IMPORTANT

1. The High Commission of India has the jurisdiction over New Zealand, Republic of Samoa, Niue,  Vanuatu & the Cook Islands.

2. Biometric enrolment is mandatory for the issuance of all types of visas. After submission of the physical application to HCI Wellington, we will send an email (mentioned in the application form) to the applicant for biometric enrolment. After completion of biometric enrolment, visa will be issued within 1-3 working days.

Applicants above 70 years of age or below 12 years of age are exempt from biometric capture.

3. The applicants residing in the following three regions - Northland (Region 1), Auckland (Region 2), and Waikato (Region 3) - need to apply for consular services at the Consulate General of India, Auckland.  The further details are available at the website of Consulate General of India, Auckland on the following link: www.cgiauckland.gov.in

4. The information on this page is indicative and not exhaustive. The High Commission of India reserve the right to seek for additional documents/information, if required.

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The High Commission of India offers VISA services as detailed hereunder. Please click on the desired service for details: 

1. 1. GENERAL INFORMATION

2. 2. EMERGENCY VISA

3. 3. PROCESSING TIME

4. 4. APPLY FOR VISA

5. 5. TYPES OF REGULAR / PAPER VISA

1.      a. Tourist Visa

2.      b. Entry Visa

3.      c. Business Visa

4.      d. Transit Visa

5.      e. Student Visa (Internship / Research)

6.      f. Employment Visa

7.      g. Medical Visa / Medical Attendant Visa

8.      h. Ayush Visa

9.      i. Conference Visa

10.      j. Journalist Visa

6. 6. VISA FEE AND MODES OF PAYMENT

7. 7. UPLOADING PHOTO AND DOCUMENTS ONLINE

8. 8. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. GENERAL INFORMATION:

1. a. Please note that all foreign nationals require visa to travel to India except for nationals of Nepal and Bhutan. Nationals of Nepal would need a visa should they enter India via China, Macao, Hong Kong and Pakistan.

2. b. 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.

3. c. For travel to India, a regular visa / eVisa along with valid passport is mandatory.

4. d. Those travelling to India are also advised to go through instructions available on the website of Bureau of Immigration at https://boi.gov.in.

5. e. Foreigners in India may contact their jurisdictional Registration Authority / FRRO for any Visa related services (FRROs Contact List).

6. f. All foreigners who desire Visa and Immigration related services in India viz. Registration, Visa Extension, Visa Conversion, Exit Permit etc. need to apply for e-FRRO (eFRRO Online Portal).

7. g. A visa is not sufficient to visit Restricted/Protected Areas for which it is necessary to obtain a Restricted/ Protected Area Permit (RAP/PAP). This permit can be obtained in India either from the Ministry of Home Affairs or FRRO concerned after entering India.

8. h. Government of India has not authorized any Agents/Intermediary to charge any fee for facilitation of emergency / expressVisa / eVisa.

9. i. Applicants are advised not to finalize their travel arrangements prior to issuance of visa.

10. j. Any foreigner entering India on any type of visa, should register with FRRO if aggregate stay in India is more than 180 days in a calendar year.

11. k. Afghanistan Nationals may apply online visa on New AFGHAN Portal (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/avisa).
12. l. Foreigners and OCI Card holders can complete and submit the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before their arrival in India at boi.gov.in or indianvisaonline.gov.in or via official                                                'Indian Visa Su-Swagatam' Mobile App. This is for arrival information, not a visa.

2. EMERGENCY VISA:

• - Emergency Visa is not a category of visa.

• - Emergency service is only for New Zealand or foreign passport holders of Indian origin for travel to India in an emergency situation to attend genuine emergencies such as critical illness or recent death of a close relative of the applicant in India only.

• - Applicant will be required to provide proof of the emergency such as letter from the hospital / Death Certificate etc., which would be subject to verification and visa will be granted solely at the discretion of the High Commission.

• - Tourist, Business, Employment, Research or Conference visas CANNOT be applied under emergency procedure.

3. PROCESSING TIME:

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

4. APPLY FOR VISA:

a. eVisa:

Advisory: The applicant may note that the High Commission does not process e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal. Service of e-Visa involves a completely online application for which no facilitation is required by any intermediary / agent etc. Applicants are, therefore, advised to be cautious and for any clarification, please contact indian-evisa@gov.in.

Nationals of New Zealand and of other eligible countries can also apply for E-Visa under different categories (Tourist, Business, Entry, Ayush, Ayush Attendant, Medical, Medical Attendant, Student, Student-Dependent, Conference, Transit, Mountaineering, Film and Production Investment) at Government of India website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/

The following may also be noted in this regard:

• - Visa applicants are cautioned against using any other website which may appear to represent the Government of India and only use the Government of India portal which is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

• - Passport used by the applicant should have at least six months validity from the date of arrival in India. The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer on arrival.

• - The applicant must travel on the passport on which e-Visa has been applied. Entry into India will be allowed on a new passport even if the e-Visa has been granted on the old passport. However, in such cases, the traveler must also carry the old passport on which the e-Visa has been granted.

