Transit Visa
If you are passing through Auckland International Airport you must have a Transit Visa unless you already have a valid visa, are from a visa waiver country or transit visa waiver country, or are travelling to or from Australia.
Apply online-
Length of stay
Up to
24 hours
-
Cost
From
NZD $235
-
Processing time
80% within
1 week
To apply you must:
- be passing through Auckland International Airport on the way to another country
- intend to stay in the transit area of Auckland International Airport and for up to 24 hours only
- meet the other requirements of this visa.
This visa lets you:
- pass through Auckland International Airport as a
— you must stay in the airport's transit area at all times - include your partner and dependent children aged 19 or younger.
You cannot visit New Zealand on a Transit Visa.
You cannot use a Transit Visa to pass through a different New Zealand Airport that is not Auckland International Airport.
How long you can stay
As a
Note
You cannot leave the transit area to collect any bags or to stay at a hotel. Check 'When you arrive' for what you can and cannot do as a transit passenger.
Who can apply
To pass through New Zealand to another country, most
- a Transit Visa or
- a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), if you are transiting to or from Australia, or travelling on a passport from a
or .
Transiting through New Zealand
Check if you need a visa or an NZeTA
To travel to New Zealand, you must have either a valid New Zealand visa or an NZeTA — but some people, including Australian citizens, do not need a visa or an NZeTA. You do not need an NZeTA if you: A New Zealand citizen endorsement is a label in your foreign passport or an electronic record linked to that passport's number. If you travel to another country, it lets you return to New Zealand on your foreign passport. To apply for an endorsement you must be a New Zealand citizen.
Travellers who do not need an NZeTA
Some travellers, including people with a New Zealand visa, do not need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before they travel to New Zealand.
Who does not need an NZeTA
If you need a New Zealand citizen endorsement
Travellers who must have a Transit Visa
You will need a Transit Visa if you are passing through Auckland International Airport as a
- are not a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- do not have a valid New Zealand visa
- are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- are not travelling on a passport from a transit visa waiver country or a visa waiver country or territory
- are not travelling to or from Australia
- are not travelling on a foreign passport that has a New Zealand citizen endorsement
- are not a member of, or someone associated with, a scientific programme or expedition under the Contracting Party to the Antarctic Treaty, and
- are not a member of a visiting force, including one of its civilian employees, travelling in the ordinary course of your employment or duty.
Most people travelling to New Zealand need to get either a visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). If you are travelling on a passport from a
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) Visitors who do not need an NZeTA You can holiday for up to 3 months, or up to 6 months if you are travelling on a UK passport. If you want to study, work or live in New Zealand, you need to get an appropriate visa. If you are coming to New Zealand for a medical consultation or treatment, you must apply for a visa. If you need an NZeTA, you must have it before you arrive in New Zealand. When you arrive at the border with your NZeTA, we give you a visitor visa on arrival — but first we will need to see your: We may also ask to see your ticket for travel out of New Zealand, and evidence you have enough money to live on while you are in New Zealand. Warning If you cannot meet any of the requirements or you want to stay longer, you should apply for a visitor visa before you travel, as you may not be allowed to enter with a visa waiver, even if you have an NZeTA. If the passport issuing authority of your country has endorsed your dependent children on your passport, we will accept your endorsed passport as their travel document. When you arrive in New Zealand, your dependent children will still need to complete an NZTD and may need to show:
Visa waiver countries and territories
If you have a passport from a country or territory on the visa waiver list, you can travel to New Zealand without a visa - but you need to get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) first.
List of visa waiver countries and territories
Visiting New Zealand from a visa waiver country
When you need a visa
When you arrive in New Zealand
If you have dependent children endorsed on your passport
If you are passing through (transiting) Auckland International Airport on your way to another country, you do not need a Transit Visa if you are from a transit visa waiver country or territory. You must, however, get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel. If you are not from a transit visa waiver country, you may need a Transit Visa. Note You are not a transit passenger if you are passing through another New Zealand airport, not Auckland International Airport. This is because there is no transit area at other airports. You will usually need a Visitor Visa or an NZeTA that lets you enter New Zealand. Transiting through New Zealand to another country Check if you need an NZeTA or visa Bahamas Bermuda Bolivia Colombia Costa Rica Ecuador Federated States of Micronesia Fiji Indonesia Kiribati Nauru Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Republic of Marshall Islands Samoa Solomon Islands Thailand Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Venezuela
Transit visa waiver countries and territories
Citizens of some countries and territories do not have to apply for a visa before transiting Auckland International Airport. They must request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) instead.
