New ZealandVisits and short stays

New Zealand transit visa for Auckland International Airport

Transit Visa

In short

Travellers passing through Auckland International Airport to another country need a Transit Visa unless they already hold a valid New Zealand visa, come from a visa waiver or transit visa waiver country, or are travelling to or from Australia. The visa costs from NZD 235 and allows up to 24 hours in the transit area.

Apply on Immigration New Zealand – Transit Visa checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Up to 24 hours, inside the Auckland airport transit area
Validity
For the stated transit
Fee
NZ$235INZ 'from' price.
Processing time
80% within 4 days
Work
No
Family
Partner and dependent children aged 19 or younger can be included
Where to apply
Online; from 1 October 2026 only through the enhanced Immigration Online system

When you need it

Only Auckland International Airport has a transit area. Passengers changing planes there on the way to another country need a Transit Visa unless they are from a visa waiver country or one of the transit visa waiver countries (a list that includes China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and several Latin American and Pacific states), already hold a valid visa, or are travelling to or from Australia. Exempt travellers still need an NZeTA.

A Transit Visa does not let you enter New Zealand; you must stay in the transit area. Passing through any other New Zealand airport is not a transit, because they have no transit area, so you would need a visa that allows entry.

Requirements

You must be passing through Auckland on the way to another country, intend to stay in the transit area for no more than 24 hours, hold the documents needed for your destination, and meet the health and character requirements. INZ recommends carrying English translations of non-English documents in case you need to show them.

Applying

From 1 October 2026 Transit Visa applications must be made through INZ's enhanced Immigration Online system; paper and older online forms are no longer accepted. Upload your passport and onward tickets, pay the fee and apply early enough: 80% of applications were decided within 4 days.

  1. Confirm that your route changes planes at Auckland International Airport and that you will not leave the transit area.
  2. Check whether you are exempt through the visa waiver or transit visa waiver lists.
  3. Apply for the Transit Visa in the enhanced Immigration Online system and upload your tickets.
  4. Pay the fee and travel once the eVisa is approved.

Family members

Your partner and dependent children aged 19 or younger can be included in the same application if they travel with you.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport

Travel

  • Confirmed onward flight from Auckland within 24 hours
  • Visa or permit for your destination, if required

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Other

  • English translations of non-English documents

Frequently asked questions

Who needs a transit visa for Auckland?

Travellers not from a visa waiver or transit visa waiver country, unless they already hold a valid New Zealand visa or are travelling to or from Australia.

Can I leave the airport on a transit visa?

No. You must remain in the transit area; to leave you need a visa that allows entry.

Can I transit through Christchurch or Wellington?

No. Other airports have no transit area, so you would need a visa that allows entry.

How long can I stay in transit?

Up to 24 hours, inside the transit area.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for New Zealand

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Multiple entry: 6 months in any 12; single entry: up to 9 months in 18
  • Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: Up to 6 months; you are not asked to leave until it is safe to travel

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 months in any 1 year
  • Investor visa Maximum stay: Up to 4 years (12-month establishment stage, then operating stage); one renewal of up to 2 years

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Up to 4 years, linked to the course

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 years: 3 years for master’s or doctoral study of 30+ weeks; otherwise equal to the study period
  • Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: Up to 5 years in total (3 years for skill level 4 or 5 jobs), then time outside New Zealand
  • Working holiday visa Maximum stay: Up to 12 months

Family

Residence

Online travel permits

Protection

New Zealand visa guide