• - E-Visa is not available to Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders or Laissez-passer travel document holders.

• - E-Visa is not available to individuals endorsed on Parent's/Spouse's Passport i.e. each individual should have a separate passport.

• - E-Visa is not available to International Travel Document Holders.

• - The e-Visa facility is in addition to the existing Visa services being provided through Indian Embassy and Consulates.

b. Regular Paper Visa:

Regular paper visas are processed at High Commission of India, Wellington.  

• - To apply, applicant shall access the Visa Application system online through the following link: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in and click on “Regular visa application”.  

• - Applicant to select “New Zealand – Wellington” from the tab Select Mission as the Indian Mission from where he intends to apply for the Visa.

• - Applicant to fill the application on-line as per the forms standardized by the Ministry.

• - After filling the form and submitting it, the system shall automatically generate an Application Id start with NZLWV. Applicants are requested to keep this Application Id for further communications with High Commission.

• - Applicants are required to verify the application details before submitting the online application. Applicants have an option to save the online application form, in case it is not to be submitted.

• - Once the online application form is submitted by the applicant, then further modifications are not allowed. Hence applicants are requested to check and validate the details before submitting the online application form.

• - After submitting the online application form, the online application form must be printed and duly signed on Page 1 (under the photo) and Page 2 (declaration) and submitted to the High Commission for processing, either in person or by post along with other required documents, as mentioned below. 

• - Applicants are required to upload their photograph and other supporting documents online.

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.

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.

5. TYPES OF REGULAR / PAPER VISA:

⁍ Tourist Visa:

‣ Important Guidelines:

• - Maximum aggregate stay by a foreigner in India on an e-Tourist Visa or Tourist visa should not exceed 180 days in a calendar year.

• - Continuous stay during each visit shall be limited to the 90 days after arrival in India except in the case of nationals of USA, UK, Canada and Japan.

• - In the case of nationals of USA, UK, Canada and Japan, continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 180 days.

• - e-Tourist/ Tourist visa shall not be extended and converted.

• - Foreign Nationals can visit Protected, Restricted and Cantonment Areas only after obtaining requisite permissions.

• - Foreign national (other than a Pakistani national) coming to India on any type of visa will be allowed to avail activities permitted under Tourist Visa.

• - Short term yoga programme means a yoga programme not exceeding 6 months duration and not issued with a qualifying certificate/ diploma etc.

• - There shall be a gap of at least 2 (two) months between two visits to India on a Tourist Visa in respect of nationals of Afghanistan, China, Iraq, Sudan, foreigners of Pakistan origin and Stateless persons.

• - 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.

• - All Foreign journalists travelling to India for any purpose are required to obtain a 'J' (Journalist) visa, including those who are visiting for tourism or for attending conferences.

‣ Documents Required:

1. a. Completed and signed visa application form under the photo and on declaration page (duly signed by either parent if applicant is minor) with photo uploaded vertically.

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

3. c. One photographs must be affixed on the application form & should not be stapled. Physical and uploaded photographs must be identical. Photograph must be 2x2 inches showing front view of applicant’s face against white background.

4. d. Visa fee as per the fee schedule available at the link Visa Fee.

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

6. f. One self-addressed, pre-paid return courier bag with tracking facility (for return of passport with visa).

‣ Additional Documents for Minors under the age of 18 years:

1. a. Copy of birth certificate of the minor applicant.

2. b. Both parent’s current passport copy. 

3. c. Parental Undertaking / Authorization Form for minors (Children under 18 years old). Click Here.

4. d. 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.

5. e. 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.

Enrolment of biometric features is required while applying for a 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, please go to the link: https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/Website%20Updates.pdf.

➡️ Applicants must first submit their applications at HCI Wellington and after review of the application, applicant shall be informed by e-mail the date of appointment for biometric enrolment.

➡️ 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.

Applications should be sent to the High Commission of India via registered courier (with tracking facility) or can be submitted in person at the reception counter at HCI Wellington.

⁍ Entry Visa:

1. If he/she at any time held an Indian passport; or
2. If he/she or either of his/her parents or grandparents or great grandparents, was born in, and was permanently resident in India, provided neither was at any time a citizen of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan or Sri Lanka or any other country that may be specified by the Government of India from time to time.

1. Children/Spouse of Indian Citizens/Foreigners of Indian Origin (FIO)/ Overseas Citizen of Indian (OCI) card holders born in foreign countries.
2. French of Indian origin born in Puducherry, Mahe and Yanam.

‣ Documents Required:

1. a. Completed and signed visa application form under the photo and on declaration page (duly signed by either parent if applicant is minor) with photo uploaded vertically.

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

3. c. One photographs must be affixed on the application form & should not be stapled. Physical and uploaded photographs must be identical. Photograph must be 2x2 inches showing front view of applicant’s face against white background.

4. d. Visa fee as per the fee schedule available at the link Visa Fee.

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

6. f. In case of foreign spouse requiring Entry-Visa, a copy of Marriage Certificate (Apostilled / authenticated by the Government of the country of issue if marriage is registered in a foreign country) is mandatory.

