VISA SERVICES

I) Introduction
II) Regular visa

1) How to apply for regular visa
2) Visa fees and mode of payment of regular visa
3) Common documents required for different types of regular visa 
4) Types of visas and documents required in addition to the documents mentioned at serial No. IV.3. above.

4.1) Tourist visa
4.2) Entry visa
4.3) Transit visa
4.4) Business visa
4.5) Student visa
4.6) Employment visa
4.7) Conference visa
4.8) Journalist visa
4.9) Medical visa
4.10) Sports visa
4.11) Other types of visas such as Intern visa, Film visa

5) Visa checklist
6) Transfer of visa from old passport to new passport
7) How to submit the visa application
8) Approximate processing time and status enquiries
9) Jurisdiction of High Commission of India

III) Vaccination requirement before entering India
IV) Use of Satellite phones is illegal in India
V) Frequently asked questions on visa

I. INTRODUCTION:

• Please note that all foreign nationals require visa to travel to India. There is no facility for visa on arrival in India and therefore appropriate visa must be obtained before entering India by air, sea or land.
  
  Please go through this page carefully for proper understanding of visa procedure in order to ensure that your visa application is complete in every respect. This will help in easy and correct submission of visa application in the first instance and avoid unnecessary delay in processing of your application. An incomplete application is liable to be rejected. The visas issued are valid w.e.f. the date of issue and hence it is advised to apply for visa closer to the travel date.

• Visa can be applied by any of the following method:

a) Regular paper visa application - To apply, please visit: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html# and click on “Regular visa application”.  Regular visa are processed at High Commission of India, Wellington.  Details are given below in para II.  After filling online application, the online application form must be printed and duly signed on page 1 and page 2 (declaration) and submitted to the High Commission for processing, either in person or by post alongwith other required docuemtns, as mentioned below. 

b) e-Visa - To apply for e-Visa, please visit: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html- .  E-Visas are processed and administered by Ministry of Home Affairs of India and High Commission of India has no control over processing of E-Visa applications. Details of e-Visa is at https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/page/e-visa.

II. REGULAR VISA APPLICATION PROCESSED BY HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA, WELLINGTON

1. How to apply for regular visa

• The High Commission of India follows Online Visa procedure and handwritten / manually typed visa applications are not accepted. To access the online form, applicants must go to the link https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html# and click on “Regular visa application”. Select “New Zealand – Wellington” as an option for the “Mission Field”. 

[Note: Please use Google Chrome or Internet Explorer browsers. Online visa form is not compatible with Safari browser. It may not work on mobile phone browsers or Apple devices].

• Completely fill up the visa application form, without leaving any column blank.

• Please indicate your permanent address as that of your native country. 

• Upload your photo vertically and not horizontally. Please save / submit your application and take a printout only after you have uploaded your photograph. You will have to re-fill the application form if you fail to upload your photograph. For detailed photo upload instructions, please visit 
  https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/VSSIMAGEgidelines.pdf.

• Once the online application is completed press ‘submit’ after which an application ID No. starting with NZLWV….will be generated, which should be noted carefully and quoted in all references in this regard made to the High Commission.

• Thereafter, the online application form must be printed and duly signed on page 1 and page 2 (declaration) and submitted to the High Commission of India, Wellington along with two latest photographs (2” X 2”), prescribed visa fee, passport in original and the required documents for processing of visas. Procedure for submission and documents required for different types of visas are detailed below.

NOTE: Kindly provide your latest and complete contact details on the visa form. Suppression of facts and false / incomplete / inaccurate information will not only result in delay / denial of visa but may also debar the applicant from getting visa in future. Visa application may be accepted, modified or refused by the High Commission of India and its decision in the matter shall be final. The High Commission reserves the right to withhold any application submitted for an in-depth examination. Personal interviews by the Visa Officer with applicants may be required in some cases.

Validity of regular visa is effective from the date of issue and not from the date of travel. Visas are not issued from a future date to match applicant’s itinerary.

