New Zealand Transit Visa

Updated on Sep 13, 2024 | New Zealand eTA

If travelers are visiting some country and have to transit through New Zealand, they can easily opt for the transit NZeTA instead of a visa. This scheme is applicable for citizens of transit waiver countries only.To enjoy a smooth and hassle-free transit through the nation, travelers from eligible countries should apply for the NZeTA.

What is the work of NZeTA for Transit through New Zealand?

Travelers belonging to transit visa-waiver countries can apply for the NZeTA which is easy and convenient, instead of the visa. This implies that travelers from transit-waiver countries, transiting through any of the authorized New Zealand international airports should obtain the NZeTA.

In order to obtain the NZeTa, tourists will have to fill the NZeTA form online and select the transit option without having to visit the embassy. The government wants the travelers from transit-visa-waiver countries to apply for the NZeTA, rather than opting for the traditional ways of visa application. In case you are arriving by cruise ship, you should check the NZeTA rules set for passengers arriving by Cruise Ship to New Zealand.

Who has to opt for the transit NZeTA?

Travelers transiting (stopover or layover) through New Zealand should prevail the transit NZeTA. But this facility is available to travelers from certain transit visa-waiver countries and transiting is allowed through some of the immigration authorized New Zealand international airports.

Applying for a transit NZeTA

To fill the NZeTA form is easy and will take only 15-20 minutes to fill the form, if you have gathered all the documents in advance. After the form has been filled, review it and pay the transit NZeTA fees. Throughout the process you don't have to visit the embassy office for visa stamps on your passport. If you have to transit through New Zealand and you belong to a transit-waiver nation, then you need to apply for the NZeTA in advance.

Benefits of the transit NZeTA

With the transit NZeTA, it offers a smooth and convenient transit through the immigration authorized New Zealand international airports. It simplifies the transiting process both for the travelers and the immigration transiting officials in the airport, hence saving time and effort, unlike the traditional visa.

Preferred eligibility criterions for the Transit NZeTA

Travelers who are from one of the transit visa-waiver countries, are qualified to apply for the Transit NZeTA. This travel authority offers travelers to easily transit through the airport without having to worry about applying for the traditional visa. Those who are confused and want to know in detail about the specific necessities can visit the immigration website of New Zealand or consult with the immigration officials to New Zealand.

What are the Eligibility Criterions for Non-Transit NZeTA Passengers?

If the traveler is transiting (stopover or layover) through Auckland International Airport, then they are permitted to opt for the transit NZeTA. And travelers can opt for this authority only if they belong to any of the transit visa-waiver countries.

In case, the traveler does not belong to a transit visa-waiver country for NZeTA, then he should obtain the transit visa (which will allow you to transit through the country).

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Auckland is a location with so much to offer that twenty-four hours would not do justice to this place. But the idea behind spending a day in the city and its neighbouring ideas is not rigid. There is something for everyone here, for nature lovers, surfers, shopaholics, adventure seekers, and mountaineers. You name the activity and Auckland can certainly give you the best.

Transit NZeTA for Passengers transiting through New Zealand: What are the Eligible Countries and what are its Exit Restrictions?

If you are planning to transit through one of the immigration authorized airports in New Zealand, and you belong to a transit visa-waiver nation, then you are permitted to opt for the NZeTA.

Travelers with transit NZeTA are restricted to exit from the airport and they are permitted to move around in the transit area only.

Those travelers who have a long-haul at the New Zealand airport and are thinking to exit from the airport and visit the important sightseeing places in New Zealand should opt for the Tourism NZeTA (applicable for travelers from NZeTA visa-waiver countries) or New Zealand Tourist Visa for travelers belonging to visa-required countries.

Eligible countries for a Transit NZeTA

New Zealand permits some of the countries to experience hassle-free transit through the country. Here is the list of the transit visa-waiver countries wherein passengers can have a convenient transit process in the New Zealand International Airport. So, travelers belonging from any of the above mentioned transit visa-waiver countries are granted to apply for the NZeTA.

Restrictions on Exiting the Airport

Those who have the transit NZeTA, they cannot exit from the airport. Such passengers are only permitted to move around the transit area; invasion of other areas of the airport is strictly restricted. In case you have a long haul at the airport and you are wishing to exit from the airport to visit some of the popular sightseeing places in New Zealand, then you have to opt for the tourism NZeTA (only if you are from NZeTA visa-waiver countries) or opt New Zealand Tourist Visa, if you belong to visa-required countries.

