The Bahamas' NZeTA status explained
New Zealand puts countries into groups for immigration purposes. The Bahamas is a transit visa-waiver country. This is different from the full visa-waiver status held by countries such as the United Kingdom or Canada.
In practice, this means a Bahamian citizen can use an NZeTA in two situations only:
- Passing through Auckland International Airport on the way to another country
- Arriving in New Zealand as a passenger on a cruise ship
In every other case, such as flying to Auckland for a holiday, you need a visa. The NZeTA has been compulsory for transit passengers since 1 October 2019, and it is valid for up to 2 years or until your passport expires.
Don't book a New Zealand holiday on a transit NZeTA. If you leave the airport without a visa, you could be refused entry and sent back on the next available flight.
Transit rules at Auckland Airport
To transit through New Zealand on your NZeTA, every one of these conditions must apply to your journey:
| Airport | Auckland International Airport only |
|---|---|
| Time on the ground | 24 hours or less |
| Where you wait | Inside the international transit area. You don't pass through immigration. |
| Onward travel | A confirmed ticket on to a third country |
| Arriving and leaving | You arrive and depart from the same airport |
If your stop is longer than 24 hours, or you need to leave the international transit area for any reason, you'll need a transit visa instead. Our transit NZeTA guide covers these rules in more depth.
Your destination country also has its own rules. If you're flying on to Australia, for example, you'll need the correct Australian authority as well.
Want to visit New Zealand? You need a visitor visa
Bahamians who want to see New Zealand itself, whether for tourism, business or to visit family, must apply for a visitor visa. This is a separate process from the NZeTA and is handled by the New Zealand immigration authorities. It usually takes longer and asks for more documents, such as evidence of funds and the purpose of your trip.
Apply for a visitor visa well ahead of your planned dates. Our service handles NZeTA applications only, so a visitor visa needs to be arranged separately.
Arriving by cruise ship
The one exception to the visa rule is cruise travel. Every cruise passenger arriving in New Zealand must hold an NZeTA, and citizens of any country, including the Bahamas, can apply for one as a visitor. You can then go ashore at ports such as Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Akaroa or Dunedin while the ship is in port.
A cruise NZeTA includes the IVL tourism levy, unlike a transit NZeTA. You'll find more details on our cruise ship NZeTA page. If you plan to fly to New Zealand to join a cruise, you'll still need a visitor visa for that flight.
Typical routes from Nassau
There are no direct flights from the Bahamas to the South Pacific. Most Bahamians travelling to Australia or the Pacific Islands fly first to a US gateway such as Miami, then on to Los Angeles, San Francisco or Houston, and from there across the Pacific. Some of those routes go through Auckland.
Remember that you also need the right authority for the United States leg of your trip. A New Zealand transit NZeTA only covers the Auckland part.
How to apply for a transit NZeTA
Choose "Transit"
Select transit as your reason for travel, unless you're a cruise passenger.
Enter passport details
Use the Bahamian passport you'll travel on. It must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your travel date.
Upload a photo
A recent, clear face photo with a plain background.
Pay and submit
Pay by card. We check your form and submit it, and the decision is sent to you by email.
Allow up to 72 hours. You can choose Normal (48–72 hours), Emergency (24–48 hours) or Rush (12–24 hours) processing. Prices are on the fees page.
Apply for a transit NZeTA from the Bahamas
Before you fly: a quick checklist
- My stop is at Auckland and lasts 24 hours or less
- I have a confirmed onward ticket to another country
- My transit NZeTA is approved, and I have the email
- I have the entry documents needed for my final destination
- Each person in my group, including children, has their own NZeTA
If you're not sure whether your itinerary qualifies, contact our support team before you book. When you're ready, start your NZeTA application. Travellers from other Caribbean and Atlantic territories can compare our Bermuda page.
Bahamas transit FAQs
Not by air. The Bahamas is a transit visa-waiver country, so an NZeTA lets you pass through Auckland Airport only. To visit New Zealand after flying in, you need a visitor visa.
Up to 24 hours. You must stay in the international transit area of Auckland International Airport and leave on an onward flight to another country.
No. The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy does not apply to transit passengers. It is only charged when you apply for an NZeTA as a visitor.
No. Transit without a visa is only possible at Auckland International Airport. If your route lands at any other New Zealand airport, you will need a visa.
Cruise passengers, including Bahamian citizens, can apply for an NZeTA as a visitor. You need it before the ship departs on its voyage to New Zealand.
Yes. Even if your luggage is checked through and you never leave the airport, you need an approved transit NZeTA to board the flight to Auckland.