7. g. 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.

8. h. 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.

9. i. Undertaking form duly filled and signed by the applicant to be submitted. Click Here.

10. j. One self-addressed, pre-paid return courier bag with tracking facility (for return of passport with visa).

‣ Additional Documents for Minors under the age of 18 years:

1. a. Copy of birth certificate of the minor applicant.

2. b. Both parent’s current passport copy. 

3. c. Parental Undertaking / Authorization Form for minors (Children under 18 years old). Click Here.

4. d. If parents are of Indian origin, then copies of current or cancelled Indian passports of parents are required for applying Entry visa.

5. e. 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. f. 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.

Enrolment of biometric features is required while applying for a Entry 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, please go to the link: https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/Website%20Updates.pdf.

➡️ Applicants must first submit their applications at HCI Wellington and after review of the application, applicant shall be informed by e-mail the date of appointment for biometric enrolment.

➡️ 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.

Applications should be sent to the High Commission of India via registered courier (with tracking facility) or can be submitted in person at the reception counter at HCI Wellington.

⁍ Business Visa:

Business in India

Foreigners who intend to visit India to establish an industrial/business venture or to explore possibilities to set up an industrial firm/company (or) to attend technical meetings/discussions, Board/general meetings for providing business services support, for Consultations and other business-related activities should arrive on a Business visa.

Foreigners who are engaged in commercial sports events on contract (including coaches) like Indian Premier League (IPL), Indian Super League (ISL) and Indian Badminton League etc., with remuneration are also required to be on a Business visa.

‣ Important Guidelines:

• - All Business Visa holders are required to register themselves with the FRRO/FRO concerned in case the aggregate stay in India on Business Visa exceeds 180 days during a calendar year.

• - Business visa shall be extended only if the gross sales/turnover from the business activities, for which the foreigner has been granted visa, is not less than Rs. 1 crore per annum (to be achieved within 4 years of setting up of the business or from the date of initial grant of B visa, whichever is earlier).

• - If the extension of Visa is denied, the foreigner shall leave India forthwith or expiry of the period of validity of the Visa.

• - Foreigner should comply with all taxation rules pertaining to his business in India.

‣ Documents Required:

1. a. Completed and signed visa application form under the photo and on declaration page with photo uploaded vertically.

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

3. c. One photographs must be affixed on the application form & should not be stapled. Physical and uploaded photographs must be identical. Photograph must be 2x2 inches showing front view of applicant’s face against white background.

4. d. Visa fee as per the fee schedule available at the link Visa Fee.

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

6. f. Duly completed additional form for Business Visa applicants [https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/1689745106additonalform.pdf].
7. g. Invitation Letter from the Company in India on company letterhead indicating the nature of applicant's business, duration of stay, the validity of visa applied for, places and organizations to be visited during the stay. Details regarding the company, undertaking for full financial responsibility to ensure travel and repatriation, if applicable, and relationship history with the applicant.
8. h. Letter from applicant’s company in New Zealand on a company letterhead stating that all expenses will be paid for by the company and indicating the nature of applicant's business, duration of stay, he/she will not receive any form of remuneration from any other source in India and will remain employee of same company, the validity of visa applied for, places and organizations to be visited during stay.
9. i. Letter of Incorporation from the Company in India. This letter is not required if the applicant is visiting Government of India institutions for meetings, etc.
10. j. One self-addressed, pre-paid return courier bag with tracking facility (for return of passport with visa).

‣ Additional Documents for Dependent Business Visa for Spouse:

1. a. Copy of Marriage Certificate.

‣ Additional Documents for Minors under the age of 18 years:

1. a. Copy of birth certificate of the minor applicant.

2. b. Both parent’s current passport copy. 

3. c. Parental Undertaking / Authorization Form for minors (Children under 18 years old). Click Here.

4. d. If parents are of Indian origin, then copies of current or cancelled Indian passports of parents.

5. e. 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. f. 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.

Enrolment of biometric features is required while applying for a 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, please go to the link: https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/Website%20Updates.pdf.

➡️ Applicants must first submit their applications at HCI Wellington and after review of the application, applicant shall be informed by e-mail the date of appointment for biometric enrolment.

Applications should be sent to the High Commission of India via registered courier (with tracking facility) or can be submitted in person at the reception counter at HCI Wellington.

⁍ Transit Visa:

Transit via India:

Foreigners whose sole purpose to travel through India to a destination outside India requires a Transit visa. A Transit Visa will ordinarily be valid for a single journey and for entry within 15 days from date of issue, unless otherwise specified. In any case, the period of validity of a Transit visa will not exceed that of the visa for the country of ultimate destination.

A transit visa is only valid for direct transit, irrespective of the period of stay in the transit, which cannot be more than 3 days for each visit.

Travel by Air:

You need to apply for a Transit Visa if you are going to change from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal of any Indian Airport or if you are going to stay in an airport hotel even for a few hours.

In case you remain within limits of the waiting area reserved for International Transit Passengers of the Indian Airport and are not going to cross Immigration Controls at any time, you do not need a transit visa. Please note: the maximum period of stay in India permitted for a Transit Visa is 72 hours for each entry and is issued only when Transit/Travel is by Air.