Transiting through Auckland International Airport
List of transit visa waiver countries and territories
Note
If you are passing through a New Zealand airport that is not Auckland International Airport, you:
-
- will not be a
, because there is no transit area at other airports - cannot use a Transit Visa
- will usually need a visitor visa or an NZeTA that lets you enter New Zealand.
- will not be a
Visa waiver travellers
You can apply for an NZeTA instead of a Transit Visa to pass through New Zealand if you:
- are from a visa waiver country or territory or a transit visa waiver country, and
- meet our good character requirements.
If you are passing through (transiting) Auckland International Airport on your way to another country, you do not need a Transit Visa if you are from a transit visa waiver country or territory. You must, however, get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel. If you are not from a transit visa waiver country, you may need a Transit Visa. Note You are not a transit passenger if you are passing through another New Zealand airport, not Auckland International Airport. This is because there is no transit area at other airports. You will usually need a Visitor Visa or an NZeTA that lets you enter New Zealand. Transiting through New Zealand to another country Check if you need an NZeTA or visa Bahamas Bermuda Bolivia Colombia Costa Rica Ecuador Federated States of Micronesia Fiji Indonesia Kiribati Nauru Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Republic of Marshall Islands Samoa Solomon Islands Thailand Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Venezuela
Transit visa waiver countries and territories
Citizens of some countries and territories do not have to apply for a visa before transiting Auckland International Airport. They must request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) instead.
Transiting through Auckland International Airport
List of transit visa waiver countries and territories
Most people travelling to New Zealand need to get either a visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). If you are travelling on a passport from a
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) Visitors who do not need an NZeTA You can holiday for up to 3 months, or up to 6 months if you are travelling on a UK passport. If you want to study, work or live in New Zealand, you need to get an appropriate visa. If you are coming to New Zealand for a medical consultation or treatment, you must apply for a visa. If you need an NZeTA, you must have it before you arrive in New Zealand. When you arrive at the border with your NZeTA, we give you a visitor visa on arrival — but first we will need to see your: We may also ask to see your ticket for travel out of New Zealand, and evidence you have enough money to live on while you are in New Zealand. Warning If you cannot meet any of the requirements or you want to stay longer, you should apply for a visitor visa before you travel, as you may not be allowed to enter with a visa waiver, even if you have an NZeTA. If the passport issuing authority of your country has endorsed your dependent children on your passport, we will accept your endorsed passport as their travel document. When you arrive in New Zealand, your dependent children will still need to complete an NZTD and may need to show:
Visa waiver countries and territories
If you have a passport from a country or territory on the visa waiver list, you can travel to New Zealand without a visa - but you need to get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) first.
List of visa waiver countries and territories
Visiting New Zealand from a visa waiver country
When you need a visa
When you arrive in New Zealand
If you have dependent children endorsed on your passport
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
Travellers who do not need an NZeTA
If you do not meet our good character requirements you must apply for a Transit Visa to transit through New Zealand.
Anyone applying for a New Zealand visa must meet the character requirements. When you apply, you must tell us about any issues or activities, both current and in your past, that could affect our decision, including whether you have been: If there is an issue, we may: You can request a character waiver or special direction when you apply. If your request is approved, we can give you a visa if your application meets all other requirements. Visas are given by special direction only in rare circumstances. You may need to provide us with police certificates to show your good character. Whether you need to give these certificates depends on how long you plan to stay in New Zealand and the visa you are applying for.
Character requirements for New Zealand visas
To be given a New Zealand visa, you must be of good character. If you have a criminal history, have provided false or misleading information, or could be a risk to New Zealand, we can decline your application.
Being of good character
Providing police certificates
Travelling to or from Australia
If you are passing through New Zealand to or from Australia as a
If you are travelling to Australia, you also must have a valid Australian visa.
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
Travellers who do not need an NZeTA
You must meet our good character requirements. If you do not meet our good character requirements you must apply for a Transit Visa to transit through New Zealand.
