New Zealand Transit NZeTA for Palau Citizens

What the Transit Visa Waiver Means for Palauan Citizens

New Zealand's transit visa waiver exempts Palauan citizens 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 Palauan 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 — What Palauan Citizens Must Know

Palauan citizens must understand the clear distinction between a transit NZeTA and a New Zealand visitor visa:

• Transit NZeTA: Allows Palauan 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, business meetings, family visits, or any extended stay.
• New Zealand Visitor Visa: Required if you wish to enter New Zealand for tourism, business, or family visits. Must be applied for separately through Immigration New Zealand before departing Palau.

Palauan citizens cannot enter New Zealand for tourism or business on a transit NZeTA. Any intended activity in New Zealand beyond the transit connection requires a visitor visa.

When Palauan Citizens Need a Transit NZeTA

You must hold an approved NZeTA before transiting any New Zealand airport as a Palauan 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 whether you remain in the airside transit zone or clear New Zealand immigration during a longer layover connection.

How to Apply for a New Zealand Transit NZeTA from Palau

1. Open the application — Visit our NZeTA application page and select Palau as your passport country.
2. Enter your passport details — Full name, Palauan passport number, date of birth, and planned transit dates must exactly match your passport.
3. Upload your photograph — A recent colour passport-size photo with white background and full face clearly visible.
4. Pay the combined fee — The NZeTA service fee and International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) are paid in one secure online card transaction.
5. 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 your scheduled departure from Palau. Review the terms and conditions before submitting.

Documents Required for Palau Transit NZeTA

• Valid Palauan 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 All New Zealand Transits

The NZeTA issued for your Palauan 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 for each transit — the same NZeTA is used automatically every time you transit New Zealand within the 2-year window. If you renew your Palauan passport, a new NZeTA must be applied for using the new passport details before your next New Zealand transit, as the authorisation is bound to the specific passport number.

Frequently Asked Questions