Travel By Sea:

A Transit Visa is not required by a foreigner who does not leave the ship while it halts at an Indian port. In case the foreigner intends to resume his/her journey from the same place by a scheduled Air service for which he/she holds a valid ticket, he/she will be allowed to leave the ship to proceed to the designated airport to catch his/her flight only with the prior approval of the competent authority.

‣ Important Guidelines:

• - Transit visa must be obtained before departure as there is no provision for visa on arrival in India.

• - 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.

• - If the journey through India is not performed within period of the validity of transit visa, a fresh transit visa will be required.

• - For a stay in India beyond 3 days, a visa of appropriate category should be obtained.

‣ Documents Required:

1. a. Completed and signed visa application form under the photo and on declaration page with photo uploaded vertically.

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

3. c. One photographs must be affixed on the application form & should not be stapled. Physical and uploaded photographs must be identical. Photograph must be 2x2 inches showing front view of applicant’s face against white background.

4. d. Visa fee as per the fee schedule available at the link Visa Fee.

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

6. f. Copy of confirmed Travel Ticket as Proof of Itinerary.

7. g. One self-addressed, pre-paid return courier bag with tracking facility (for return of passport with visa).

‣ Additional Documents for Minors under the age of 18 years:

1. a. Copy of birth certificate of the minor applicant.

2. b. Both parent’s current passport copy. 

3. c. Parental Undertaking / Authorization Form for minors (Children under 18 years old). Click Here.

4. d. If parents are of Indian origin, then copies of current or cancelled Indian passports of parents.

5. e. 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. f. 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.

Enrolment of biometric features is required while applying for a Transit 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, please go to the link: https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/Website%20Updates.pdf.

➡️ Applicants must first submit their applications at HCI Wellington and after review of the application, applicant shall be informed by e-mail the date of appointment for biometric enrolment.

Applications should be sent to the High Commission of India via registered courier (with tracking facility) or can be submitted in person at the reception counter at HCI Wellington.

⁍ Student Visa:

Foreigners shall obtain an appropriate Student Visa if their objective is to pursue on-campus, full time structured courses or Research in any of the educational institutions duly recognized by the Government of India.

Foreigners who intend to study yoga, Vedic culture, Indian system of dance, music or Buddhist studies etc., at the institutions approved by Government of India are required to hold a Student (S-3) Visa.

Foreigners arriving in India to pursue internship in Indian companies, educational institutions, NGOs, foreign missions/posts in India and foreign Government Organizations are required to obtain a Student (S-6) Visa.

‣ Important Guidelines:

• - Foreigners who wish to apply to top Indian institutes which offer courses must register themselves for Study In India (SII) program. For more details, please visit https://studyinindia.gov.in

• - Foreigners must ensure that they are not enrolled into any courses offered by franchise Educational Institutes running off-campus centres, Study Centres of Open Universities offering distance learning programmes, Educational Institutes running “outreach” programmes.

• - Foreigners on Student visa are must not involve in any Employment/Business activities in India.

• - Foreign nationals (except Pak nationals) holding student visas valid for more than 180 days or as per the stay stipulation endorsed on their visa should register themselves with concerned FRRO within 14 days of arrival in India.

• - Student should obtain a Restricted/Protected Area Permit (RAP/PAP) in case his/her educational institution falls under any of the Restricted/Protected areas.

• - In case of discontinuation of the course, foreigner should intimate the concerned FRRO immediately.

• - Student Visa will not be issued for pursuing ‘Short Term Courses’ which are not recognized.

• - List of recognized institutions are available on http://www.ugc.ac.in and www.mhrd.gov.in. List of institutes approved by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is available on their website www.aicte-india.org.

‣ Documents Required:

1. a. Completed and signed visa application form under the photo and on declaration page with photo uploaded vertically.

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

3. c. One photographs must be affixed on the application form & should not be stapled. Physical and uploaded photographs must be identical. Photograph must be 2x2 inches showing front view of applicant’s face against white background.

4. d. Visa fee as per the fee schedule available at the link Visa Fee.

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

6. f. Confirmation letter in original from a recognized Indian Institute with a Registration Number in India, confirming the admission of the applicant, duration of course and other details.

7. g. Evidence of sufficient financial resources to meet the cost of maintenance in India.

8. h. Letter from the NZ Institution in the program in India is affiliated with a NZ Institution, a letter from the NZ institution with complete details of the exchange program.

9. i. In case of admission in a medical or para-medical course, no objection certificate is required from the Ministry of Health, Government of India.

10. j. One self-addressed, pre-paid return courier bag with tracking facility (for return of passport with visa).

‣ Additional Documents for Dependent Student Visa for Spouse:

1. a. Copy of Marriage Certificate.

‣ Additional Documents for Minors under the age of 18 years:

1. a. Copy of birth certificate of the minor applicant.

2. b. Both parent’s current passport copy. 

3. c. Parental Undertaking / Authorization Form for minors (Children under 18 years old). Click Here.

