Connecting through Auckland International Airport? A Transit NZeTA is mandatory — even if you stay airside. Apply online now to avoid being denied boarding.
Important: A Transit NZeTA is required even if you remain airside and do not clear New Zealand immigration. Airlines check this before boarding. Apply well in advance of your departure.
The New Zealand Transit NZeTA is a mandatory electronic pre-travel authorisation required by all eligible travellers from visa-waiver countries who have a connecting flight through Auckland International Airport (AKL), regardless of whether they pass through New Zealand immigration or remain in the airside transit zone.
Auckland Airport is a major international hub on transpacific and trans-Tasman routes, connecting North America and the UK with Australia, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Thousands of travellers pass through Auckland each week on multi-leg journeys — and every eligible passenger among them is legally required to hold a valid Transit NZeTA.
The Transit NZeTA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval and permits multiple transit entries through Auckland Airport. This makes it particularly convenient for frequent business travellers and regularly routed international passengers who pass through New Zealand several times a year.
The Transit NZeTA applies to a specific group of travellers. Use the guide below to determine whether you need one.
Auckland is a key hub for transpacific travel. These are the most common routes where a Transit NZeTA is required.
Via AKL to Australia
West Coast USA to AUS
Asia to Pacific Islands
Middle East to AUS
Japan to Australia
Canada to AUS via NZ
The same requirements apply for Transit NZeTA as for all NZeTA types. Ensure your passport and details are correct before applying.
Current, undamaged passport from a visa-waiver country. The passport number used for your NZeTA must match your travel passport exactly — a new passport requires a new NZeTA application.
A confirmed booking for your connecting flight departing Auckland is advisable. Border officials may ask to see onward travel details to confirm genuine transit purpose.
A valid email address to receive your Transit NZeTA approval. Ensure you have access to this inbox during your journey as confirmation may be requested at check-in.
Credit or debit card for the NZeTA fee plus the IVL levy. View current fees →
All applicants must complete the standard health declaration. Most transit applicants answer "no" to all questions and proceed without issue.
A brief character declaration is required for all applicants. Previous serious criminal convictions may affect eligibility for the NZeTA.
Apply well before your travel date — ideally at least 72 hours in advance, or sooner if you are departing within the next 48 hours.
Enter your passport details, email address, and travel information. Select "Transit" as your travel purpose. Takes approximately 8 minutes to complete.
Answer the health and character questions honestly. Most transit passengers complete this in under 2 minutes with straightforward declarations.
Pay securely by credit or debit card. The total includes the NZeTA service fee plus the mandatory IVL levy. View fees →
Standard processing: 48–72 hours. If you are travelling soon, choose Express (12–24h) or Emergency (24–48h) processing to ensure approval before your flight.
Your Transit NZeTA approval arrives by email and is linked to your passport electronically. No printing required. Check your spam folder if it doesn't arrive.
Present your passport at check-in. Your Transit NZeTA is verified digitally. Connect through Auckland with confidence — no printed copy needed.
The most common questions from passengers transiting through Auckland Airport.