From September we anticipate higher volumes of visa applications from people travelling through New Zealand to Samoa for CHOGM. Auckland is a significant transit hub for commercial travel to Samoa from other countries, particularly for Asian and Pacific CHOGM members without a direct connection.

Most people travelling on a standard passport needing to visit or transit through New Zealand on their way to or from Samoa for CHOGM will require a visitor visa, transit visa or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

Apply for your visa

Standard passport holders

Delegates travelling through New Zealand on standard passports are required to meet visa requirements, including submitting all the required application documentation and paying the relevant application fees and immigration levies.

All delegates should provide a copy of their CHOGM invitation or accreditation certificate to attend in their online applications to ensure INZ can verify their purpose of travel. 

A reminder that visa fees and levies are increasing from 1 October 2024. Any applications not submitted and paid prior to this date will be subject to the new fees. If you do not provide sufficient evidence, or submit an incomplete application, we may decline your application and not refund your fee. From 1 October, if your application is declined, you will be charged the new fee when you reapply.

Increase to visa charges comes into effect from 1 October

New Zealand visas

Diplomatic or Official Passport holders

Delegates travelling on diplomatic or official passports will need to contact their accredited New Zealand diplomatic mission for guidance on the process to apply.