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New Zealand Set to Raise Visa Service Fees in 26 Countries Starting January 2026

December 18, 2025 4:41 am

New Zealand Set to Raise Visa Service Fees in 26 Countries Starting January 2026

As the travel landscape evolves, New Zealand is poised to increase its visa application service fees, effective January 2026. This modification will impact applicants in various nations, including India, Australia, the UK, and the US. Prospective travellers should take note of this change before submitting their visa applications.

Overview of the Fee Increase

Starting January 1, 2026, New Zealand’s Visa Application Centres (VACs) will implement an increase in service fees across multiple countries. According to Immigration New Zealand, this adjustment arises from escalating operational costs and inflation.

Key Points about the Fee Change

Applicable Fees: The service fee increase only affects VAC services. It does not alter the primary visa application fee submitted to Immigration New Zealand. The service fee covers document handling and basic support provided at centres such as VFS Global.
Importance of Updated Fees: Authorities emphasize that this fee adjustment is essential for maintaining smooth operations following recent system upgrades.

Countries Affected by the Fee Increase

These fee changes will extend to 26 countries. Here are some notable examples:

Australia
Bangladesh
Fiji
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Iran
Japan
Nepal and Bhutan
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Samoa
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Africa
South Korea
Sri Lanka
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Vanuatu
Vietnam

Specific Fee Changes

Applicants from the following countries will see new service fees as of January 1, 2026:

Country	Current VAC Service Fee	Updated VAC Service Fee	Change
India	INR 1,250	INR 1,400	+INR 150
Bangladesh	BDT 1,600	BDT 1,850	+BDT 250
Nepal & Bhutan	NPR 1,600	NPR 1,800	+NPR 200
Sri Lanka	LKR 5,000	LKR 5,800	+LKR 800
United Kingdom	GBP 19	GBP 22	+GBP 3
United States	USD 25	USD 28	+USD 3

Important Considerations for Applicants

As applicants prepare to submit their visa requests, they must:

Review Updated Service Fees: Always verify the latest VAC service fees before proceeding with your application.
Consult Official Websites: Use the official Immigration New Zealand or VFS Global sites to find the most accurate information.
Anticipate Technical Issues: Be aware that recent technical upgrades may temporarily hinder access to certain online documents.

Conclusion

With these fee increases set to take effect on January 1, 2026, proactive planning is crucial for all visa applicants. Double-checking official updates can help ensure a smooth application process. By staying informed and organized, travellers can avoid surprises and keep their plans on track.