Transit Visa

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa name	Transit Visa
Purpose	Transit through Auckland Airport
Stay	Up to 24 hours
Cost	From NZD $235
Processing	80% within 4 days
Eligibility timing	Before travelling to New Zealand
Work rights	Not stated in the source
Study	Not stated in the source
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Travel facility	Auckland transit area only
Citizenship	Not stated in the source
Family sponsorship	Partner and dependent children included
Visa record	eVisa
Airport restriction	Auckland International Airport only
Entry to New Zealand	Not permitted

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Purpose

The Transit Visa allows you to pass through Auckland International Airport on the way to another country. You must remain in the airport transit area at all times.

You cannot use this visa to visit New Zealand or transit through another New Zealand airport.

Eligibility

You must:

• Be passing through Auckland International Airport to another country.
• Intend to remain in the transit area for no more than 24 hours.
• Be of good character.
• Genuinely intend to travel only as a transit passenger.
• Have onward travel tickets to a country you have the right to enter.
• Provide an itinerary confirming New Zealand arrival and departure times.
• Provide a statement explaining why you are travelling to your destination country.

You generally need a Transit Visa if you are not exempt and:

• Are not a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
• Do not hold a valid New Zealand visa.
• Are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Are not travelling on an eligible visa-waiver or transit visa-waiver passport.
• Are not travelling to or from Australia.

NZeTA Alternatives

You may apply for an NZeTA instead of a Transit Visa if you:

• Hold a passport from a visa waiver or transit visa waiver country.
• Are transiting to or from Australia.
• Meet good character requirements.

If travelling to Australia, you must also hold a valid Australian visa.

Chinese passport holders can transit through Auckland International Airport on an NZeTA instead of a Transit Visa.

Stay and Conditions

You can remain in transit for up to 24 hours.

You must:

• Stay in Auckland International Airport's transit area.
• Remain there for the entire transit period.
• Leave New Zealand on your onward flight.
• Hold travel tickets for your onward journey.

You cannot:

• Leave the transit area.
• Collect bags in the normal arrivals area.
• Stay at a hotel.
• Apply for entry permission or another visa while in transit.
• Spend more than 24 hours in transit.
• Transit through another New Zealand airport using this visa.

There is no accommodation in the transit area. If you need accommodation or want to enter New Zealand, obtain an appropriate entry visa before travelling.

Family Provisions

You may include:

• Your partner.
• Dependent children aged 19 or younger.

Each included family member must:

• Meet Transit Visa requirements.
• Provide identity evidence.
• Be of good character.
• Intend only to transit.
• Hold tickets to leave New Zealand.

Required Documents

Provide:

• A passport or certificate of identity copy.
• One acceptable photo for online applications.
• Two acceptable photos for paper applications.
• Flight details for transit through New Zealand.
• A full travel itinerary.
• Travel tickets out of New Zealand.
• A travel-purpose statement for paper applications.
• Relationship and identity evidence for included family members.

Your passport or certificate of identity must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure from New Zealand.

For online applications, upload a high-quality scan of the passport or certificate details page.

Documents not in English should also have English translations available.

How to Apply

Apply online

1. Check whether you need a Transit Visa or NZeTA.
2. Gather identity, itinerary and onward-travel evidence.
3. Create or log into an online account.
4. Complete the application and upload documents.
5. Pay applicable fees.
6. Check your account for updates and the decision.

If approved, your eVisa will be available in your online account.

Apply on paper

1. Check whether you need a Transit Visa.
2. Gather required documents.
3. Complete the Transit Visa Application (INZ 1019).
4. Attach supporting documents.
5. Submit the application and pay applicable fees.

If approved, Immigration New Zealand will issue an eVisa and email a copy.

Arrival Obligations

On arrival, have travel tickets showing onward transit to a country you can enter. You may also be asked for your travel itinerary.

Ask your airline to transfer checked baggage to your connecting flight. If this is not possible, go to the International Transit Desk on arrival.

Transit passengers do not need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration.

Important Warnings

• Incorrect identity details may delay, affect or result in refusal of your application or entry.
• If you cannot transit New Zealand or enter your destination country, you may be refused boarding.
• A transit period exceeding 24 hours may result in travel restrictions or refusal of entry permission.
• You must obtain an appropriate visa before travel if you need to stay longer or enter New Zealand.