2. Visa fees and mode of payment of regular visa:

The application fee (in NZD) for common visa categories only for New Zealand passport holders is as below:

* Persons of Indian origin holding foreign passport, their spouses and children must apply for Entry visa to visit India (Refer para 4.2 below for documents required)

Visa Fee for applicants holding other than New Zealand passport is available at the link: Visa Fee

IMPORTANT: Every visa application must be accompanied by visa checklist : Click Here To Download Visa Checklist 

Processing Time for Entry/Tourist Visas:

• New Zealand / Samoa / Niue Passport / The Cook Islands / Vanuatu: 4-6 Working Days
  

• Other than NZ / Samoa / Niue Passport / The Cook Islands / Vanuatu: 6-8 Working Days

• Pakistan, PR China & Sri Lankan origin applicants: No Time Limit

NOTE: Duration of any visa will be decided by the Visa Officer

Mode of Payment of Fees: 

3. Common documents required for different types of regular visa:

3.1. Common documentation required for all categories of visa:

1. Completed and signed visa application form with photo uploaded vertically.

2. Original passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel.

3. Two photographs (2”X2”). Photographs can be cut with scissor to bring to the required dimension if it is large. If you do not have two identical photographs as you uploaded online, please make sure that you are providing your latest and similar matching photographs. [For detailed photograph specification, visit https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/Photo-Spec-FINAL.pdf]

4. Visa fee as per the fee schedule given at the link: Visa Fee

5. Additional form for non-New Zealand nationals / those holding dual nationality available at 
   https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/Addition-form-to-be-filled-by-Non-NZ-passport-holders.pdf. 

6. Please attach one self-addressed pre-paid return courier bag with tracking facility (required to post back the passport with visa) to the High Commission of India by registered courier (with tracking facility).

3.2. Additional documentation for minors (children under 18 years of age) common to all types of visas

1. Copy of birth certificate of the minor applicant.

2. First and last pages of both parent’s current passports. 

3. If parents are of Indian origin, then copies of current or cancelled Indian passports of parents are required for applying Entry visa. Children of parents of Indian origin are eligible for Entry visa which is in their own interest since Entry visa has far fewer restrictions vis-à-vis other kinds of visas. 

4. Signature of both parents on the visa application form or no objection letter (letter of consent) signed by the parent not signing on the visa application form.

5. In case of single parent / guardian, additional documentary proof such as copy of custody orders from a court/ death certificate of the deceased parent / proof of single parent status.

6. In case the status of minor’s father is unknown, a Statutory Declaration attested by Justice of Peace is required from the mother stating the same. 

4. Types of visas and documentation required in addition to the documents mentioned at serial No. 3 above:

• The High Commission of India follows Online Visa procedure and handwritten / manually typed visa applications are not accepted. To access the online form, applicants must go to the link https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html# and click on “Regular visa application”. Select “New Zealand – Wellington” as an option for the “Mission Field”. 

4.1. Tourist Visa:

4.2. Entry Visa:

4.3. Business Visa:

4.4. Transit Visa:

4.5. Student Visa:

4.6. Employment Visa:

4.7. Conference Visa:

4.8. Journalist visa

4.9. Medical Visa

4.10. Sports Visa

4.11. For other types of visas such as Intern visa, film visa, etc.

4.1. Tourist visa:

Note: A person of Indian origin, who does not possess an OCI card, spouse and children of such person must apply for Entry Visa instead of Tourist Visa since Entry Visa has far fewer restrictions than Tourist Visa. Details of Entry Visa are given at Sl. No. 4.2

Tourist visa is granted to foreigners who do not have a residence or occupation in India and whose sole purpose of visiting India is sight-seeing, recreation or meeting friends / relatives, attending a short term yoga programme (not exceeding 6 months and not issued with a qualifying diploma / certificate), short duration medical treatment including treatment under Indian systems of medicine.

Tourist visa may be granted for a validity up to 5 years but the maximum continuous stay permissible on this visa is 90 days during each visit. Tourist visas are non-extendable and non-convertible except in limited circumstances. No additional documentation other than indicated at Sl. No. 3 above is required for Tourist visa.

Enrolment of biometric features is required while applying for a Tourist visa for a validity of more than 1 year and / or for multiple entry tourist visa. Biometric enrolment once done is valid for 5 years. Applicants below 12 yrs or more than 70 yrs are exempted from biometric enrolment. For more details on biometric enrolment including for booking an appointment for the same, please go to the link: https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/Website%20Updates.pdf.

NOTE: Requirement of two months gap between two visits on tourist visa has been done away with for most countries including New Zealand.

A foreigner coming to India on any type of visas will be allowed to avail activities permitted under Tourist visa.

All persons travelling to India on board a cruise ship are advised to obtain “Tourist Visa” in advance. They should clearly write in bold on top of their application “Cruise Trip to India” and request for double / triple or multiple entries depending on the number of entries required to enter the Indian port.

Foreigners of Indian origin, their spouses and children are advised to apply for “ENTRY” visa instead of Tourist visa in their own interest since the Entry visa has fewer restrictions vis-à-vis tourist visa.

All PIOs may also consider applying for OCI Card, which among many other benefits, facilitates easy and visa-free travel to India for life, besides ensuring economy of expenditure in the long run.

