Transit in New Zealand: Visa required?
Before transiting through New Zealand, check whether an NZeTA is sufficient or if a transit visa is required depending on your nationality and itinerary.
NZeTA required, even for transit only.
Transit visa required before departure.
Many travelers stop over in New Zealand on their way to Australia, the Pacific Islands, or Asia. But depending on your nationality, you may need a transit visa or simply an NZeTA electronic authorization. This distinction is essential: without the right document, you may have your boarding rejected. This guide details the exemption requirements, the situations where a visa is required, and the online procedures to follow before your flight. Find out how to transit legally through Auckland or Christchurch without any delays.
New Zealand Transit Visa: At a Glance
- 🛂 Transit Visa or NZeTA? Depending on your nationality, a transit visa or NZeTA is required, even if you do not leave the airport.
- 🌍 Maximum transit time → Up to 24 hours in the international zone; beyond that, a standard visitor visa is required.
- ✈️ Major airport → Only Auckland Airport has an international transit zone that is open 24/7.
- 💻 100% online application → Transit Visa or NZeTA: both can be applied for online and are sent by email within 24 to 72 hours.
- ✅ Exempt countries → Some travelers can transit without a visa, provided they have a valid NZeTA.
Before boarding a connecting flight in New Zealand, it is essential to understand the transit rules in force. Most travelers do not realize that a simple stopover in Auckland or Christchurch may require official authorization such as the NZeTA or a transit visa.
This step is crucial to avoid being denied boarding or experiencing inconvenience at the airport.
Air transit refers to a short stopover at a New Zealand airport en route to another international destination.
During this period, the passenger:
This means that you do not officially enter New Zealand, even if you land in Auckland or Christchurch.
👉 However, New Zealand still requires certain electronic requirements for passengers in transit.
🕓 Permitted transit time: maximum 24 hours.
Beyond that, you will be considered a visitor and will need a visitor visa.
This is the most frequently asked question among travelers:
“Do I need to apply for a visa even if I don't leave the airport?”
The answer depends on your nationality and your itinerary.
✅ If your country is one of the Transit Visa Waiver Countries
You do not need to apply for a standard transit visa.
However, you must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before departure.
This authorization is required even if:
⚠️ If your country is not exempt
You must requiredly apply for a Transit Visa before traveling.
Without this document, you risk being denied boarding by the airline.
💡 Helpful tip: even for a simple transit, these rules are strictly enforced. It is recommended that you check the conditions directly on the official website.
Not all New Zealand airports offer an international transit area.
In practice, only two airports handle the majority of connecting flights:
🏙️ Auckland International Airport (AKL)
🏔️ Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
📍 Please note:
The maximum duration of a transit without entering the country is 24 hours between the arrival and departure of your connecting flight.
Beyond this processing time, you will no longer be considered a simple passenger in transit.
🧭 Two possible situations:
1️⃣ Transit without leaving the airport (less than 24 hours)
→ You remain in the international zone and do not officially enter New Zealand.
Depending on your nationality, you will need:
2️⃣ Extended stopover with exit from the airport or tourist stay
→ You can use your NZeTA as a genuine entry visa.
It provides authorization for:
💡 In summary:
| Situation | Required Authorization | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Transit without entry (less than 24 h) | NZeTA (visa-waiver countries) or Transit Visa | 24 h max |
| Transit with entry into the country | NZeTA (eligible countries) | Up to 90 days |
Before booking your flight, check which authorization applies to your situation. There are two types of authorization: the NZeTA, which is simpler and faster, and the Transit Visa, which is required for certain nationalities.
The Transit Visa (code VTT) is required for travelers:
The major nationalities concerned include:
📄 Application procedure:
🧾 Required documents:
The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is a required electronic authorization for citizens of visa-exempt countries who are transiting through New Zealand.
🔹 Advantages:
💰 Official fees:
📋 Major conditions:
🧭 How to apply for the NZeTA:
💡 Tip: The NZeTA remains electronically linked to your passport—no need to print a paper document.
Citizens of the following countries can transit without a visa, provided they have a valid NZeTA before departure:
(+ other countries listed on immigration.govt.nz)
📌 Important:
Even if a transit visa is not required, the NZeTA is still required for authorization to board a flight to New Zealand.
British and other European citizens do not need a transit visa to travel through New Zealand, but they must obtain a valid NZeTA before departure.
This electronic authorization allows boarding even if you remain inside the international transit area.
✈️ Examples of common transit routes:
💡 Key points:
For British and European travelers, the NZeTA covers both air transit and short stays, with a two-year validity and multiple entries permitted.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of visa-waiver countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and most of Europe do not need a traditional transit visa but must obtain an NZeTA before boarding. Travelers from non-exempt countries (India, Pakistan, Nigeria, etc.) must apply for a Transit Visa. Without this document, airlines may refuse boarding.
Yes — as long as you hold a valid NZeTA if you are from an exempt country. Auckland Airport has a 24-hour international transit area, so you can stay airside without entering New Zealand. If your layover exceeds 24 hours or you leave the transit zone, the NZeTA also lets you enter the country for up to 90 days.
The NZeTA is an electronic travel authorization valid for two years for visa-waiver nationals. It covers transit, tourism, and short stays. The Transit Visa applies to travelers from non-exempt countries and allows only one stopover of under 24 hours without entry into New Zealand. The NZeTA is therefore faster, simpler, and more flexible.
No. British and other European citizens do not need a Transit Visa. They must simply obtain an NZeTA before departure, even if they stay within the airport. This authorization also permits entry for up to 90 days, remains valid for 2 years, and allows multiple entries.