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If you are planning a trip to Aotearoa (New Zealand) for holiday, study, work or to see family, there’s an important money change to know about. From 1 January 2026, the service charges you pay at some Visa Application Centres (VACs) will increase. That means the total cost to get a New Zealand Visa could be higher for people in certain countries, including India. This article explains what is changing, why it matters, how it affects your budget, and clear steps you can take — such as how to Submit NZeTA Online — so nothing surprises you.

What exactly is changing?

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that, from 1 January 2026, the VAC service fee charged by some third-party centres that handle your documents, collect biometrics and support local applicants will rise. This fee is collected by the VAC operator (for example, VFS Global in some countries) and is separate from the official New Zealand Visa application fee paid to INZ itself. In short: the government visa charge stays the same, but the extra service fee you pay to submit through a VAC will go up in certain locations.

Who is affected?

The rise applies only in listed countries and territories where VACs operate. India is on the list, along with about 25 other countries. If you live in one of these places and must use a VAC to hand in papers or give biometrics, your out-of-pocket cost for a New Zealand Visa application will be higher after the new fees start. If you are in a country not on the list, this change will not affect you. For the exact list, check the INZ announcement or local VAC websites. 

How the costs add up — two parts to budget for

When you apply, think of the total price as two separate things:

1. The official visa application fee you pay to Immigration New Zealand — this is the price for the visa itself (the New Zealand Visa charge). That fee is not being changed by this VAC update.
   
2. The VAC service fee you pay to the centre that helps with your paperwork, biometrics and document handling. This is the fee that will increase from January 2026 in the affected countries.
   

So even if the official New Zealand Visa fee stays the same, the total you pay when you leave the VAC office or complete your booking will be higher because of the added or increased VAC service charge.

How much more will it cost?

INZ has said the increase is necessary because of rising operating costs and inflation, but the exact extra amount varies by country and by VAC operator. That means applicants in India and other listed countries should expect a noticeable rise. To know the precise number for your city, check the VAC website you will use (for example, the VFS Global India site) before you book or pay.

What about the NZeTA and its fees?

If you are from a visa-waiver country, you still need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travel. The NZeTA has its own fees: it costs NZD $17 if you apply through the official app and NZD $23 if you apply via the website. These charges are separate from VAC service fees and separate from the New Zealand Visa application fee. If you want to save a little, use the app and Submit NZeTA Online through the official mobile app. Also watch for the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) that can apply in some cases. 

Simple steps to avoid surprises (a friendly checklist)

1. Check official sources first. Look at the INZ news page and your local VAC website to confirm whether the new VAC fee applies to you and how much it is.
   
2. If you can, apply before 1 Jan 2026. If your travel plans allow, submitting earlier will lock in the current VAC fee and save you money. But don’t rush so much that you submit incorrect documents.
   
3. Use the NZeTA app for small savings. When relevant, Submit NZeTA Online using the official app to pay the lower NZeTA fee (see NZeTA Visa Fees inside the app).
   
4. Prepare documents carefully. Avoid re-submissions — each time you re-submit through a VAC you may need to pay the service fee again.
   
5. Budget both fees. When planning costs, list the official New Zealand Visa fee, the VAC service fee, and any NZeTA Visa Fees or levies you must pay.
   

How to Submit NZeTA Online — quick how-to

Download the official NZeTA app on iOS or Android. Fill in your details exactly as on your passport, upload any photos or documents requested, answer health and character questions honestly, and pay the NZeTA Visa Fees inside the app. You can apply for up to 10 people at once in the app. Allow up to 72 hours for processing, though many applicants get approval faster. NZeTA+1

Common questions, in plain words

• Will the official visa price change? 
• No — INZ says the VAC service fee is changing, not the official visa charge.
  
• Does this affect all countries? 
• No — only the VAC locations listed by INZ. Check the list for your country.
  
• Should I hurry? 
• If you can apply before 1 January 2026 and avoid mistakes, that could save money. But don’t rush to the point of making errors.
  

Final thoughts — what to remember

The key thing is simple: the New Zealand Visa application charge you pay to the government is not the part going up — it’s the VAC service fee in certain countries. If you live in one of the affected places, your total cost to get a New Zealand Visa will rise from 1 January 2026 because of higher VAC fees. Plan for both the government fee and VAC charges, use the NZeTA app when possible to save a little on NZeTA Visa Fees, and check official INZ and your VAC website before you pay. Staying informed and prepared will help you avoid surprises and keep your trip planning calm and clear.