4.2. Entry visa:

• Persons of Indian origin holding foreign passport, their spouses and children must apply for Entry visa to visit India. Foreign spouse of an Indian national is also eligible for Entry visa.
• In case applicant was an Indian national before, proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship in the form of Indian Citizenship Renunciation / Surrender Certificate alongwith copy of cancelled passport is required to be attached, else the application will be returned for want of this document.
  If the applicant has not applied for cancellation of Indian passport, submit the original Indian passport for cancellation along with requisite form and fee as per the procedure.
• Holding / acquiring Indian passport or travelling on Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship is an offence under Indian Passport Act, 1967 and may attracts penalties.

• In addition to above documents, other documents required for the application is mentioned at Sl. No. 3 above.

4.3. Business Visa:

Granted to foreigners who intend to visit India for business purpose.

• A letter each from the local employer and the sponsoring company in India, stating the purpose of visit, places and organizations to be visited and the duration of the visit.

• An additional form given at the link: https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/1689745106additonalform.pdf is required to be submitted along with the visa application in addition to documents indicated at Sl. No. 3 above, as applicable. 

• Those intending to go to India for student recruitment are required to provide some additional information which will be asked from the applicant by email.

Enrolment of biometric features is required while applying for a Business Visa for a validity of more than 1 year and / or for multiple entry Business Visa. Biometric enrolment once done is valid for 5 years. Applicants below 12 yrs or more than 70 yrs are exempted from biometric enrolment. For more details on biometric enrolment including for booking an appointment for the same, go to: https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/Website%20Updates.pdf.

4.4. Transit visa:

A visa valid for 15 days and permitting a stay in India up to 72 hours is issued for transiting through India to another foreign destination. Transit visa must be obtained before departure as there is no provision for visa on arrival in India. Evidence of confirmed onward travel to a destination outside India is required in addition to documents indicated at Sl. No. 3 above, as applicable. A person intending to make two entries into India in transit in the course of the same journey may also be granted double entry visa, with each stay in India up to 72 hours.

NOTE: Passengers transferring to a connecting flight who do not intend to leave the airport or pass through the Immigration do not need a Transit Visa.

4.5. Student visa:

Student visa is granted for studying in a recognized educational institution in India.

• The applicant should submit proof of admission to an educational institution recognized by the Government of India.

• Proof of finances to meet the cost of education in India, in addition to documents indicated at Sl. No. 3 above, as applicable.

4.6. Employment visa:

Employment visa is issued to those who are taking up assignment / employment with companies registered in India.

• An authenticated copy of the Employment contract and proof of registration of the employing organization must be furnished, in addition to documents listed at Sl. No. 3 above, as applicable. The contract must provide for a minimum gross salary of INR 16.25 lakhs per annum or its equivalent.

• Employment visa is also granted for volunteer / honorary work with registered NGOs in India in which case there is no minimum salary requirement.

4.7. Conference visa:

Conference visa is granted to those who are going to India for attending an international conference / seminar. In addition to the documents at Sl. No. 3 above, as applicable.

• A copy each of the letter of invitation from the organizer. 

• Permission letter from the Government of India for holding of the conference are necessary for the purpose of Conference Visa. 

• Letter from the local participant / employer should also be submitted to establish credentials for the applicant.

4.8. Journalist visa:

Journalist Visa is issued to journalists and media persons travelling to India on assignment to India, for filing reports, shooting of documentaries, etc. A foreigner who is a journalist by profession will be granted journalist visa irrespective of his purpose of visit.

For more information about journalist visa and before applying, kindly send an email at visa.welllington[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in, giving full details about the purpose of the visit, a synopsis of the project, itinerary and if any permissions from local authorities for the project have already been obtained.

4.9. (1) Medical Visa:

Is granted to those intending to visit India for getting medical treatment in India from a recognized medical institution.

• Referral letter from doctor/hospitals both from New Zealand and India. 

• Proof of availability of sufficient funds for the duration of stay and the expenses for treatment in India should be submitted in addition to documents listed at Sl. No. 3 above, as applicable.

NOTE: With effect from November 2015, there is a complete ban on surrogacy procedures in India commissioned by foreigners / NRI couples. No visa is, therefore granted for this purpose.

4.9 (2) Ayush Visa: 

• Ayush Visa is granted to the foreigners wholse sole purpose is to seek treatment trhough Ayush Systems/ Indian Systems of Medcine like therapeutic care and wellness in a Hospital/ wellness centre acredited and registered with any Government authority(ies) concerned or NABH/NCH/NCISM accredited hospitals providing Ayush services.
• Fees for Ayush visa (AY1) and Ayush Attendant (AY2) is same as of Medical and Medical Attendant Visa.