4. d. If parents are of Indian origin, then copies of current or cancelled Indian passports of parents.

5. e. 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. f. 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.

Enrolment of biometric features is required while applying for a Student 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, please go to the link: https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/Website%20Updates.pdf.

➡️ Applicants must first submit their applications at HCI Wellington and after review of the application, applicant shall be informed by e-mail the date of appointment for biometric enrolment.

Applications should be sent to the High Commission of India via registered courier (with tracking facility) or can be submitted in person at the reception counter at HCI Wellington.

● Internship in India (S-6):

• - The Intern Visa will be granted at any time during the course of study or immediately after completion of graduation/ post graduation but the gap between the completion of graduation/ post graduation and the commencement of the internship should not be more than two year.

• - Intern Visa will not be issued for internship in certain vital sectors like Defence, Telecom, Space Technologies, Construction/ strategic Infrastructure projects, Mining, Civil Aviation, Petroleum & Natural Gas exploration, Private security agencies, Human Rights, Nuclear Energy, Environmental issues and Dams.

• - In case the internship is in a Company, the foreign national being sponsored for internship should draw a minimum remuneration of Rs. 3.60 lakhs per annum. There will be no minimum salary limit in the case of internship in Educational institution and NGOs.

• - Earnings from internship of the foreign nationals with Indian companies/ Educational Institutions/ NGOs will be subject to the Indian Income Tax Regulations.

• - Under no circumstances, the foreign national will be allowed to take up employment in India immediately after completion of the internship programme. Conversion of the S-6 visa into Employment visa or any other types of visa will not be permitted. In case the foreign national receives any offer for employment in India, he/she will have to go back to the country of his/her origin/ domicile and apply for ‘Employment Visa’ at the Indian Mission/ Post concerned.

• - Foreign nationals granted Student visa for doing internship will have to register themselves with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO)/ Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) concerned within 14 days of arrival in India if continuous stay is for more than 180 days.

‣ Documents Required:

1. a. Completed and signed visa application form under the photo and on declaration page with photo uploaded vertically.

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

3. c. One photographs must be affixed on the application form & should not be stapled. Physical and uploaded photographs must be identical. Photograph must be 2x2 inches showing front view of applicant’s face against white background.

4. d. Visa fee as per the fee schedule available at the link Visa Fee.

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

6. f. Invitation letter from the organisation/agency based in India sponsoring the foreign national for the internship programme and clearly indicating the period of internship along with payments to be made.

7. g. A letter from the concerned institute in New Zealand.

8. h. Letter of financial guarantee either from parents or Bank.

9. i. Proof of registration of the organisation in India.

● Research Scholars (S-5):

An individual who desires to undertake research in India should apply giving the Synopsis, subject of the research, details of places to be visited, letter for recommendation/support from the institute in NZ, Original letter of invitation from the Indian institute on their letterhead and evidence of source of funding.

⁍ Employment Visa:

Foreigners who desire to work in India should arrive on a valid Employment visa. Employment visas will be issued to those who are highly skilled and are qualified professionals and are being engaged or appointed by an Indian Company/Organization/Industry/Undertaking or foreign Company/Firm/Organization engaged in execution of any project in India.

Foreigners who intend to work with a Non-Profit/Non-Governmental Organizations on a voluntary basis with or without honorarium (up to a ceiling of Rs. 10,000 per month) are also required to obtain an Employment (E-3) Visa.

Foreigner employed in any sector should draw a gross salary in excess of Rs. 16.25 lakhs per annum. However, certain foreigners who are employed in such sectors as notified by the GOI from time to time will be exempted from this annual floor limit.

‣ Important Guidelines:

• - A foreigner is required to enter India on a Business visa, if he/she is a promoter/owner of a company holding majority stakes/share holdings.

• - No change of employer shall be permitted during the currency of the employment visa. If the foreigner desires to change the employer, he/she has to leave the country and apply for a fresh Employment visa.

• - FRRO/ FRO concerned to be informed if the person discontinues the employment.

• - The foreign national must comply with all legal requirements like meeting the minimum salary payment of tax liabilities etc.

• - Foreigners are not allowed to work for more than one company simultaneously on an Employment visa.

• - The Employment Visa may be issued from the country of origin or from the country of domicile (except India) of the foreigner provided the period of permanent residence of the applicant in that particular country is more than 2 years. Family members / dependents of a foreigner who is granted Employment visa shall be granted Employment Dependent visa.

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

‣ Documents Required:

1. a. Completed and signed visa application form under the photo and on declaration page with photo uploaded vertically.

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

3. c. One photographs must be affixed on the application form & should not be stapled. Physical and uploaded photographs must be identical. Photograph must be 2x2 inches showing front view of applicant’s face against white background.

4. d. Visa fee as per the fee schedule available at the link Visa Fee.

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

6. f. Appointment letter from Company in India clearly indicating the annual salary and where the applicant will be located.

7. g. Letter of undertaking from Employer in India clarifying / confirming the following: (a) Whether the applicant will be employed by them full time during the period of assignment; (b)An undertaking by the appointing firm taking full responsibility for the applicant’s professional conduct, activities while in India and repatriation, if ever necessary.

