New Zealand Transit Visa
The New Zealand Transit Visa is required for travellers who need to pass through Auckland International Airport on their way to another destination and who are not eligible for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) or a transit visa waiver. It is strictly for short-term transit and cannot be used to visit New Zealand or leave the transit area. Transit passengers who meet the requirements can spend up to 24 hours in the transit area at Auckland International Airport. If your connection requires you to leave the airport, even briefly, you will need a Visitor Visa instead of a Transit Visa. Whether you need this visa, an NZeTA, or nothing at all depends on your nationality, travel route, and connecting itinerary.
Eligibility
To determine if you need a Transit Visa, you generally must:
- Be passing through Auckland International Airport on your way to another country
- Remain within the transit area, on your connecting aircraft, or in the custody of New Zealand Police for the entire duration of your stay
- Not be travelling on a passport from a visa waiver country or transit visa waiver country (as these travellers typically use an NZeTA instead)
- Not already hold a valid New Zealand visa
- Meet Immigration New Zealand’s good character requirements
- If travelling to or from Australia, hold a valid Australian visa where required
Travellers who are members of a scientific programme under the Antarctic Treaty, or members of a visiting force travelling in the ordinary course of duty, are generally exempt from needing a Transit Visa or NZeTA.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Component | Approximate Cost |
| Transit Visa | Around NZD $235 (indicative; may vary) |
| NZeTA (if eligible instead of a Transit Visa) | NZD $17–$23 |
| Approximate INR Equivalent* | Check official Fee Finder |
*Transit Visa fees can vary by nationality and circumstances. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances — always confirm the exact New Zealand Visa Fees using Immigration New Zealand’s official Fees, Decision Times and Where to Apply tool before travelling.
New Zealand Visa Processing Time
New Zealand Visa Processing Time for a Transit Visa is generally shorter than most other visa categories, as it is intended for short, well-defined stays limited to the airport transit area. Applications are typically processed within a few working days, though this can vary depending on your nationality and application completeness. If you are eligible for an NZeTA instead of a Transit Visa, processing is usually much faster, often completed within 72 hours. Because transit requirements are highly nationality- and route-specific, travellers should confirm current processing expectations on the official Immigration New Zealand website well before their travel date, and avoid booking connections with layovers that would require leaving the transit area without an appropriate visa.
Required Documents Checklist
No physical documents are uploaded; the SGAC is a declaration form completed directly online or in the MyICA app.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Applying for a New Zealand Transit Visa requires accurate documentation, a valid travel itinerary, and compliance with the visa requirements prescribed by Immigration New Zealand. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with transit visa application forms, passport documentation, confirmed onward travel tickets, destination country visa or entry permit (where applicable), travel itinerary, travel insurance (where applicable), and all required supporting paperwork. Our experienced consultants carefully review every application to help minimize errors, reduce delays, and ensure your documentation meets the applicable transit visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your New Zealand Transit Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with Immigration New Zealand, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared New Zealand Transit Visa application with confidence.