4.10. Sports visa:

All sportspersons going to India for participation in non-commercial sporting events, the officials / coaches and trainers accompanying the players need to apply for Business visa.

• A copy of the clearance granted by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Ministry of Home Affairs and Political Clearance by MEA are required in addition to documents indicated at Sl. No. 3 above, as applicable.

Visa for commercial sports events such as Indian Premier League, Indian Soccer League must apply for Business Visa.

Foreign sportsmen who are given contract for a specified period by the Indian Clubs/organizations must apply for Employment Visa.

4.11. For other types of visas such as Intern visa, film visa, etc, or for any other visa related queries, kindly drop an email at visa[dot]wellington[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in or cons[dot]wellington[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in.

5. Visa checklist:

A checklist of documents to be submitted along with the visa application is given at the link here. Please send / submit the checklist along with the application.

6. What to do when the passport with valid visa expires:

There is no provision for transfer of valid visa from old, expired passport to the new passport. In order to travel to India, one must carry both the old, expired passport carrying valid visa along with the new passport.

7. How to submit the visa application

Printout of duly filled and signed visa applications along with the prescribed documentation, two photographs, prescribed fee and one self-addressed pre-paid return courier bag with tracking facility may be sent to the High Commission of India at the following address:

Visa Department,
High Commission of India,
72 Pipitea Street, Thorndon,
PO Box 12211, Wellington 6011.

The High Commission of India will not accept any responsibility in case the courier is lost / misplaced / damaged or delayed. Do not send the application via ordinary post but only through a registered courier with tracking facility.

Applicants can also submit their applications in person between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM from Monday to Friday (on working days of High Commission) at the Reception counter of the High Commission of India, Wellington.

8. Approximate processing time and status enquiries

• New Zealand / Samoa / Niue Passport / The Cook Islands / Vanuatu: 4-6 Working Days
  

• Other than NZ / Samoa / Niue Passport / The Cook Islands / Vanuatu: 6-8 Working Days

• Pakistan, PR China & Sri Lankan origin applicants: No Time Limit

• Applicants are advised to apply for visa sufficiently in advance so that it is processed in time.

• Applications which need to be referred to the concerned agencies may take longer for which no fixed timeframe can be given. Applicants should not purchase air tickets before obtaining visa.

• The High Commission of India cannot be held responsible for applications which are not finalized in time for your intended date of departure.

At the same time, applications which are registered more than Three months before the expected date of travel are not accepted by the system. Due to huge volume of enquiries, it may not be possible for the High Commission to entertain queries on the status of the visa before expiry of the above timeline. For status of your application, you may drop an email at visa[dot]wellington[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in or at cons[dot]wellington[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in.

9. Jurisdiction of High Commission of India:

The High Commission of India, Wellington has jurisdiction over New Zealand, Republic of Samoa, Niue, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands. It will be able to accept visa applications only from those who are present in its jurisdiction. Those who are not residing in the jurisdiction of this High Commission may contact the Indian Embassy / High Commission / Consulate General having jurisdiction over the area of their residence.

III) Vaccination requirement before entering India

Persons arriving from Yellow Fever endemic countries or those who have visited such countries during the past 6 days immediately preceding their entry into India will be required to possess a valid certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination from an authorized vaccination centre. Persons arriving from a country having public health risk may be required to undergo medical screening or additional measures as decided by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India.

IV. Use of Satellite phones is illegal in India

All foreign nationals visiting India are advised not to carry / use Thuraya / Iridium satellite phones in India. These phones are strictly illegal in India and any violation in this regard shall have serious consequences and the users are liable for prosecution under Indian laws.

V. Frequently asked questions on visa:

1) Do I need a visa to go to India?
A) Yes, all foreigners, except citizens of Nepal and Bhutan (in limited circumstances) need a visa to enter India by air, sea or land.

2) Can I get a visa on arrival to enter India?
A) No. There is no facility of visa on arrival in India except for nationals of Japan in limited circumstances.

3) Does India have Electronic Visa (E-Visa) facility?
A) Yes. E-visa facility is available to nationals of certain countries, which includes New Zealand. For more details including the complete list of countries whose citizens are eligible for E-visa, visit the link https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. E-visa facility is not controlled or administered by the High Commission of India. Any queries in regard to e-visa may be addressed to indiatvoa[at]gov[dot]in. High Commission of India has no control over processing of E-visa applications and accepts and processes only regular visa applications.

