When you count as a transit passenger
You must remain in Auckland International Airport’s transit area (or on the aircraft/in Police custody), stay for less than 24 hours and continue to another country. You cannot enter New Zealand or collect checked baggage yourself.
NZeTA or Transit Visa?
Passport holders from visa-waiver or transit-waiver countries, Australian permanent residents, and some travellers to or from Australia may be able to transit with an NZeTA. Others may need a Transit Visa. Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport generally need neither.
Changing airport changes the answer. If your itinerary passes through Wellington, Christchurch or another New Zealand airport, you are not treated as an international transit passenger because those airports do not have transit areas.
Practical checks
- Ask the airline to transfer baggage through to the next flight.
- Keep the connection below 24 hours.
- Confirm you can enter the next country.
- There is no accommodation in Auckland’s transit area.
- Most genuine transit passengers are exempt from the IVL.
Read official transit guidance ↗
Source checked 24 September 2026: Immigration New Zealand — NZeTA information ↗. Rules, fees and processing can change; confirm before travel.