Complete Guide to Traveling to India from New Zealand: Everything you need to know [2025]
India is a travel hotspot for New Zealanders: almost 100,000 people visited in 20231. There’s no shortage of exciting cities and breathtaking landscapes to explore with Delhi, Jaipur, Kerala, Mumbai and the Himalayas atop many traveller’s bucket lists.
Whether you’re planning a leisurely tour of India’s ancient heritage and vibrant festivals, or pursuing business, work, or education opportunities in its growing economy, knowing the travel and visa requirements will make your trip smoother.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before flying to India. We'll also introduce the Wise travel card – your perfect companion for managing expenses on your travels abroad. Wise offers the mid-market exchange rate with no markups and transparent fees to help save on international transactions.
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New Zealand to India Travel Requirements
To take in all the memorable sights and sounds of India, you must first obtain a visa for your visit. Both New Zealand citizens and resident permit holders are required to obtain a relevant visa type for all travel plans to India, regardless of the duration of the stay.
There is no facility for most visas on arrival in India. However, the Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVOA) scheme allows people from New Zealand to secure a visa at eight Indian airports: Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram2.
The TVOA is only for visitors who are planning casual recreational and sightseeing activities. It costs the equivalent Indian rupee (INR) of 60 USD (105 NZD as of 24 Jan 2024) per passenger and is valid only for 30 days.
India Visa for New Zealand Citizens
The TVOA is a streamlined form of the tourist visa; one of numerous visa types available when flying from New Zealand to India3.
Common visa types, their purpose, and duration are listed below:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Recreation and sightseeing | Up to 5 years. Max stay 90 days per visit |
| Business | Conducting short-term business activities | Up to 1 year with multiple entries |
| Student | Studying at recognised educational institution | Duration of course |
| Employment | Working at registered company | Up to 1 year, can be renewed annually up to 5 years |
| Medical | Receiving medical treatment from recognised medical institution | For 60 days from arrival date. Up to 3 entries |
India Visa for New Zealand Residence Permit holders
Non-New Zealand citizens with resident permits can also travel to India. Most resident visas allow for multiple exits and entries from New Zealand for up to 2 years, so you won’t be constrained by a lack of citizenship. The process for applying for a visa as a resident permit holder is the same as for New Zealand citizens, though you might need to provide more supporting documents.
Applying for India Visa from New Zealand
You can start the process of securing an Indian visa by filling out an online form4. Travellers are advised to apply for visa applications in advance—ideally two to three weeks before travel—so they are processed in time.
Step 1: Visit the online portal to complete e-visa application
Start by visiting the online hub for India visa applications. Navigate to the ‘Regular visa application’ section at the bottom of the page and then select ‘New Zealand-Wellington’ from the drop-down list. You must then enter your personal details including nationality, date of birth, expected date of arrival, and visa type.
Step 2: Upload and submit documents
As part of the application, you will need to upload the required documents. These documents include:
- A high-resolution image of a valid passport
- A 2-inch by 2-inch photograph subject to specific guidelines
- Proof of accommodation such as a rental agreement or hotel booking confirmation
- Financial documents such as a bank statement
Step 3: Pay visa fee
Each visa type has a set fee you will need to pay online beforehand. The fee varies depending on the duration of the stay. You can pay using a credit and debit card, or a payment wallet.
Step 4: Wait for approval
Visa processing times vary, but you should receive approval within 4 to 8 days after submitting the relevant documents. When completed, you will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to the email address you provided in the application.
Step 5: Print and present visa in India
You must now print off the ETA before you fly. On arrival, you will present the ETA at the Immigration Check Post. An officer will then stamp the eVisa on your passport.
You can also apply for a regular visa by completing and submitting an application form online5. This form must be printed and sent to either the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or presented at the Indian Mission in Wellington with supporting documents. Once approved, you can collect your passport and visa or get it sent to you by post.
Flying to India from New Zealand
There are no direct flights between New Zealand and India. You must opt for a flight with one or two stops en route. Flights from New Zealand to India typically feature layovers—a short connection—in destinations including Singapore, Doha, and Dubai.
Airlines that operate between New Zealand and India include:
- Air New Zealand (connecting through partner airlines)
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
Flights from Auckland to popular destinations in India such as Delhi and Mumbai take around 20 hours. However, this is dependent on the length of the layover.
What can I bring into India
India adopts a two-channel system for customs clearance. The green channel is for standard items that fall within the ‘free allowance’ restrictions and don’t require a duty payment. The red channel is for anyone who needs to pay duty or is carrying prohibited items6.
Prohibited items you can’t bring into India include:
- Firearms and ammunition
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
- Gold and silver other jewellery
- Live animals including pets
- Plants and any seeds or fruits
- Flat screen TVs
The duty free allowances for those arriving from New Zealand are as follows:
- Articles up to the value 15,000 INR
- Up to 125g of tobacco or 100 cigarette sticks
- Up to 25 cigars
- Up to 2 litres of alcoholic liquor or wines
- 1 laptop computer
Document to carry before flying to India
Before boarding your flight to India, make sure you have the following essential documents so you can enjoy your trip without disruptions.