4) Can I get medical treatment or do a short time job or attend a business meeting on tourist visa in India? 
A) Tourist visa is strictly meant for recreation, sight seeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, for attending a short term yoga programme (not resulting in a certificate / diploma at the end of the course) or for short duration medical treatment including treatment under Indian system of medicine. Employment visa should be applied for taking up any job in India and business visa should be applied for any business meetings in India.

5) What is the difference between Tourist Visa and Entry Visa?
A) A person of Indian origin, who does not possess an OCI card, spouse and children of such person are eligible for Entry Visa and must apply for Entry Visa instead of Tourist Visa since Entry Visa has far fewer restrictions than Tourist Visa. For example, during each visit a person on tourist visa can stay only upto 90 days whereas there is no such restriction on Entry Visa.

6) Can I study in India?
A) Yes, with a valid student visa for a regular study programme conducted by a recognized university / educational institution.

7) Can I work in India?
A) Yes, with a valid employment visa.

8) I travel to India frequently for business meetings / to explore opportunities for partnerships with Indian companies. Which visa should I apply for?
A) You may apply for business visa with the required documents. For getting long term Business Visa with multiple entries, it is mandatory to enroll your biometric features at the High Commission Reception counter. Without Biometric enrolment you can get Business Visa upto one year validity with up to three entries. You may book an appointment for biometric registration telephonically. Kindly note that a Business Visa does not permit you to work in India. In case you wish to work in India, you should apply for Employment Visa.

9) I have to participate in a Conference / Seminar / Workshop in India. Which visa should I apply for?
A) You should apply for a Conference Visa along with an invitation letter from event organizers and clearances from competent authorities for holding the event.

10) Do I need a Transit Visa for changing flights / airports in India in order to travel to my final destination?
A) Transit Visa for India is NOT required if you are not leaving the plane or the designated transit area of Indian airports.
Transit Visa is required if you are going to leave the designated transit area of the airport or going from international to domestic terminal of any Indian airport or if you are having a short stay in India for upto 72 hours enroute to another foreign destination. You should have a confirmed air ticket for the onward journey before applying for Transit Visa. You may check with the airlines whether your travel involves leaving the designated area of an international airport in India or transfer from International to domestic terminal in India.

11) I intend to travel at a much later date. Can my visa be issued to coincide with the date of travel?
A) No. There is no system of issuing post dated visas and the validity of regular visas starts from the date of issue and not from the date of entry into India. Validity of E-visas is 2 months starting from the date of entry into India. You cannot apply more than 120 days before your intended date of travel to India.

12) I have to go to India for internship / training in a company / educational institution / NGO in India for a short period. Which visa should I apply for?
A) You should apply for Intern Visa along with a copy of a letter from the Indian company / educational institution / NGO, clearly indicating the period of internship. Interns sponsored by AIESEC for social or community work in NGOs and for project-based work in companies may also apply for Intern Visa. For specific queries about Intern Visa, send an email to visa[dot]wellington[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in.

13) Do I need a visa for my pet who is accompanying me on my visit to India?
A) No, you do not need visa for taking your pet to India. However, you need to follow certain customs and vaccination related regulations for taking your pet to India.

14) Can I send one cheque and self-addressed courier bag for multiple visa applications?
A) No. Cheuqes are not accepted w.e.f. 01 May 2021. Please make the payment by bank transfer.

15) I had applied for Indian visa but I have changed my mind. Can I claim a refund of the visa fee?
A) Visa fees are non-refundable. Once the visa application is accepted, fee cannot be refunded even if the visa is refused / not granted.

16) I have to travel to India on an emergency. Is there any extra charge for urgent processing of visa application?
A) Visa application can be processed on emergency basis only under compelling medical and humanitarian emergencies. If the applicant is able to prove the emergency to the visa officer, application can be processed on urgent basis on payment of prescribed expediting fee of NZ$90 per application. Please see the latest notification by clicking here.

17) I will be studying in India for one semester / trimester in an Indian university. Which visa should I apply for?
A) You should apply for a student visa along with a copy of the letter from the institute / university confirming your acceptance as a student. You would also be required to submit proof of financial standing to support your stay in India.

18) I will be going to India for work / employment along with my family. Which visa should I apply for myself and my family? Would my children be able to study in India?
A) You should apply for employment visa both for yourself and your dependent family members accompanying you. Yes, your children will be able to study in India during the validity of your visas.

NOTE: If your query is still not answered above, you may drop us an email at visa[dot]wellington[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in or cons[dot]wellington[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in. It may be appreciated that because of large volume of telephone calls, it is not always possible to answer telephone calls. However, it is our endeavour to reply to all emails promptly.

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