Beginning in January 2026, New Zealand will raise visa service fees in 26 countries.
Starting in January 2026, New Zealand will increase service fees at Visa Application Centers in order to offset growing expenses. Applicants from numerous nations, including the US, UK, Australia, and India, are impacted by the change. Before submitting their applications, travelers are urged to review the amended charge.
Here are some things to consider if you intend to apply for a New Zealand visa. New Zealand will raise the service fees that Visa Application Centers in a number of nations charge starting on January 1, 2026. According to Immigration New Zealand, inflation and increased running expenses are to blame for the increase.
Only VAC services are subject to the fee.
It's crucial to realize that this modification solely affects the service charge at VACs. The primary visa application fee you pay to Immigration New Zealand remains unchanged. At facilities like VFS Global, the service price only pays for document processing and basic assistance.
Travelers Are Advised to Verify Current Fees
The charge modification, according to the authorities, is necessary to maintain services following recent system upgrades.
Before applying for a visa, applicants are recommended to review the most recent service fee. The VAC website for their nation or the official website of Immigration New Zealand are the simplest ways to accomplish this.
New Zealand Visa Update Fees
New Zealand Visa Application Centers (VACs) will increase its service prices in 26 countries, including India, starting on January 1, 2026. The rise is anticipated to reflect growing operational costs, even though specific rates differ by region.
Before applying, travelers are advised to verify the most recent charge on the official websites of Immigration New Zealand or VFS Global.
Country Current VAC Service Fee Updated VAC Service Fee (effective January 1, 2026) Modification Indian 1,250 + INR 1,400 + INR 150
Bangladesh BDT 1,600 + BDT 1,850 + BDT 250
Bhutan and Nepal NPR 1,600 + NPR 1,800 + NPR 200 Sri Lanka United Arab Emirates LKR 5,000 LKR 5,800 + LKR 800United Kingdom: AED 120 + AED 135 + AED 15GBP 19 GBP 22 + GBP 3 USD 25 USD 28 + USD 3
Nations Where Service Fees Will Rise
Numerous locations throughout Asia, the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East will be subject to the updated price. Among the principal nations are:
Australia
Bangladesh
Fiji
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Iran
Japan
Bhutan and Nepal
Pakistan
New Guinea's Papua
Philippines
Samoa
Singapore
The Solomon Islands
The South African
The South Korean
Sri Lanka
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
The United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
The United States
Vanuatu
Vietnam
Technical Problems Are Also Reported
The immigration system in New Zealand was recently upgraded technologically. Some candidates might not be able to read specific letters or documents online as a result. The department expressed regret for the inconvenience and said they were working to find a solution.
Things Travelers Should Do
If you want to apply for a visa to New Zealand shortly, you should:
Before submitting an application, review the new VAC service cost.
For the most recent information, visit the official INZ or VFS Global websites.
Give yourself more time in case system upgrades cause any online problems.
Travelers should prevent surprises during the application process by making advance plans and double-checking official information, as the new costs will take effect on January 1, 2026.
You can prevent delays and maintain the progress of your application by staying informed through official sources.
