Blog

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand in 2026, there is one extra cost to watch: the Visa Centre Fee. This short article explains what changed, why the Visa Centre Fee matters to travellers, and how you can prepare so the Visa Centre Fee does not harm your travel budget. I will also show simple steps to Submit NZeTA Online and to check your NZeTA Visa Status so your trip goes smoothly.

What changed?

From 1 January 2026, some Visa Application Centres (VACs) will raise their service charges. These extra charges are usually called the Visa Centre Fee. Immigration New Zealand made an official announcement about this change and said the rise is needed because VAC operators face higher costs overseas. 

Who is affected?

The increase applies in selected countries, including India and several others, so many travellers will see a higher Visa Centre Fee when they lodge papers with a VAC. People who use in-person VAC services or third-party agents may pay a larger Visa Centre Fee than before. This will affect tourists, students, workers, and family visitors who rely on local VAC services. 

How big is the extra cost?

The exact amount depends on the VAC and the country. Some VACs set a higher Visa Centre Fee to cover appointment booking, document scanning, and Courier services. The official visa charge from Immigration New Zealand did not change — this is a local service charge set by VAC operators, so always check the VAC website for the correct Visa Centre Fee before you pay. 

NZeTA, IVL and other fees — how they fit together

Many visitors need an NZeTA. When you Submit NZeTA Online using the official form or the app, you pay the NZeTA fee and, in most cases, the International Visitor Levy (IVL). The IVL is NZD $100 and is separate from the Visa Centre Fee. In simple terms: the NZeTA or visa application fee and the IVL are official New Zealand charges, while the Visa Centre Fee is a local service charge from the VAC. 

How to Submit NZeTA Online and track NZeTA Visa Status

1. Download the official NZeTA app or open the official website. The app often costs less to use and can be faster for groups.
   
2. Fill in your personal details carefully. Small mistakes can cause delays.
   
3. Pay the NZeTA fee and IVL in the same step.
   
4. After you apply, keep the reference number and check your NZeTA Visa Status using the official check page. If officials need more documents, they will contact you. Checking your NZeTA Visa Status often helps avoid extra trips to the VAC and extra charges.
   

Processing can take up to three days for normal cases, but sometimes more if immigration needs extra checks. Knowing this timeline helps you plan and avoids last-minute rush fees or paying for premium VAC services.

Simple steps to avoid surprises

• Check official sources and the VAC site first. Look for the exact Visa Centre Fee shown on the local VAC page in your country. Immigration New Zealand and VAC pages give the most accurate numbers.
  
• Use the app when you can. It may be cheaper to Submit NZeTA Online with the app and can save time.
  
• Avoid unnecessary add-ons at the VAC. Services like express courier or premium handling add to the local fee — buy only what you really need.
  
• Plan a small money buffer. Add a little extra cash to your trip plan for the local service charge and small unexpected costs.
  

Real-life budget example (simple)

Imagine you are a student applying from India. You pay the NZeTA or visa fee, the IVL, and then the local Visa Centre Fee for document drop-off. If you choose extra VAC services, that local charge grows. A small buffer — for example, $20–$50 extra depending on the country — can keep you safe from surprises. For backpackers or students, even a small local fee matters, so planning helps.

Why did this happen?

Immigration New Zealand explained that the VAC service fee rise is needed to meet higher operational costs overseas. The government kept official visa fees the same, but VAC operators increased the local service charge so they can continue to offer appointments and document services reliably. The change is about covering real costs in the places where VACs operate. 

Frequently asked quick answers

• Do you pay the local fee and NZeTA fee together?
  No. The NZeTA and IVL are paid to Immigration New Zealand when you apply online. The local VAC fee is paid to the VAC or when you use VAC services.
  
• Can I avoid the local fee?
  If you can apply fully online and do not need VAC services, you may avoid extra local charges. But many people still need VAC help for document collection.
  
• How do I check the status of my NZeTA?
  Use the official check page and your reference number to view your NZeTA Visa Status.
  

Final tips — clear and calm

• Always check the VAC website for the exact local service charge before you book.
• If possible, Submit NZeTA Online with the app to save time and money.
• Check your NZeTA Visa Status often to avoid extra trips and extra costs.