India Freedom Portal 2026
NZ 🇳🇿 India 🇮🇳
New Zealand to India visa guide
New Zealand to India visa guide Official February 2026 entry protocols for Kiwi citizens. Navigate the new $130 Business eVisa fee, increased ₹75,000 duty-free allowance, and digital customs mandate.| Visa Category | Stay Limit | Key Requirement | 2026 Fee Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Day e-Tourist | 30 Days | Online ETA | $25 USD (July-Mar) |
| 1-Year e-Business | 180 Days / visit | Invitation Letter | $130 USD (New Fee) |
| Baggage (New) | Per Entry | Air Suvidha Digital | ₹75k Duty-Free |
1. eVisa & New 2026 Fees Digital Only
New Zealand citizens are eligible for the Indian e-Visa, which has seen some fee revisions in early 2026.
- e-Tourist Fee: Stays unchanged at **$25 USD** for the 30-day version (during July-March).
- e-Business Hike: The fee for Kiwi nationals has increased to **$130 USD** for the 1-year multiple entry business visa.
- Wait Time: Standard processing takes **72 hours**, but apply at least **4 days** early to avoid delays.
- Designated Ports: e-Visa holders must enter through one of the **28 designated airports** or 5 seaports.
2. New Baggage & Duty-Free Rules Mandatory Feb 2
Major relief! On **2 February 2026**, India notified the new "Baggage Rules 2026".
- Increased Limit: The general duty-free allowance for foreign tourists (including Kiwis) has been raised to **₹25,000**.
- Indian Origin (Kiwis): If you are of Indian origin or a resident, the limit is now **₹75,000** (up from ₹50,000).
- Gold Jewellery (Weight-based): Women resident abroad for >1 year get **40g** duty-free; others are capped at **20g** (no longer value-based).
- One Laptop Rule: Any passenger over 18 can now import **one laptop** duty-free, independent of the general allowance.
3. Digital Customs (Air Suvidha) No Paperwork
Paper customs forms have been abolished in favor of a 100% digital experience.
- Electronic Declaration: You MUST submit a digital customs declaration via the **Air Suvidha** platform or the e-ABD app *before* landing.
- Efficiency: This new system is reported to cut airport clearance times by up to **30%**.
- Mandatory Info: You'll need your passport, flight details, and a list of dutiable items (if any) to complete the form.
4. 2026 Customs Checklist Strict Enforcement
Border authorities are strictly enforcing biosecurity and prohibited item laws.
- Alcohol & Tobacco: Limit remains at **2 litres** of alcohol and **100 cigarettes**.
- Currency: Cash exceeding **$5,000 USD** or total instruments exceeding **$10,000 USD** must be declared.
- Satellite Phones: Devices like Thuraya or Iridium are strictly banned; carrying one will lead to immediate arrest.
- Pets: For the first time, pets are explicitly included in duty-free concessions, but still subject to quarantine.
© 2026 Global Visa Guide | Information Verified via Indian High Commission Wellington & Ministry of Finance India.