureaucratic element to travel: register your hotel at each destination (most hotels do this automatically). Carry multiple passport-size photos for permits in some restricted areas (Ladakh, Sikkim). India's rail system (Indian Railways) is an experience in itself: book in advance on irctc.co.in. Avoid drinking tap water throughout India; bottled water is cheap. Indian SIM cards require passport registration at the shop but provide excellent data coverage. Rickshaws and Ola/Uber work in major cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for India?
Yes. NZ citizens must obtain an India e-Tourist Visa online before travelling to India. Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before your arrival. Cost: USD 25. The e-Tourist Visa allows double entry and stays up to 90 days per visit.
How do I apply for an India eVisa as a NZ citizen?
Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in and select 'e-Tourist Visa.' Fill in your passport details, upload a passport photo and scan of your passport biodata page, enter your Indian itinerary, and pay USD 25 by credit card. Processing is typically 3-4 days. Download and print the eVisa to present at immigration.
What are the best places to visit in India for first-time NZ travellers?
Rajasthan Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur): Delhi's Old City (Chandni Chowk, Red Fort), Agra's Taj Mahal, and Jaipur's Amber Fort and Pink City. Kerala backwaters (houseboat cruises). Goa beaches (November-March best). Varanasi (Ganges ghats, a spiritual experience). Mumbai (Gateway of India, Dharavi, Bollywood). Himalayas: Rishikesh for yoga and adventure, Ladakh for high altitude landscapes.
What vaccinations should NZ travellers get for India?
Consult your travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure. Commonly recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Meningococcal. If visiting rural areas or longer stays: Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis. Malaria tablets may be recommended for certain regions (Rajasthan rural, northeast India). Yellow fever vaccination required only if arriving from endemic countries.
Is tap water safe to drink in India?
No. Never drink tap water in India, including in hotels and restaurants. Use bottled water with a sealed cap. Be cautious with ice in non-tourist restaurants (it may be made from tap water). Brushing teeth with bottled water is recommended in some areas. Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere.
How do I get an Indian SIM card?
SIM cards in India require passport registration at the telecom shop. This can take 1-4 hours and may not work immediately (activation can take 4-24 hours). Airtel has good coverage nationwide. Many NZ travellers get a SIM in Delhi airport arrivals. Having an eSIM option from your NZ provider as backup is useful for the first day.
What should NZ travellers know about safety in India?
India requires common-sense precautions. Valuables should be secured. Avoid accepting food or drink from strangers on trains (drugging for theft has occurred). Book hotels and transport through established operators. Women travelling alone should dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees in non-beach areas) and be assertive about unwanted attention. Avoid deserted areas at night.