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4 ways to enter

New Zealand visas

New Zealand transit visa

You can transit only at Auckland Airport. You must stay in the transit area and leave within 24 hours.

Ways to get a New Zealand transit visa

  1. Transit Visa

    Other permit

    Passengers passing through New Zealand between two countries who do not qualify for a transit visa waiver need this visa.

    Stay
    Up to 24 hours in Auckland Airport's transit area.
    Fee
    Exempt from the NZ$100 visitor levy when arriving at and leaving from Auckland International Airport.
    1. Apply for a Transit Visa before travelling.
    2. Obtain the visa before proceeding to New Zealand.

  2. Transit waiver for listed passport holders

    Transit without a visa

    Citizens of the listed countries and territories qualify if they hold a transit NZeTA (an online travel permit).

    Stay
    Up to 24 hours in Auckland Airport's transit area.
    Valid for
    NZeTA: 2 years.
    Fee
    Exempt from the NZ$100 visitor levy for this airport transit.
    1. Request a transit NZeTA before travelling.
    2. Transit through Auckland Airport without leaving the transit area.

  3. Transit waiver for travel to or from Australia

    Transit without a visa

    Travellers coming from Australia qualify with a transit NZeTA. Travellers whose next or final destination is Australia also need a current Australian entry visa.

    Stay
    Up to 24 hours in Auckland Airport's transit area.
    Valid for
    NZeTA: 2 years.
    Fee
    Exempt from the NZ$100 visitor levy for this airport transit.
    1. Hold a current Australian entry visa if travelling to Australia under this waiver.
    2. Request a transit NZeTA before travelling.

  4. Transit waiver for other eligible travellers

    Transit without a visa

    New Zealand citizens, residence visa holders, temporary visa holders with suitable travel conditions, visitor visa waiver travellers and people covered by a special transit direction can qualify.

    Stay
    Up to 24 hours in Auckland Airport's transit area.
    Fee
    Exempt from the NZ$100 visitor levy for this airport transit.

Who needs it

Transit passengers must get a Transit Visa before travelling unless they qualify for a transit visa waiver.

Who doesn't

Waivers cover eligible visa holders, visa waiver travellers, certain travellers going to or from Australia, listed passport holders and people covered by a special direction.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
If you leave Auckland Airport's transit area, use another airport, or stay longer than 24 hours, you need visitor entry permission. Get a Visitor Visa if you do not qualify for a visitor visa waiver.
Longest transit
24 hours
Transit without a visa
Stay in Auckland Airport's transit area for no more than 24 hours. Meet a transit waiver condition and hold a transit or traveller NZeTA where required, unless exempt.

How to apply

  1. Get a Transit Visa before travelling if you do not qualify for a waiver.
  2. If using a waiver, obtain the required transit or traveller NZeTA before travelling, unless exempt.

What to bring

  • An acceptable passport or travel document
  • A Transit Visa, or the documents needed for a transit waiver
  • A transit or traveller NZeTA where required

Good to know

  • Transit facilities are available only at Auckland Airport.
  • Remain in the transit area throughout your stop.
  • Leave within 24 hours.
  • A transit waiver does not allow you to leave the airport's transit area.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for New Zealand?

Transit passengers must get a Transit Visa before travelling unless they qualify for a transit visa waiver. Waivers cover eligible visa holders, visa waiver travellers, certain travellers going to or from Australia, listed passport holders and people covered by a special direction.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for New Zealand?

There are 4 options: Transit Visa (a special permit); Transit waiver for listed passport holders (transit without a visa); Transit waiver for travel to or from Australia (transit without a visa); Transit waiver for other eligible travellers (transit without a visa).

How long can I stay on a New Zealand transit visa?

No more than 24 hours in Auckland Airport's transit area.

How much does a New Zealand transit visa cost?

Transit passengers arriving at and leaving from Auckland International Airport are exempt from the NZ$100 visitor levy.

What documents do I need for a New Zealand transit visa?

An acceptable passport or travel document; A Transit Visa, or the documents needed for a transit waiver; A transit or traveller NZeTA where required.

How do I apply for a New Zealand transit visa?

1. 1. Get a Transit Visa before travelling if you do not qualify for a waiver. 2. 2. If using a waiver, obtain the required transit or traveller NZeTA before travelling, unless exempt.

How long can I stay in transit in New Zealand?

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. Stay in Auckland Airport's transit area for no more than 24 hours. Meet a transit waiver condition and hold a transit or traveller NZeTA where required, unless exempt.

Can I stay inside the airport in New Zealand without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: If you leave Auckland Airport's transit area, use another airport, or stay longer than 24 hours, you need visitor entry permission. Get a Visitor Visa if you do not qualify for a visitor visa waiver.

What rules do I have to follow on a New Zealand transit visa?

Transit facilities are available only at Auckland Airport. Remain in the transit area throughout your stop. Leave within 24 hours.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for New Zealand?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the New Zealand visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

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