N2.10 General rules for transit visas (29/11/2010)

See also Immigration Act 2009 s 86(1), 89(1)

See also Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 reg, 15, 17

1. Transit visas may be granted to applicants who:
   1. apply in the prescribed manner (see N3.10.1) for a transit visa; and
   2. have stated a genuine intention to be in New Zealand only for the purpose of reaching a further destination; and
   3. will be confined to a transit area during the whole of their stay in New Zealand; and
   4. will not be in New Zealand longer than 24 hours.
2. Holders of transit visas are not entitled to apply for entry permission or any class or type of visa while in New Zealand during the transit period.

N2.10.1 Currency of transit visa

See also Immigration Act 2009 s 88

A transit visa is current for the period or until the date specified in it. The transit visa may be valid for any number of journeys to New Zealand in that period or before that date.

N2.10.5 Cancellation of transit visa

See also Immigration Act 2009 ss 66, 90

1. If there is sufficient reason, the Minister or an immigration officer may cancel a transit visa at any time.
2. If a transit visa is cancelled based on (a) above; and
   1. the person is outside New Zealand, the Minister or an immigration officer must notify the person in writing;
   2. the person has arrived in New Zealand, the person is liable for turnaround.

N2.10.10 Expiry of transit period

See also Immigration Act 2009 s 91

1. Where the holder of a transit visa is still in New Zealand on the expiry of the transit period, an immigration officer may by his or her absolute discretion:
   1. extend the period for which the person may remain in New Zealand as a transit visa holder; or
   2. grant the person a visa and entry permission.
2. If an immigration officer does neither of the things referred to in (a) above, the person is liable for turnaround.

Effective 29/11/2010