8. h. Letter of incorporation from the company in India.

9. i. Please provide a copy of the Tax Liability letter from Indian company. (The letter must confirm that tax will be deducted at source by employer and deposited with tax authorities).

10. j. Resume of the applicant with relevant credentials and employee details form.

11. k. Justification letter in Original from employer explaining why no Indian national can be employed against this post, details of efforts have been made by the employer to find a candidate in India.

12. l. Proof of Applicants educational qualifications and professional expertise. Proof of employment contract or engagement by the company/ firm/ organization in India, which confirms that the salary to the employment visa applicant will be paid in India.

13. m. If the applicant was employed in India previously, then the applicant must submit documents in support of tax compliance on previous visits along with the application.

14. n. One self-addressed, pre-paid return courier bag with tracking facility (for return of passport with visa).

‣ Additional Documents for Dependent Student Visa for Spouse:

1. a. Copy of Marriage Certificate.

‣ Additional Documents for Minors under the age of 18 years:

1. a. Copy of birth certificate of the minor applicant.

2. b. Both parent’s current passport copy. 

3. c. Parental Undertaking / Authorization Form for minors (Children under 18 years old). Click Here.

4. d. If parents are of Indian origin, then copies of current or cancelled Indian passports of parents.

5. e. 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. f. 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.

Enrolment of biometric features is required while applying for a Employment 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, please go to the link: https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/Website%20Updates.pdf.

➡️ Applicants must first submit their applications at HCI Wellington and after review of the application, applicant shall be informed by e-mail the date of appointment for biometric enrolment.

Applications should be sent to the High Commission of India via registered courier (with tracking facility) or can be submitted in person at the reception counter at HCI Wellington.

⁍ Medical Visa / Medical Attendant Visa:

Medical Treatment in India:

If a foreigner wishes to seek medical treatment in any of the established/recognized/specialized hospitals or any treatment centres providing medical treatment under the Indian systems of medicine, accredited by the Government of India, must arrive on a Medical Visa. Such Foreigners who accompany the patients or Medical Visa holders should arrive on a Medical Attendant visa.

‣ Important Guidelines:

• - Not more than two persons shall be given Medical Attendant visas in case of foreign nationals other than Pakistan and Bangladesh nationals.

• - Change of hospital/Place of treatment (endorsed on initial visa) shall be permitted only on case-to-case basis, subject to production of documentary proof justifying such change.

• - Foreigners (other than Pak nationals) whose Medical/Medical Attendant visas are valid for more than 180 days should register themselves within 14 days of their arrival in India.

• - 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.

‣ Documents Required:

1. a. Completed and signed visa application form under the photo and on declaration page with photo uploaded vertically.

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

3. c. One photographs must be affixed on the application form & should not be stapled. Physical and uploaded photographs must be identical. Photograph must be 2x2 inches showing front view of applicant’s face against white background.

4. d. Visa fee as per the fee schedule available at the link Visa Fee.

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

6. f. Letter from the hospital / institution in India indicating name of patient confirming the applicant's admission for medical treatment.

7. g. Referral letter from doctor/hospital in New Zealand (medical history document necessitating the treatment duly stamped by the concerned accredited hospital).

8. h. All visa applicants for Medical/ Medical Attendant Visa/Ayush/ Ayush Attendant Visa are required to submit the invitation letter issued by the respective hospital generated from the Medical and Ayush Visa Portal (https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/medicalvaluetravel).

9. i. Proof of availability of sufficient funds for the duration of stay and the expenses for treatment in India should be submitted.

10. j. One self-addressed, pre-paid return courier bag with tracking facility (for return of passport with visa).

‣ Additional Documents for Medical Attendant Visa:

1. a. Letter from the Indian Hospital duly signed by an authorised official indicating attendants name and name of patients travelling to India for specialised medical treatment.

2. b. Copy of Medical visa of the patient in case of patient already having Medical visa. This is not required in case the patient and the attendant are applying for visa together.

‣ Additional Documents for Minors under the age of 18 years:

1. a. Copy of birth certificate of the minor applicant.

2. b. Both parent’s current passport copy. 

3. c. Parental Undertaking / Authorization Form for minors (Children under 18 years old). Click Here.

4. d. If parents are of Indian origin, then copies of current or cancelled Indian passports of parents.

5. e. 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. f. 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.

Enrolment of biometric features is required while applying for a Medical/Medical Attendant 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, please go to the link: https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/Website%20Updates.pdf.

➡️ Applicants must first submit their applications at HCI Wellington and after review of the application, applicant shall be informed by e-mail the date of appointment for biometric enrolment.

Applications should be sent to the High Commission of India via registered courier (with tracking facility) or can be submitted in person at the reception counter at HCI Wellington.

