Visa & Health Requirements for Indians Living in NZ Traveling Back Home
Are you an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder living in New Zealand and planning a trip back to India in 2025? Here's everything you need to know about visa, vaccination, and travel health requirements.
Do You Need a Visa to Travel to India?
If you're still holding an Indian passport while residing in New Zealand, you're free to travel back to India without needing any visa. However, if you've become a New Zealand citizen, you’ll need either: - An OCI card (Overseas Citizen of India), or - A valid Indian Tourist, Entry, or Business Visa. Note: Always check the latest Indian embassy updates before booking your flight, as rules can change.
OCI Card Holders: Key Guidelines
OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders can enter and stay in India without a visa. In 2025, the following are essential to keep in mind: - Your OCI card must be linked to your current passport. - If your passport has changed, update your OCI record online. - Carry both your OCI card and foreign passport during travel. Bonus Tip: Always take photocopies of both documents and store them separately in case of loss.
Regular Visa Options for Non-OCI Travelers
Don’t have an OCI card? No worries. As an NZ passport holder, you can apply for: - Tourist Visa: Best for leisure visits. - Entry Visa: For individuals of Indian origin visiting family. - e-Visa: Quick online visa for short-term travel. In 2025, the e-Visa process takes about 3–5 working days and can be completed at: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
COVID-19 & Health Entry Requirements (2025)
As of 2025, most COVID-era restrictions have been lifted. However, India still recommends basic precautions: - Be fully vaccinated with WHO-approved vaccines. - Carry a digital or printed vaccination certificate. - Masks are optional but recommended in crowded areas and airports. - No RT-PCR test is required unless traveling from a high-risk zone.
Recommended Vaccinations Before Traveling to India
Apart from COVID-19 vaccination, here are important immunizations advised before your India trip: - Hepatitis A and B - Typhoid - Tetanus and Diphtheria - MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - Japanese Encephalitis (for rural or extended stays)
Travel Insurance & Health Tips
Before you fly, secure travel insurance that covers both: - Medical emergencies - Flight cancellations or baggage loss Also pack: - Prescription medications with doctor’s notes - Motion sickness or anti-diarrheal tablets - Insect repellent - Digital thermometer Emergency numbers in India: - Ambulance: 102 - Police: 100 - All-in-one emergency: 112
Final Checklist Before You Fly
Here’s a quick pre-departure checklist: - Indian Passport or OCI Card and Foreign Passport - Flight Tickets (Printed or Digital) - Vaccination Certificate - Travel Insurance Policy - Copies of Visa or OCI and Passport (Print and Digital) - Health Kit and Medicines - International Travel Card or Foreign Exchange