Anyone applying for a New Zealand visa must meet the character requirements. When you apply, you must tell us about any issues or activities, both current and in your past, that could affect our decision, including whether you have been: If there is an issue, we may: You can request a character waiver or special direction when you apply. If your request is approved, we can give you a visa if your application meets all other requirements. Visas are given by special direction only in rare circumstances. You may need to provide us with police certificates to show your good character. Whether you need to give these certificates depends on how long you plan to stay in New Zealand and the visa you are applying for.
Character requirements for New Zealand visas
To be given a New Zealand visa, you must be of good character. If you have a criminal history, have provided false or misleading information, or could be a risk to New Zealand, we can decline your application.
Being of good character
Providing police certificates
Group Transit Visa for Chinese citizens
Tour organisers and agents can apply for a Group Transit Visa if everyone in the group is:
- travelling on a Chinese passport as a group, and
- passing through Auckland International Airport as a transit passenger.
You can only apply on paper for a Group Transit Visa. Check 'How to apply on paper'.
Good character
You must be of good character.
If you have a criminal conviction or are a security risk to New Zealand we may not be able to give you a Transit Visa.
Anyone applying for a New Zealand visa must meet the character requirements. When you apply, you must tell us about any issues or activities, both current and in your past, that could affect our decision, including whether you have been: If there is an issue, we may: You can request a character waiver or special direction when you apply. If your request is approved, we can give you a visa if your application meets all other requirements. Visas are given by special direction only in rare circumstances. You may need to provide us with police certificates to show your good character. Whether you need to give these certificates depends on how long you plan to stay in New Zealand and the visa you are applying for.
Character requirements for New Zealand visas
To be given a New Zealand visa, you must be of good character. If you have a criminal history, have provided false or misleading information, or could be a risk to New Zealand, we can decline your application.
Being of good character
Providing police certificates
Genuine intentions
You must genuinely intend to travel to New Zealand only as a transit passenger.
You must provide:
- evidence of your travel arrangements — this must include an itinerary that confirms your arrival and departure times from New Zealand
- a statement explaining why you are travelling to your destination country.
Partner and dependent children
You can include your partner and dependent children aged 19 or younger in your application. They must also meet the requirements for this visa.
Any family members you include must:
- provide proof of their identity
- be of good character
- intend to travel to New Zealand only as transit passengers
- have tickets to leave New Zealand.
Anyone applying for a New Zealand visa must meet the character requirements. When you apply, you must tell us about any issues or activities, both current and in your past, that could affect our decision, including whether you have been: If there is an issue, we may: You can request a character waiver or special direction when you apply. If your request is approved, we can give you a visa if your application meets all other requirements. Visas are given by special direction only in rare circumstances. You may need to provide us with police certificates to show your good character. Whether you need to give these certificates depends on how long you plan to stay in New Zealand and the visa you are applying for.
Character requirements for New Zealand visas
To be given a New Zealand visa, you must be of good character. If you have a criminal history, have provided false or misleading information, or could be a risk to New Zealand, we can decline your application.
Being of good character
Providing police certificates
Onward travel
You must have travel tickets showing your transit through New Zealand to a
You must have a travel itinerary. When you book your travel, ask for a travel itinerary that confirms your departure and arrival times for any countries you will visit as part of your trip.
Alert
You must make sure you can pass through New Zealand and enter another country on your journey. If you cannot do this, you may not be allowed to board the plane.
Documents you need
When you apply
When you apply, you will need to provide:
- a copy of your passport or
— if you apply on paper, you can provide a , but it can prevent delays if you provide the original - 1 acceptable photo if you apply online, or 2 photos if you apply on paper
- details of the flights you are booked on to transit New Zealand
- a full travel itinerary
- a copy of your travel tickets out of New Zealand
- a statement of your purpose for travelling, if you apply on paper
- proof of identity and acceptable photos for your partner and dependent children, if you are including them.