➡️Instructions for generating Invitation letter for Medical/Ayush Visa:

As per the latest guidelines of the Govt of India, the invitation letter for medical/ medical attendant visa has to be generated by the concerned Hospital from the Medical and Ayush Visa Portal (https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/medicalvaluetravel). The instructions for the concerned hospital/clinic to generate Medical/Ayush visa invitation letter are hereunder:

(i) The concerned hospital has to Sign up (Register) on Medial and Ayush Visa portal by visiting following

link: https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/medicalvaluetravel/accom_reg.jsp?t4g=M03L53BD

(ii) After successful submission of the details in the Registration Form by the Hospital/Wellness Centre, the Form will be forwarded online to the concerned FRRO/FRO office for approval. User Hospital will be informed regarding approval/rejection through email.

(iii) Once approved, User Hospital will be able to login to the Medical and Ayush Visa portal on https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/medicalvaluetravel by entering its login credentials and given captcha. Post login, the user Hospital will be able to generate Medical Visa Invitation letter by clicking on the tab - "Request for Medical Visa Invitation Letter".

(iv) Kindly request your Hospital's Administration to follow the above instructions for generating the requisite document.

⁍ Ayush Visa:

‣ Documents Required:

1. a. Completed and signed visa application form under the photo and on declaration page with photo uploaded vertically.

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

3. c. One photographs must be affixed on the application form & should not be stapled. Physical and uploaded photographs must be identical. Photograph must be 2x2 inches showing front view of applicant’s face against white background.

4. d. Visa fee as per the fee schedule available at the link Visa Fee.

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

6. f. Letter from Ayush institution in India indicating name of patient confirming the applicant's admission for medical treatment.

7. g. All visa applicants for Medical/ Medical Attendant Visa/Ayush/ Ayush Attendant Visa are required to submit the invitation letter issued by the respective hospital generated from the Medical and Ayush Visa Portal (https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/medicalvaluetravel).

8. h. Referral letter from doctor/hospital in New Zealand [medical history document necessitating the treatment (not applicable to wellness) duly stamped by the concerned accredited hospital].

9. i. Proof of availability of sufficient funds for the duration of stay and the expenses for treatment in India should be submitted.

10. j. One self-addressed, pre-paid return courier bag with tracking facility (for return of passport with visa).

‣ Additional Documents for Ayush Attendant Visa:

1. a. Letter from the Ayush Institution duly signed by an authorised official indicating attendants name and name of patients travelling to India for specialised medical treatment.

2. b. Copy of Ayush visa of the patient in case of patient already having Ayush visa. This is not required in case the patient and the attendant are applying for visa together.

‣ Additional Documents for Minors under the age of 18 years:

1. a. Copy of birth certificate of the minor applicant.

2. b. Both parent’s current passport copy. 

3. c. Parental Undertaking / Authorization Form for minors (Children under 18 years old). Click Here.

4. d. If parents are of Indian origin, then copies of current or cancelled Indian passports of parents.

5. e. 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. f. 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.

Enrolment of biometric features is required while applying for a Ayush 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, please go to the link: https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/Website%20Updates.pdf.

➡️ Applicants must first submit their applications at HCI Wellington and after review of the application, applicant shall be informed by e-mail the date of appointment for biometric enrolment.

Applications should be sent to the High Commission of India via registered courier (with tracking facility) or can be submitted in person at the reception counter at HCI Wellington.

➡️Instructions for generating Invitation letter for Medical/Ayush Visa:

As per the latest guidelines of the Govt of India, the invitation letter for medical/ medical attendant visa has to be generated by the concerned Hospital from the Medical and Ayush Visa Portal (https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/medicalvaluetravel). The instructions for the concerned hospital/clinic to generate Medical/Ayush visa invitation letter are hereunder:

(i) The concerned hospital has to Sign up (Register) on Medial and Ayush Visa portal by visiting following

link: https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/medicalvaluetravel/accom_reg.jsp?t4g=M03L53BD

(ii) After successful submission of the details in the Registration Form by the Hospital/Wellness Centre, the Form will be forwarded online to the concerned FRRO/FRO office for approval. User Hospital will be informed regarding approval/rejection through email.

(iii) Once approved, User Hospital will be able to login to the Medical and Ayush Visa portal on https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/medicalvaluetravel by entering its login credentials and given captcha. Post login, the user Hospital will be able to generate Medical Visa Invitation letter by clicking on the tab - "Request for Medical Visa Invitation Letter".

(iv) Kindly request your Hospital's Administration to follow the above instructions for generating the requisite document.

⁍ Conference Visa:

‣ Documents Required:

1. a. Completed and signed visa application form under the photo and on declaration page with photo uploaded vertically.

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

3. c. One photographs must be affixed on the application form & should not be stapled. Physical and uploaded photographs must be identical. Photograph must be 2x2 inches showing front view of applicant’s face against white background.

4. d. Visa fee as per the fee schedule available at the link Visa Fee.

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

6. f. Original Letter of nomination from applicant's company/institution/government organisation in NZ stating that expenses will be paid for by the company and indicating nature of applicant's business, duration of stay, the validity of visa applied for, places and organisations to be visited during stay. In case the applicant is not part of any company/institution, a letter stating that the conference/meeting is being attended in personal capacity.

