NZeTA Visa for Transit in New Zealand

The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) visa is a requirement for individuals passing through New Zealand as transit passengers. Before embarking on their journey to the country, they must apply for a transit visa for New Zealand. However, in certain instances, these travelers may not need a visa, but they should still possess a New Zealand eTA visa.

Two specific cases exempt travelers from needing a transit visa: when their destination is Australia or if they originate from a visa-waiver country. In both situations, a transit visa is not necessary. Additionally, if an individual hails from a visa waiver country, they are not required to have a visa either.

Who Must Have a New Zealand Visa?

One must apply for transit permission before traveling. Whether it is a visa or simply the New Zealand eTA, obtaining entry permission is necessary.

For individuals who fall into any of the following categories, only an NZeTA is required for transit:

• An Australian permanent resident.
• From a visa waiver country.

If a traveler is not in the visa-waiver program, a visa to New Zealand will be needed.

Who Must Apply for NZeTA?

If one plans to visit NZ as a tourist or if one plans to travel to any country by passing through Auckland International Airport, then they must apply for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

Additionally, if an individual:

• Have a passport from the list of transit visa waiver countries.
• Are a permanent Australian resident and have a resident visa that allows travel to Australia from any other country.
• Are a citizen of any country listed in visa waiver countries

Who Doesn’t Need NZeTA?

The following do not need an eTA:

• A New Zealand Citizen.
• Having a foreign passport that has a New Zealand citizen endorsement.
• An Australian citizen and traveling on an Australian passport.
• Holding a valid visa for New Zealand (including a Permanent Resident Visa).

Important Things To Do

• Pass through Auckland International Airport as a transit passenger.
• Stay in the transit area of the airport all the time.
• Have to include the traveler’s partner and dependent children aged 19 or less 19 in the visa application.

Important Things To Note

• Must hold NZeTA for transit if you are from a visa waiver country or an Australian resident.
• It can take very little time, but the time allowed for processing is up to 72 hours.
• NZD $35 is paid by a passenger as an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IvL) at the same time when they pay for NZeTA.
• On the free app, the New Zealand eTA request costs NZD $9.
• Online completion of NZeTA request costs NZD $12.
• Check the status of the New Zealand eTA once the NZeTA has been requested.

Importance of NZeTA

The NZeTA for transit is of great importance because, without it, one cannot travel to or from the Auckland International Airport. If an individual has a visa but lacks the NZeTA, they are unable to travel to any other country through New Zealand. An approved NZeTA is required for departure.

Transit Visa Waiver Countries

As transit passengers, citizens of some countries mentioned by New Zealand do not need to apply for NZ visas but must hold NZeTA before passing through New Zealand. 

Summarizing What It Means to Transit Through New Zealand

An international traveler who is on his/her way to another country and passes through New Zealand without any plans to stay in the country is considered a transit passenger. Foreign passengers can only transit through Auckland International Airport and have to remain in the dedicated transit area or on board their flight.

At present, they can spend less than 24 hours in the country without a visa for transit in New Zealand. Only citizens and permanent residents of New Zealand and citizens of Australia are not required to have a visa and NZeTA to transit through the country. Citizens of all other nations need either an NZeTA or a transit visa to pass through New Zealand. A foreign traveler from visa waiver countries or Australian permanent resident card holders can apply for a New Zealand eTA to transit through the country. 

All other foreign travelers have to get a transit visa for New Zealand. For this, they have to fill out an online application form, sign it and submit it along with all other supporting documents at the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate. Foreign nationals applying for a transit visa can include his/her partner and children under 19 years in their visa application. There is no need for separate visa applications. 

All transiting passengers should remain in the transit/ transfer area and will have to undergo security checks. They are encouraged to be aware of restricted objects, including items purchased duty-free from other airports that will be screened at Auckland Airport. After the checks, they can go to the departure area for their next flight. The airport offers 24/7 customer care services, and travelers can reach out to officers by dialing 0 or 98777 in case of emergencies or for other services. The airport also has free Wi-Fi hotspots and other facilities.