You do not need to send us a physical copy. You must send us a high-quality scan of your passport. Provide a scanned copy of your current and recent passports, including: File formats for uploading documents and photos If you are including your partner or dependent children in your application, you must send us high-quality scans of their passports too. If you are applying for a: You must upload a high-quality scan of your current passport or travel document information page when you start your application. This is the page with your photo, name, date of birth and document details like passport number, expiry and issuing authority. Make sure your scan also includes the MRZ code — the string of characters on the bottom of the information page of your passport. If you are including a partner or dependent children in your application, you will also need to upload a high-quality scan of their passport information page. Immigration Online will read the identity and document details in your scanned copy and fill in these fields for you on the form. Check the details in the form are correct and fix any mistakes. If all the information is correct you do not need to do anything and can continue with your application. If Immigration Online could not upload your document, rescan your document and try again. Make sure the document: You can upload any other pages with visa records, entry and exit stamps in the 'Identity evidence' fields in the 'Supporting documents' section of your application form. If you are applying for another type of visa online, we will email you if we need your physical passport to confirm your identity. You may not need to send us your passport if you are: If you renew your passport before you travel, you must transfer your eVisa or the visa label to your new passport. Transferring a visa to a new passport You may not be able to come to New Zealand if your visa and passport do not match in our system. If we need to see your physical passport to confirm your identity, we will: Most people do not need to provide their physical passport. If you are not sure if you need to send your passport, check the final page of your completed visa application in your Immigration Online account. Warning If you do not send your passport within the time we specify, we may delay processing your application or decline it. If you are applying from outside New Zealand, send your passport to your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) or Immigration New Zealand (INZ) office. We must receive it within 20 working days from when we ask for it. Most people use a courier or postal tracking service to send us their passports. Offices outside of New Zealand (Visa Application Centres) Postal addresses for sending paper documents We will contact you with instructions about where and how to send your passport if you: Check our postal addresses page for where to send your passport in New Zealand. Use a signature-required courier service so it arrives quickly. Postal addresses for sending paper documents You may have to pay a fee to send your passport to a VAC. You can find the handling fee on the website of your nearest VAC. Fill in the filters and select the tab called ‘Passport handling for online application’. VFS Global for individuals — VFS Global If you sent your passport to a VAC, they contact you with the tracking details after they send your passport back to you. If you have any questions or concerns about the return of your passport, contact the VAC directly. Note The VAC may not send your passport back to you until after we have made a decision about your visa application. If you sent your passport to an INZ office, you receive a tracking number after we send it back to you. Contact the courier company if you have any questions about delivery. For any other questions or concerns, contact us. If you need your passport urgently, contact the INZ officer processing your application. When you contact them, include:
Providing your passport for an online application
How to provide a digital copy of your passport or send us your original passport so we can verify your identity.
If you are applying for a visitor, student or work visa
Resident and transit visas
You must upload a high-quality scan of your passport or travel document when you apply online. You do not need to send us a physical copy.Upload the passport or travel document information page
File formats for uploading documents and photosUpload other passport or travel document pages
Other online applications
Transfer a visa to a new passport
Providing your physical passport
Sending your passport from outside New Zealand
Countries that cannot use a VAC
Sending your passport in New Zealand
Sending your passport to a VAC
Getting your passport returned from a VAC or INZ office
Urgent return of passports
If your photo does not meet all of our requirements we will ask you for a new photo. If you are applying for a visa, we will stop processing your application until we receive an acceptable photo. If you are requesting an NZeTA, your request may be delayed or refused. Use the photo examples on this page to check your photo is correct and meets our requirements. Alert Do not use the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs website or other online tools to check your photo as those tools are for passport photos only. Your photo is more likely to be accepted if you use a professional photographer or business that takes passport photos. Give the photographer our instructions to make sure you get a photo that meets our requirements.
The photo you submit with a paper application must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Further instructions are on the paper application forms. Note You can only apply for an NZeTA online. The photo you submit with an online application must be: Alert We are unlikely to accept your photo if it is not the right size. If you request an NZeTA using the web app, you can either upload an existing photo or take one using your device's camera. If you use the mobile app, you can only take a photo using your device's camera. Your photo must be: If you take a photo with your device, the camera must have a minimum resolution of 540 x 720 pixels. Large photos will be automatically formatted. If there is an issue with your photo you will receive an error message when you submit your visa or NZeTA photo online. To help you, we have provided a list of online errors and how to fix them. Your photo must: It may be easier to remove them.
Visa and NZeTA photos
Your photo must be less than 6 months old and clearly identify you. It must also meet all of our technical requirements.