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date you arrive in India. It should also have two or more blank pages to accommodate entry and exit stamps.
- Valid visa: Bring a printed copy of your approved visa. This documentation will be presented to immigration authorities with your passport when you arrive in India.
- Travel insurance policy: Carry a copy of your travel insurance. This policy should provide comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, hospital bills, and provision for evacuation by air.
- Health certificates: There is no yellow fever risk in India but authorities do require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers that arrive within 6 days from specific high-risk areas in Africa and America. This won’t be an issue if you are travelling directly from New Zealand to India.
Most people travelling to India are advised to get vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid, but they are not mandated7. And at the time of writing, there are no specific travel requirements for Covid-19.
Checklist for New Zealand to India Travel
Essential documents only get you so far in India. After leaving the airport at your destination, you need to switch focus to day-to-day necessities. These will ensure a comfortable and hassle-free trip.
Here’s a checklist to prepare for travelling from New Zealand to India:
- Travel adapters and electronics: Pack a travel adapter for the type C, D, and M sockets used in India. Also, have a battery pack at hand to keep your smartphone running.
- Appropriate clothing: India’s climate varies widely. Lightweight and breathable fabrics like linen are best in most regions where day temperatures soar above 30C.
- Health and safety items: Pack any prescribed medications and purchase hand sanitizers and insect repellents on arrival, especially if you are planning on visiting tropical areas.
Mobile connectivity
Before you travel, check with your network to see whether they offer international roaming for data usage abroad. Most NZ SIMs offer an add-on roaming service with a set amount of data, minutes, and texts. However, you might find that eSIMs are more cost-effective while providing better coverage. The best eSIMs for India include Airtel, Holafly, and Nomad. You can also buy a local prepaid SIM card at major airports on arrival.
Travel Insurance for India
Travel insurance is a necessity when flying internationally, and India is no different. While we all want dream trips, it’s vital to have coverage if something unexpected occurs. Travel insurance provides you with financial protection for medical emergencies, travel cancellations, stolen personal items, and more.
Read our travel insurance guide to find the best options when travelling from New Zealand to India.
Managing Your Finances in India
Here’s a quick guide to getting the best out of your budget in India.
Digital Wallet Payments (UPI) in India
Digital wallet payments is one of the most common ways to make payments in India. India's digital wallet platform, called UPI, is now accessilble for tourists as well. For more information, please review our guide to making UPI payments as a visitor in India 👉
Cash Considerations
Cash is still popular in India despite the rise of digital payments. The Indian rupee (INR) is the official currency. We highly recommend carrying cash on hand when travelling around India as not every vendor will accept cards, especially outside the main urban hubs.
Be vigilant about converting NZD in India and ATM withdrawals as excessive fees and markups can put a dent in your budget. For some helpful tips, check out our guide to avoiding foreign ATM fees when traveling abroad 📹
Using Your NZD Debit/Credit Cards
Major NZD credit and debit cards can be used in India. However, they may be as widely accepted as some other countries, so you shouldn’t rely solely on this payment method during your stay. Don’t get caught off guard by foreign transaction fees or exchange rate markups, either. The exact amounts will vary depending on the bank and card but these fees can quickly add up to the expenses for purchases made in foreign currency8.
Using a multi-currency travel card such as Wise is an excellent alternative with transparent exchange rates and low fees. Available for residents of New Zealand and supported countries, Wise offers the mid-market rate on currency conversions, which is the usually the same rate you see on Google, ensuring that you don’t lose money to extra fees or hidden mark-ups.
Save on INR Transactions and Swipe like a local with Wise
Wise offers a convenient travel card and money transfer services that make managing your finances abroad a breeze. The Wise card lets you spend like a local in over 150+ countries.
Here's why Wise is a great choice for your international travels:
- Excellent exchange rates: Always get the mid-market exchange rate – the same one you usually see on Google – so you get the most out of your money.
- Low, transparent fees: Say goodbye to hidden charges and hefty markups. Wise keeps its fees low and transparent, so you know exactly what you're paying.
- Convenient card and app: Use your Wise card to swipe like a local in supported countries. Manage your money, track spending, and even freeze your card if needed, all through the Wise app.
- Cash withdrawals: Easily withdraw cash from supported ATMs abroad with low, transparent fees. But be mindful that ATM providers may charge their own cash withdrawal fees.
- International transfers: Send money abroad with the same mid-market exchange rates and low fees.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
Sources:
- Figure NZ Travel Statistics
- India Tourist Visa on Arrival Scheme
- Apply for an Indian Visa - High Commission in Wellington
- Indian E-Visa - Tourist Visa on Arrival
- Indian Visa Online
- Traveler Guide - Indian Embassy UAE - PDF
- Travel Vaccinations for India - Worldwise
- Travel Money - ANZ New Zealand
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
