Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that, effective early November 2025, Chinese nationals will be able to transit through Auckland International Airport on a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), without having to apply for a separate Transit Visa.
To transit through New Zealand under this change, travellers must:
- Be a Chinese passport holder
- Remain in the transit area of the airport (i.e., not pass through passport control)
- Stay in transit for less than 24 hours
- Meet the criteria for a transit NZeTA
The fee for a transit NZeTA is NZD 23.00 for online requests or NZD 17.00 if using the free mobile app. It is valid for multiple entries during a two-year period. In contrast, a transit visa costs NZD 235 and is usually issued for a single journey.
Transit passengers do not have to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
Most transit NZeTA requests are processed within 72 hours.
Any Chinese nationals transiting through New Zealand before this takes effect will still need a Transit Visa.
For those who already have an approved Transit Visa, it will remain valid until its expiry date even after the waiver takes effect. Those who already hold a valid NZeTA or New Zealand visa do not need a separate transit NZeTA.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.