Meeting our photo requirements
Visa and NZeTA photos are not passport photos
Using a professional photographer
Paper applications for visas
Online applications for visas
Online requests for NZeTAs
Online photo error messages
Taking your visa photo
Be in portrait, not landscape
Be of you, not a photo of a photo or your travel document
Have even lighting with minimal shadowing
Be in colour, showing natural skin tones
Be in focus, not blurry
Not contain red-eye
Be an original photo, not changed by photo-editing software
Not be a selfie
Be taken 1.5 metres from the face
Be taken against a plain, light-coloured — but not white — background with no patterns or objects
Only contain plain clothing patterns
Be of one person
We need to clearly see your face
Face the camera and keep your head straight
Keep your eyes open and mouth closed
Do not smile or frown
Show your face clearly and that long hair is tucked behind your ears
Position yourself in the middle of the photo
Remove sunglasses and hats
If you wear prescription glasses
Make sure your eyes show clearly through the lenses, with no reflected light
If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons
Make sure that your face and hairline can be seen in the photo
Note
Your passport or certificate of identity must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave New Zealand.
If you apply online, you will need to upload a high-quality scan of the details page of your passport or
When you arrive
When you arrive, you must have travel tickets showing your transit through New Zealand to a
You may be asked to show your travel itinerary.
How to apply online
Follow these steps to complete your application online.
Note
An application containing all the documents we need will help prevent delays with processing.
-
1
Step 1: Check if you need a Transit Visa
-
2
Step 2: Gather your documents
The section 'Who can apply' explains the requirements for this visa and what you will need as proof.
Note
We recommend you also have English translations of any documents that are not in English, in case you need to show them.
File formats for uploading documents and photos
All documents uploaded must be PDFs and all images must be JPEG or JPG.Documents must be in PDF format
All documents you upload must be in a PDF format and as a single file. For example, if your bank statement is 4 pages, it must be uploaded as a single file and not 4 separate files. Try to avoid uploading multiple copies of the same document.
To merge pages, you can paste documents into a Microsoft Word document and save it as a PDF or use an online PDF merging tool.
Alert
Password protected or compressed files will be rejected by Immigration Online.
Creating PDF documents — wikihow.com
Reducing PDF document file size — wikihow.com
Merging PDF documents — wikihow.com
Passports and travel documents
If you are uploading a copy of your passport or travel document, it should clearly show your information page. This is the page with your photo, name, date of birth and document details such as your passport number and issuing location.
If you are applying for a Permanent Resident Visa, Second or Subsequent Resident Visa, Transit Visa or a variation of travel conditions for a resident visa
Each person included in your application will be asked to upload a scan of the information page of their passport or travel document at the beginning of the application.
The scan should only include the passport information page. You can upload a separate scan of any other required passport pages in the 'Supporting documents' section of the application.
Make sure the scan of the passport information page:
- is high-quality
- can be easily read including all your personal details
- includes the MRZ code - the string of characters on the bottom of the information page of your passport
- does not have any glare or discolouration.
Document size
Check the document file size requirements in the form you are completing. Make sure the documents you upload are not larger than what is allowed.
Photographs must be in JPG or JPEG format
You need to upload a photo of yourself showing a full-front view of your face as part of your application. Visa photos have specific requirements such as no smiling and no hair covering your face.
Face image
You are required to upload a photo showing a full-front view of your face as part of the application.
If you need to convert your photo to the JPG or JPEG format before you upload it, read the instructions on the wikiHow website.
Organise proof of identity, citizenship and age
If anyone in your application needs a new passport, allow enough time to get it.
You will need to upload a high-quality scan of the details page of your passport of
. This is the page that has your photo, name and date of birth on it. Providing your passport for an online application
How to provide a digital copy of your passport or send us your original passport so we can verify your identity.If you are applying for a visitor, student or work visa
You do not need to send us a physical copy. You must send us a high-quality scan of your passport.
Provide a scanned copy of your current and recent passports, including:
- the photo page, and
- all pages with visa records, and entry and exit stamps.
File formats for uploading documents and photos
If you are including your partner or dependent children in your application, you must send us high-quality scans of their passports too.
Resident and transit visas
If you are applying for a:
- Permanent Resident Visa
- Second or Subsequent Resident Visa
- Variation of Travel Conditions of a Resident Visa, or
- Transit Visa.
