If you have a stopover in New Zealand, you will need a transit visa, unless you are from a visa waiver or transit visa waiver country.
Transit in New Zealand is only possible at Auckland International Airport and for less than 24 hours. You will not be allowed to leave the airport and must stay within the transit zone.
Quick summary:
- Who requires it: All nationalities unless exempt
- Duration of stay: 24 hours
- Visa fee: 180 NZD
- Processing time: 80% of applications are processed within 2 weeks
- Ports of entry: Only Auckland Airport (cannot leave the transit area)
Check out the New Zealand Visa Guide for general information about tourist visas, requirements, eligibility, and entry procedures at the border.
Table of Contents
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Understanding New Zealand Transit Visa
Transit visa validity
The transit visa is valid for the period or until the date specified in it.
Duration of stay
You can transit for up to 24 hours. You are not allowed to leave the transit area.
Allowed entries
The transit visa is issued for a specific trip and expires right after.
Allowed ports
You can only transit at Auckland International Airport. No other New Zealand airports have transit facilities, so if you have a connecting flight there, you need a visa that allows you to enter New Zealand.
When to apply
There is no specific time limit on when to apply for a transit visa. Most applications are processed in 2 weeks, and some applications can take longer than that. So it’s safe to apply at least one month before your travel. To summarize:
- Earliest: When you have concrete plans to transit through New Zealand
- Latest: 1 month before traveling
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Transit Visa Requirements
Who requires a transit visa?
If you wish to transit in New Zealand without leaving the airport, you must apply for and obtain a transit visa unless you:
- Hold a valid New Zealand visitor visa
- Hold an Australian passport
- Are from a visa waiver country AND hold an New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
- Are from a transit visa waiver country AND hold a transit NZeTA
- Are an Australian permanent resident with a valid visa that allows you to return to Australia AND hold a transit NZeTA
- Are transiting in New Zealand on your way to Australia AND hold a valid Australian visa AND a transit NZeTA
- Are transiting through New Zealand after coming from Australia AND hold a transit NZeTA
| Visa Waiver Countries | Transit Visa Waiver Countries |
|---|---|
|
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Documents required
The following documents are required for New Zealand transit visa application:
- A duly completed Transit Visa Application Form (INZ 1019)
- Your passport (at least 3 months validity past the date of departure from New Zealand)
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Travel tickets to a country that you have the right to enter
- a confirmed travel itinerary including arrival and departure times from New Zealand
- Your written statement of the purpose of the journey to the country of destination
- Any other information or evidence you think will support your application
Photo requirements
The photos must meet the following requirements.
- Must have been taken within the last six months
- Must be 4.5cm x 3.5cm in size
You must write your full name on the back of each of the photos and bring it with you to the visa application center.
Visa fee
The New Zealand Transit Visa fee is 180 NZD.
You will also have to pay a Visa Application Center service fee which depends by region but is between 30 and 85 NZD.
You may also have to pay a courier fee which varies drastically depending on location.
Processing time
New Zealand Immigration reports that 80% of transit visa applications are processed in 2 weeks.
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Transit Visa Application Process
How to apply for a transit visa?
Unlike NZeTA or Visitor Visa, applications for New Zealand transit visa are not online.
You should apply at the appropriate Visa Application Centre (VAC) responsible for the geographical area where you currently reside.
Check which VAC is responsible for your country by filling in your details on the Transit Visa details page.
After that, prepare all documents and send them together with all applicable fees. In some locations, you may be able to apply in person and pay cash, in others you can use a courier and pay by credit card or bank transfer.
How to track visa status
You can track your Transit Visa status online at VFS Global by using your Reference Number and Surname.
How to download approved transit visa?
You will receive a letter of approval via email. The Transit Visa is electronically attached to your passport and there will be no physical label in your passport.
How to contact customer service?
For specific questions about your Transit Visa, it is best to contact the nearest Visa Application Center.
For general queries, check if you have exhausted all the help that is available online on the New Zealand Immigration website.
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Transit Procedure at the Airport
The New Zealand transit visa does NOT allow you to enter New Zealand. You must stay within the transit area of Auckland Airport.
After landing, go to the “International Transfer Area”. Once there, follow the instructions of airport staff and immigration agents to complete the security screening.
Once the formalities are over, you will be free to roam around the transit area with the shops and restaurants.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Auckland need transit visa?
Auckland Airport is the only one in New Zealand that allows transiting passengers. If you aren’t visa-exempt or transit visa-exempt, you will need a transit visa.
However, a transit visa does not allow you to enter New Zealand, so visiting the city of Auckland is not possible.
How long can you stay in New Zealand on a transit visa?
You can stay up to 24 hours within the international transit zone of Auckland Airport.
Can I leave Auckland Airport while in transit?
No, you may not leave the International Transit Area.
