Micronesia on New Zealand's Transit Visa Waiver List
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a Pacific archipelago comprising four states — Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae — spread across the western Pacific Ocean. Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia travelling to Australia, Fiji, or other Pacific Island and international destinations frequently connect through Auckland International Airport. The Federated States of Micronesia is included on New Zealand's transit visa waiver list, meaning Micronesian citizens are not required to hold a traditional transit visa to pass through a New Zealand airport. However, since 1 October 2019, an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is mandatory for all Micronesian citizens transiting New Zealand and must be approved online before departure.
What the Transit Visa Waiver Means for Micronesian Citizens
New Zealand's transit visa waiver exempts citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia from the requirement to obtain a traditional transit visa when passing through a New Zealand airport on the way to a third destination. For a Pacific island nation with limited direct international routes, this waiver removes a significant travel barrier. Since October 2019, the NZeTA has replaced the old transit documentation process. It is an electronic authorisation linked to your Micronesian passport number, verified automatically by airlines at check-in and by New Zealand border officers. No physical transit document is required beyond your passport.
Transit NZeTA vs New Zealand Visitor Visa — The Key Difference
Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia must understand what the transit NZeTA does and does not authorise:
- Transit NZeTA: Allows Micronesian citizens to pass through a New Zealand airport on the way to a third destination. Transit purposes only — does not allow entry into New Zealand for tourism, family visits, business, or any extended stay.
- New Zealand Visitor Visa: Required if you wish to enter New Zealand for tourism, family visits, or business. Applied for separately through Immigration New Zealand before departing Micronesia.
If your travel plan includes time in New Zealand beyond the transit connection, a visitor visa is required in addition to the transit NZeTA.
When Micronesian Citizens Need a Transit NZeTA
You must hold an approved NZeTA before transiting any New Zealand airport as a Micronesian passport holder if:
- Your flight route includes a connection or layover at Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, or any other New Zealand international airport.
- You are travelling onward to Australia, Fiji, or any other third-country destination via a New Zealand connecting flight.
- Your airline requires NZeTA verification at check-in before boarding a flight transiting New Zealand.
The NZeTA is required even if you remain in the airside transit zone and do not clear New Zealand immigration.
How to Apply for a New Zealand Transit NZeTA from Micronesia
- Open the application — Visit our NZeTA application page and select Micronesia (Federated States) as your passport country.
- Enter your passport details — Full name, Micronesian passport number, date of birth, and planned transit dates must exactly match your passport.
- Upload your photograph — A recent colour passport-size photo with white background and full face clearly visible.
- Pay the combined fee — The NZeTA service fee and International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) are paid in one secure online card transaction.
- Receive your NZeTA — Approval arrives by email within 48–72 hours. Save a digital or printed copy to carry while travelling.
Apply at least 5–6 business days before departure from Micronesia. Review the terms and conditions before submitting.
Documents Required for Micronesia Transit NZeTA
- Valid Micronesian passport — at least 6 months of remaining validity beyond your transit date, with at least one blank page.
- Confirmed onward travel ticket to your final destination beyond New Zealand.
- Recent passport-size colour photograph (white background, full face visible).
- Valid email address to receive the approved NZeTA.
- Debit or credit card for the combined NZeTA and IVL payment.
Transit NZeTA Validity — Reusable for 2 Years
The NZeTA issued for your Micronesian passport is valid for 2 years from the date of approval and covers multiple transit journeys through New Zealand within that period. You do not need to reapply each time you transit — the same NZeTA is used automatically on each New Zealand transit within the 2-year window. If your Micronesian passport is renewed before the NZeTA expires, a new NZeTA must be applied for using the new passport details before your next transit through New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia are on New Zealand's transit visa waiver list, meaning no traditional transit visa is required to pass through a New Zealand airport. However, an NZeTA is mandatory since 1 October 2019 for all Micronesian transit passengers. The NZeTA must be obtained online before departure — it is not available at any New Zealand airport.
No. The NZeTA for Micronesian citizens authorises transit through New Zealand airports only. It does not permit entry into New Zealand for tourism, business, or any extended stay. If a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia wishes to visit New Zealand, a separate New Zealand visitor visa must be applied for through Immigration New Zealand before departing Micronesia.
Since 1 October 2019, New Zealand requires all transit passengers from transit visa waiver countries — including the Federated States of Micronesia — to hold an approved NZeTA before boarding any flight transiting New Zealand. The NZeTA replaces the old transit documentation process and is an electronic pre-travel authorisation linked to your Micronesian passport. It is mandatory even if you remain airside in the transit zone.
The application is entirely online. Select Micronesia (Federated States) as your passport country, enter your personal and passport details, upload a recent passport-size photograph, and pay the combined NZeTA and IVL fee in a single secure card transaction. Approval is sent by email within 48–72 hours. Apply at least 5–6 business days before departure from Micronesia.
Yes. Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia whose flight routes include a connection at Auckland International Airport on the way to Fiji, Australia, or any other destination can transit New Zealand without a traditional transit visa. A valid NZeTA must be obtained online before departure. The NZeTA covers the transit connection through Auckland regardless of the onward destination.