You must upload a high-quality scan of your passport or travel document when you apply online. You do not need to send us a physical copy.Upload the passport or travel document information page
You must upload a high-quality scan of your current passport or travel document information page when you start your application. This is the page with your photo, name, date of birth and document details like passport number, expiry and issuing authority. Make sure your scan also includes the MRZ code — the string of characters on the bottom of the information page of your passport.
If you are including a partner or dependent children in your application, you will also need to upload a high-quality scan of their passport information page.
Immigration Online will read the identity and document details in your scanned copy and fill in these fields for you on the form. Check the details in the form are correct and fix any mistakes. If all the information is correct you do not need to do anything and can continue with your application.
If Immigration Online could not upload your document, rescan your document and try again. Make sure the document:
- is high-quality
- does not have any screen glare
- can be easily read, and
- includes the MRZ code.
File formats for uploading documents and photosUpload other passport or travel document pages
You can upload any other pages with visa records, entry and exit stamps in the 'Identity evidence' fields in the 'Supporting documents' section of your application form.
Other online applications
If you are applying for another type of visa online, we will email you if we need your physical passport to confirm your identity.
You may not need to send us your passport if you are:
- already in New Zealand, or
- outside New Zealand and are from a visa waiver country or China.
Transfer a visa to a new passport
If you renew your passport before you travel, you must transfer your eVisa or the visa label to your new passport.
Transferring a visa to a new passport
You may not be able to come to New Zealand if your visa and passport do not match in our system.
Providing your physical passport
If we need to see your physical passport to confirm your identity, we will:
- email you after you submit your application
- tell you on the acknowledgement page when you complete your online application.
Most people do not need to provide their physical passport.
If you are not sure if you need to send your passport, check the final page of your completed visa application in your Immigration Online account.
Warning
If you do not send your passport within the time we specify, we may delay processing your application or decline it.
Sending your passport from outside New Zealand
If you are applying from outside New Zealand, send your passport to your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) or Immigration New Zealand (INZ) office. We must receive it within 20 working days from when we ask for it. Most people use a courier or postal tracking service to send us their passports.
Offices outside of New Zealand (Visa Application Centres)
Postal addresses for sending paper documents
Countries that cannot use a VAC
We will contact you with instructions about where and how to send your passport if you:
- do not have access to a VAC, or
- are from Algeria, Morocco or Tunisia and applying from one of those countries.
Sending your passport in New Zealand
Check our postal addresses page for where to send your passport in New Zealand. Use a signature-required courier service so it arrives quickly.
Postal addresses for sending paper documents
Sending your passport to a VAC
You may have to pay a fee to send your passport to a VAC. You can find the handling fee on the website of your nearest VAC. Fill in the filters and select the tab called ‘Passport handling for online application’.
VFS Global for individuals — VFS Global
Getting your passport returned from a VAC or INZ office
If you sent your passport to a VAC, they contact you with the tracking details after they send your passport back to you. If you have any questions or concerns about the return of your passport, contact the VAC directly.
Note
The VAC may not send your passport back to you until after we have made a decision about your visa application.
If you sent your passport to an INZ office, you receive a tracking number after we send it back to you. Contact the courier company if you have any questions about delivery. For any other questions or concerns, contact us.
Urgent return of passports
If you need your passport urgently, contact the INZ officer processing your application.
When you contact them, include:
- your client number or application number
- why you need your passport urgently, and
- your contact information.
When you apply, make sure your identity details are entered exactly as they appear on your passport or certificate of identity.
Alert
If there are any mistakes in your identity details, your application may be delayed. We may also decline your application or refuse you entry to New Zealand.
Make sure your photos are acceptable for a New Zealand visa.
Visa and NZeTA photos
Your photo must be less than 6 months old and clearly identify you. It must also meet all of our technical requirements.Meeting our photo requirements
If your photo does not meet all of our requirements we will ask you for a new photo.
If you are applying for a visa, we will stop processing your application until we receive an acceptable photo. If you are requesting an NZeTA, your request may be delayed or refused.
Visa and NZeTA photos are not passport photos
Use the photo examples on this page to check your photo is correct and meets our requirements.
Alert
Do not use the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs website or other online tools to check your photo as those tools are for passport photos only.
Using a professional photographer
Your photo is more likely to be accepted if you use a professional photographer or business that takes passport photos. Give the photographer our instructions to make sure you get a photo that meets our requirements.