Who can Apply for the Tourism NZeTA or New Zealand Tourist Visa? What is its use?

The Tourism NZeTA can be applied by travelers who belong to visa-waiver nations, the process is completely online without the need to visit the embassy office for visa-stamps on the passport.

This tourism NZeTA, can be used by travelers for tourism purposes like exploring the sightseeing places of the nation, indulging in adventurous activities or visiting friends and family members. Those travelers who are not from NZeTA visa-waiver nation should apply for the New Zealand Tourist Visa through the regular visa-requirement process.

Are you transiting through New Zealand? Want to obtain the New Zealand Transit NZeTA, what are its Requirements and Application Process?

Those travelers who belong to the transit-visa-waiver countries should apply for the NZeTA, which is a simple process. Before you fill the application, here are some of the eligibility-criterions that you must fulfill:

  • Valid passport from transit visa-waiver country: Do cross-check if your passport is privileged to apply for the transit NZeTA, as only some countries are offered this opportunity.
  • Valid email address, which will be used to mail the transit NZeTA and other transit NZeTA related updates.
  • Have valid payment sources like debit/credit card to make the transit NZeTA application fee payment.

The transit NZeTA application process is quite easy and has been made convenient. The transit NZeTA form is user-friendly, and the applicant should simply follow the instructions. There are certain rules and regulations to fill and submit the form which are mentioned in the designated NZeTA application portal.

Want to obtain the Transit NZeTA for New Zealand? Why not check the Step-by-Step Transit NZeTA Application Guide

To apply for the Transit NZeTA for transiting through New Zealand involves a few steps that you need to follow. Here's a stepwise guide in brief to fill the application:

  1. Visit the reference site for the Transit NZeTA application - Once you visit the link, click on the transit NZeTA option and start filling the form.
  2. Provide personal and passport details - Before applying for the transit NZeTA, gather personal details like full name, nationality, gender, date of birth, passport details, passport number, passport issuing country, expiry date, etc. Also, provide the date of departure and return date.
  3. Provide Health and character information - The applicant must have good health and provide information in case he has committed any crime in the past.
  4. Review the details filled - The applicant should check if he has filled all the details correctly or not. Careful reviewing of information is important to avoid any rejection.
  5. Submit the transit NZeTA form and pay the fees - Once you have completed the details, and you will be taken to the payment page, pay the transit NZeTA fees.
  6. Wait for the transit NZeTA approval - After verification if the application is accepted, get the approved transit NZeTA through mail. You have to download the approved NZeTA, keep a soft copy and hard copy to carry with you. This you will have to present at the transit gate in Auckland International Airport.

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Those travelers who have intentions to visit New Zealand for short stays like for vacations, and business activities, then they should opt for the NZeTA which are permitted to be applied by citizens belonging to visa-waiver nations. For quick entry into the nation, travelers from designated countries Apply for the NZeTA with the New Zealand Visa Application Process Online.

What are the Transit Limitations and Airport Restrictions?

With the transit NZeTA there are some limitations set in the Auckland International Airport, you are allowed to move around the transit area only. Those travelers wishing to exit the Auckland airport, they have to opt for the Tourism NZeTA.

What are the Transit NZeTA Restrictions at Other Airports?

Travelers with transit NZeTA should know that you are not allowed to transit through other international airports in New Zealand like Wellington International Airport and Christchurch International Airport. If you are planning to transit through these airports you will have to apply for other visas and extra documentation.

Passengers need to apply for a Transit Visa, if they do not meet the criterias set by the Transit NZeTA. As some countries do not come under the transit visa-waiver scheme set by the immigration department of New Zealand, they have to opt for the Transit NZeTA.

Need to provide supporting documents

In a transit visa application you will have to provide additional documents like your travel plans, return tickets and valid passport.

You will have to apply in advance

Travelers who have to transit through New Zealand airport have to apply for the Transit Visa in advance. In this way you will have enough time to avoid any unwanted delays and change in your travel plans.

Travelers who want to exit the airport and engage in sightseeing

Travelers who do not belong to Tourist NZeTA visa-waiver countries, and wish to leave the airport and explore the fascinating sightseeing places of New Zealand, then they should apply for the Transit Visa. This Transit Visa allows travelers to exit and explore the places in New Zealand for certain time periods like for the day.


Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your New Zealand eTA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). European Union citizens, US citizens, UK citizens, Canadian citizens and Japanese citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA.