Stopover in New Zealand: Do I need a transit visa?

If you are planning a trip that involves a stopover or transit in New Zealand in the near future, you may need a transit visa, more commonly known as a transit NZeTA. But what are the specifics of this type of residence permit and what can you do during a stopover in New Zealand with it? This is what we propose you to discover here with some explanations on the transit NZeTA and the procedure to follow to obtain it quickly before the effective date of your next trip in this country.

New Zealand transit visa: key points

• Some travellers are eligible for a free transit visa to New Zealand provided they do not leave the airport.
• For a stopover in New Zealand, a transit visa or NZeTA may be required
• The classic visa or NZeTA is required if you are in transit in New Zealand for several days or if you are leaving the airport.
• Transit visas and NZeTAs for stopovers can be obtained online.

Is a visa required for a transit or stopover in New Zealand?

The question of whether a visa is required for a transit or stopover in New Zealand depends on a number of factors, including the nationality of the traveller, the length of the stopover and the transit zone used.

For many travellers, a transit visa is not required if certain conditions are met. New Zealand allows citizens of specific countries, under international agreements, to transit without a visa as long as they remain in the international area of the airport and their transit does not exceed 24 hours. For example, citizens of countries exempt from visa requirements generally do not need a transit visa.

However, citizens of non-exempt countries must obtain a transit visa before travelling. This visa allows them to pass through New Zealand without officially entering the country. Conditions include presentation of an onward ticket to the final destination and no stay in the country during the stopover.

Since 2019, New Zealand has also required an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for certain visa-exempt travellers, including those in transit. This electronic authorization must be obtained prior to travel and is valid for short-term transits.

Finally, it is important to note the difference between a transit and a stopover involving exit from the international zone. If a passenger wishes to leave the airport during their stopover, they will need to obtain an appropriate visa, even if their nationality exempts them from a transit visa.

To avoid any problems, it is advisable to check specific requirements before travelling, taking into account New Zealand's immigration policies.

What is the difference between a transit and a stopover in New Zealand?

A transit in New Zealand means that you are travelling through the country without stopping, while a stopover means that you stop in a city or area for a period of time before continuing your journey. If you are making a stopover, you may need a transit or tourist visa to enter the country and stay for a period of time. If you are in transit, you may not need a visa, but you will need to leave the airport to continue your journey.

This difference is important because the transit visa will not work if you have a stopover in New Zealand of several days and leave the airport.

Which NZeTA to apply for when transiting New Zealand?

If you are transiting New Zealand, you may need to obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before you leave. However, there are exceptions for some travellers who are not required to obtain an NZeTA to transit, such as nationals of certain countries who are eligible for the automatic transit visa. It is therefore important to check the visa requirements for your country of departure and for New Zealand before planning your trip. It is important to check these requirements with the New Zealand consular authorities or the consular authorities in your country.

To obtain a New Zealand Transit NZeTA, you will need to complete the following steps:

• Check if you need an NZeTA: Nationals of some countries are eligible for the automatic transit visa and do not need to obtain an NZeTA to transit New Zealand. It is therefore important to check the visa requirements for your country of departure and for New Zealand before planning your trip.
• Complete the online application form: You will need to complete an online application form on the official New Zealand Immigration website. It is important to fill in the form correctly and provide all the required documents, such as your passport information, travel details and contact information.
• Pay the application fee: You will need to pay the application fee to get your NZeTA. The cost of the New Zealand visa varies depending on your country of residence and the site where you apply. It is important to check the exact fees with the New Zealand consular authorities or online at the official New Zealand immigration website to be sure.
• Waiting for a response: After submitting your application and paying the fee, you will need to wait for a response from New Zealand Immigration. Depending on the workload, it can take up to 72 hours to receive confirmation. It is important to keep this confirmation as proof that you have obtained an NZeTA when travelling in New Zealand.

It is important to note that these steps are indicative and that procedures and requirements may vary depending on each individual's personal circumstances, so it is important to check these requirements with the New Zealand consular authorities or your country's consular authorities.

Can you visit New Zealand with a transit NZeTA?

A transit NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is a type of visa that allows travellers in transit through New Zealand to stay in the country for a short period of time, usually 24-48 hours, without needing a tourist visa. It is intended for people who need to change planes or make a connection at an airport in New Zealand, and who do not wish to visit the country. It is important to note that transit travellers are not allowed to leave the airport and visit the country.

However, it is possible to obtain a tourist NZeTA to visit New Zealand, but this will depend on your personal circumstances, visa requirements and the length of your trip. It is therefore important to check the visa requirements for your country of departure and for New Zealand before planning your trip, and to consult the New Zealand consular authorities or the consular authorities in your country for information on the types of visa available and specific requirements.

The NZeTA tourist visa can also be applied for directly online using a simplified procedure. The fee will only be slightly higher than for a regular NZeTA. In return, you will be able to leave the airport during your stopover to visit the area around the airport.

New Zealand airports concerned by the transit visa

The major airports where the transit visa may apply are Auckland (AKL) and Christchurch (CHC), which are the country's international hubs. These hubs handle the majority of international air connections and provide seamless transits for millions of passengers every year.

• Auckland airport, located on the North Island, is the largest and busiest. It serves as a major gateway for intercontinental flights and is home to dozens of airlines. Passengers transiting through Auckland who are not leaving the international zone generally do not require a visitor's visa, but a transit visa may be required for certain nationalities, depending on their itinerary and bilateral agreements.
• Christchurch airport, on the South Island, plays a key role for flights to and from Australia and the polar regions. Although smaller than Auckland, it is essential for transits to specialist destinations. As in Auckland, passengers not leaving the international zone can transit without entering New Zealand, subject to certain conditions.

Specific rules include:

• Maximum transit time: generally less than 24 hours.
• The requirement to have a ticket for the final destination.
• A transit visa is required for citizens of non-exempt countries.

Finally, since the introduction of the NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority), even certain visa-exempt travellers must obtain this prior authorization, except in the case of simple exempted transit. These requirements are designed to enhance security while facilitating travel.