Paper applications for visas
The photo you submit with a paper application must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Further instructions are on the paper application forms.
Note
You can only apply for an NZeTA online.
Online applications for visas
The photo you submit with an online application must be:
- between 500 KB and 3 MB
- between 900 x 1,200 pixels and 2,250 x 3,000 pixels, and
- a JPG or JPEG file.
Alert
We are unlikely to accept your photo if it is not the right size.
Online requests for NZeTAs
If you request an NZeTA using the web app, you can either upload an existing photo or take one using your device's camera.
If you use the mobile app, you can only take a photo using your device's camera.
Your photo must be:
- less than 10 MB, and
- a JPG or JPEG file.
If you take a photo with your device, the camera must have a minimum resolution of 540 x 720 pixels. Large photos will be automatically formatted.
Online photo error messages
If there is an issue with your photo you will receive an error message when you submit your visa or NZeTA photo online. To help you, we have provided a list of online errors and how to fix them.
Taking your visa photo
Your photo must:
Be in portrait, not landscape
Be of you, not a photo of a photo or your travel document
Have even lighting with minimal shadowing
Be in colour, showing natural skin tones
Be in focus, not blurry
Not contain red-eye
Be an original photo, not changed by photo-editing software
Not be a selfie
Be taken 1.5 metres from the face
Be taken against a plain, light-coloured — but not white — background with no patterns or objects
Only contain plain clothing patterns
Be of one person
We need to clearly see your face
Face the camera and keep your head straight
Keep your eyes open and mouth closed
Do not smile or frown
Show your face clearly and that long hair is tucked behind your ears
Position yourself in the middle of the photo
Remove sunglasses and hats
If you wear prescription glasses
Make sure your eyes show clearly through the lenses, with no reflected light
It may be easier to remove them.
If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons
Make sure that your face and hairline can be seen in the photo
Organise proof you can leave New Zealand
When you book your travel, make sure you ask for a travel itinerary that shows your flight details for any countries you will visit.
Organise proof for your partner and dependent children
If you are including your partner and dependent children in your application, get documents that show your relationship with them and proof of their identity.
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Step 3: Submit your application and pay the fee
To apply online, log in to your account, or set up an account if you do not have one already.
You can then fill in your application, upload your documents and pay the applicable fees.
Check the 'How to pay and submit' section for fees.
You can include your partner and dependent children in your online application.
Note
Check that each person's identity details are entered exactly as they appear on their passport or certificate of identity. You can update any details in your application before you submit it.
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Step 4: Wait for our decision
We will let you know if we need more information to process your application.
Check the 'How to pay and submit' section for timeframes.
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Step 5: Check your application status
Log in to your account to check the status of your application.
We will email you when we make a decision.
If we approve your application, we will give you an eVisa that you can find when you log in to your account.
How to apply on paper
Follow these steps to complete your application on paper.
Note
An application containing all the documents we need will prevent delays with processing.
You can also apply for a Transit Visa online. Applying online is faster and easier than applying on paper. You can also track the progress of your online application.
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Step 1: Check if you need a Transit Visa
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Step 2: Gather your documents
The section 'Who can apply' explains the requirements for this visa and what you will need as proof.
Note
We recommend you also have English translations of any documents that are not in English, in case you need to show them.
Organise proof of identity, citizenship and age
If anyone in your application needs a new passport, allow enough time to get it.
You will need a high-quality scan of the details page of your passport or certificate of identity. This is the page that has your photo, name and date of birth on it.
When you apply, make sure your identity details are entered exactly as they appear on your passport or certificate of identity.
Alert
If there are any mistakes in your identity details, your application may be delayed. We may also decline your application or refuse you entry to New Zealand.
Make sure your photos are acceptable for a New Zealand visa.
Visa and NZeTA photos
Your photo must be less than 6 months old and clearly identify you. It must also meet all of our technical requirements.Meeting our photo requirements
If your photo does not meet all of our requirements we will ask you for a new photo.
If you are applying for a visa, we will stop processing your application until we receive an acceptable photo. If you are requesting an NZeTA, your request may be delayed or refused.
Visa and NZeTA photos are not passport photos
Use the photo examples on this page to check your photo is correct and meets our requirements.
Alert
Do not use the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs website or other online tools to check your photo as those tools are for passport photos only.
