Foreign visitors requiring a transit visa for New Zealand can apply online starting August 12th, 2024.
New Zealand is set to digitize its transit visa formalities from August 12, 2024.
“From 12 August 2024, travellers requiring a Transit Visa for New Zealand can apply online using the Enhanced Immigration Online system”, announces New Zealand Immigration.
Applicants for a transit visa will no longer need to submit paper applications via visa application centers, providing “a more streamlined and efficient experience and removing fees associated with submitting through a Visa Application Centre”.
However, New Zealand Immigration specifies that Chinese nationals applying for group transit visas must continue to use the paper application process. “We will be working on an online solution for this category soon” the authorities explain.
Fijians in transit exempt from visa and eligible for NZeTA
From September 4, 2024, Fiji will be added to the list of countries exempt from transit visas. This will allow Fijian nationals to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) instead of a transit visa.
“If you already have an approved Transit Visa, it will remain valid until its expiry date even after the waiver takes effect”, states New Zealand Immigration.
Fijian nationals intending to visit, study, or work in New Zealand must still apply for the appropriate visa before traveling.
Fijian citizens traveling to or from Fiji via Wellington or Christchurch on Fiji Airways must still apply for a visitor visa, as there are no transit facilities at these airports.
NZeTA required for transit at Auckland International airport
Visa-exempt travelers visiting or transiting through New Zealand via Auckland International Airport must apply for an NZeTA on the portal: nzeta.immigration.govt.nz.
In its communication, New Zealand Immigration reminds that the NZeTA fee is NZD 23.00 for online applications or NZD 17.00 for applications submitted via the mobile app (App Store | Google Play Store).
Most NZeTA applications are processed within 72 hours. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple 90-day trips to New Zealand.
Within 24 hours before arriving in New Zealand, air and sea travelers must complete a digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) on the site: www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz.
Countries exempt from Visitor Visa in New Zealand:
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Oman
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
Countries exempt from Transit Visa in New Zealand:
- Bahamas
- Bermuda
- Bolivia
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Fiji (from September 4, 2024)
- Indonesia
- Kiribati
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia (Federated States)
- Nauru
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Thailand
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