7. g. Original Invitation letter from Company/institution/think-tank/government organisation in India indicating nature of applicant's business, duration of stay, the validity of visa applied for, places and organisations to be visited during stay, as well as detailed company profile, wherever applicable.

8. h. Conference clearance from MHA/MEA: Organizer should provide MEA/MHA clearance in following cases:

9. i. One self-addressed, pre-paid return courier bag with tracking facility (for return of passport with visa).

‣ Additional Documents for Minors under the age of 18 years:

7. a. Copy of birth certificate of the minor applicant.

8. b. Both parent’s current passport copy. 

9. c. Parental Undertaking / Authorization Form for minors (Children under 18 years old). Click Here.

10. d. If parents are of Indian origin, then copies of current or cancelled Indian passports of parents.

11. e. 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.

12. f. 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.

Enrolment of biometric features is required while applying for a Conference 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, please go to the link: https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/Website%20Updates.pdf.

➡️ Applicants must first submit their applications at HCI Wellington and after review of the application, applicant shall be informed by e-mail the date of appointment for biometric enrolment.

Applications should be sent to the High Commission of India via registered courier (with tracking facility) or can be submitted in person at the reception counter at HCI Wellington.

⁍ Journalist Visa:

‣ Important Guidelines:

• Foreign journalists, who intend to travel to India to work in Indian media organizations must apply for Employment Visa.

• Applicants pursuing full time courses in journalism in educational institutes/ universities recognized by GOI must apply for Student Visa.

‣ Documents Required:

1. a. Completed and signed visa application form under the photo and on declaration page with photo uploaded vertically.

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

3. c. One photographs must be affixed on the application form & should not be stapled. Physical and uploaded photographs must be identical. Photograph must be 2x2 inches showing front view of applicant’s face against white background.

4. d. Visa fee as per the fee schedule available at the link Visa Fee.

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

6. f. Letter from Media Company India in Original - Journalist affiliated with a media company & going to India for Journalism purpose are required to submit a letter from their company stating that the applicant will be going for journalism.

7. g. Recommendation letter from Media Company in NZ in Original indicating visiting place, purpose and duration.

8. h. Detailed Bio-Profile in Original.

9. i. One self-addressed, pre-paid return courier bag with tracking facility (for return of passport with visa).

‣ Additional Documents for Minors under the age of 18 years:

13. a. Copy of birth certificate of the minor applicant.

14. b. Both parent’s current passport copy. 

15. c. Parental Undertaking / Authorization Form for minors (Children under 18 years old). Click Here.

16. d. If parents are of Indian origin, then copies of current or cancelled Indian passports of parents.

17. e. 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.

18. f. 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.

Enrolment of biometric features is required while applying for a Journalist 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, please go to the link: https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/content/Website%20Updates.pdf.

➡️ Applicants must first submit their applications at HCI Wellington and after review of the application, applicant shall be informed by e-mail the date of appointment for biometric enrolment.

Applications should be sent to the High Commission of India via registered courier (with tracking facility) or can be submitted in person at the reception counter at HCI Wellington.

For other types of visas such as Film Visa, Mountaineering Visa, Missionary Visa etc. or for any other visa related queries, kindly drop an email at visa[dot]wellington[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in.

6. VISA FEES AND MODES OF PAYMENT OF REGULAR VISA:

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

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

Mode of Payment of Fees: 

7. UPLOADING PHOTO & DOCUMENTS ONLINE:

‣ PHOTO UPLOAD:

Online India Visa Application allows the Applicant to upload a digital photograph of self to complete the regular visa application.

The digital photograph to be uploaded along with the Visa application should meet the following requirements:

• • Format: JPEG

• • Size - Minimum 10 KB and Maximum 1 MB

• • The height and width of the Photo must be equal.

• • Photo should present Full face, front view, eyes open.

• • Center head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.

• • Background should be plain light colored or white background.

• • No shadows on the face or on the background.

• • Without borders.

• • Make sure that photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin. Head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25mm to 35mm). Make sure eye height is between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3.

• • Do not crop the Passport Image to use it as your recent photograph. Upload clear front facing photograph with preferable white/light coloured background.

• • The application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded photograph are not clear and as per specification.

• • Image name should contain Alphabet and Numbers only.

‣ DOCUMENT UPLOAD:

Kindly ensure that the document is as per specifications mentioned below.

• • All documents uploaded by the applicant including business cards, invitation letters etc. must be in English language, failing which application would be liable for rejection.

• • Format PDF

• • Size Minimum 10 KB 

• • Maximum 500 KB

• • After selecting the file, click "Upload" to proceed. Please upload one file at a time.

• • Ensure the file name does not contain any special characters.

• • Passport Upload- Photo page of Passport containing personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, expiry date etc. to be uploaded by the applicant.

• • Photo page of Passport uploaded should be of the same passport whose details are provided in Passport Details section.

• • The application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded document is not clear and as per specification.

➡️ Applicants to submit hard-copy of all the uploaded documents along with the print of application to HCI Wellington for processing of visa application.

8. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

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.

A) 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.

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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