Using a professional photographer
Your photo is more likely to be accepted if you use a professional photographer or business that takes passport photos. Give the photographer our instructions to make sure you get a photo that meets our requirements.
Paper applications for visas
The photo you submit with a paper application must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Further instructions are on the paper application forms.
Note
You can only apply for an NZeTA online.
Online applications for visas
The photo you submit with an online application must be:
- between 500 KB and 3 MB
- between 900 x 1,200 pixels and 2,250 x 3,000 pixels, and
- a JPG or JPEG file.
Alert
We are unlikely to accept your photo if it is not the right size.
Online requests for NZeTAs
If you request an NZeTA using the web app, you can either upload an existing photo or take one using your device's camera.
If you use the mobile app, you can only take a photo using your device's camera.
Your photo must be:
- less than 10 MB, and
- a JPG or JPEG file.
If you take a photo with your device, the camera must have a minimum resolution of 540 x 720 pixels. Large photos will be automatically formatted.
Online photo error messages
If there is an issue with your photo you will receive an error message when you submit your visa or NZeTA photo online. To help you, we have provided a list of online errors and how to fix them.
Taking your visa photo
Your photo must:
Be in portrait, not landscape
Be of you, not a photo of a photo or your travel document
Have even lighting with minimal shadowing
Be in colour, showing natural skin tones
Be in focus, not blurry
Not contain red-eye
Be an original photo, not changed by photo-editing software
Not be a selfie
Be taken 1.5 metres from the face
Be taken against a plain, light-coloured — but not white — background with no patterns or objects
Only contain plain clothing patterns
Be of one person
We need to clearly see your face
Face the camera and keep your head straight
Keep your eyes open and mouth closed
Do not smile or frown
Show your face clearly and that long hair is tucked behind your ears
Position yourself in the middle of the photo
Remove sunglasses and hats
If you wear prescription glasses
Make sure your eyes show clearly through the lenses, with no reflected light
It may be easier to remove them.
If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons
Make sure that your face and hairline can be seen in the photo
Organise proof you can leave New Zealand
When you book your travel, make sure you ask for a travel itinerary that shows your flight details for any countries you will visit.
Organise proof for your partner and dependent children
If you are including your partner and dependent children in your application, get documents that show your relationship with them and proof of their identity.
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Step 3: Complete the application form
Complete the Transit Visa application form and attach all supporting documents.
Group Transit Visa for Chinese citizens
If your tour organiser or agent is applying for a Group Transit Visa:
- You give them your completed Transit Visa Application (INZ 1019) with all supporting documents. You can include family in your application.
- The tour organiser or agent will need to complete the Group Transit Application (INZ 1155) form for the group.
- If there are more than 12 applications, they can include the Additional Group Transit Application (INZ 1156) form with the group application.
There is a checklist in Chinese that can help.
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Step 4: Submit your application and pay the fee
You can take your application to a VAC or post it to them.
Check the 'How to pay and submit' section for fees and where to submit your application.
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Step 5: Wait for our decision
We will let you know if we need more information to process your application.
How long it takes to process an application
Check the 'How to pay and submit' section for timeframes.
We will email you when we make a decision.
If we approve your application, we will give you an eVisa and email you a copy.
How to pay and submit
We cannot display any process or costs information until you have provided your country details.
Enter your details so we can show information that is relevant to you.
When you get your visa
You can pass through New Zealand as a
When you arrive
You must stay in the transit area of Auckland International Airport for the whole time and for no longer than 24 hours.
As a transit passenger you cannot collect your bags at Auckland International Airport. When you check in for your flight to New Zealand, ask the airline to transfer your bags to your connecting flight. If they cannot do this, go to the International Transit Desk when you arrive in New Zealand to get your bags transferred.
There is no accommodation in the transit area. If you will need accommodation while you wait for your flight, you must get a visa that lets you enter New Zealand before you travel.
Note
You cannot apply for entry permission or any kind of visa while in transit.
As a
Staying longer
You cannot spend more than 24 hours at a time in transit at Auckland International Airport. You could be prevented from travelling or refused entry permission if your transit is more than 24 hours.
If you need to stay longer or want to visit, you will need to apply for an appropriate visa that lets you enter New Zealand and have it before you arrive.
Note
You cannot apply for entry permission or any kind of visa while in transit.