Paraguay on New Zealand's Transit Visa Waiver List
Paraguay, South America's landlocked heart, is a country whose citizens frequently undertake long-haul international journeys that connect through major Pacific hubs. Paraguayan travellers flying to Australia, Asia, or the Pacific Islands often route through Auckland International Airport. Paraguay is included on New Zealand's transit visa waiver list — Paraguayan 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 Paraguayan transit passengers and must be approved online before departure. The NZeTA is not available at the airport — it must already be in place when you board your flight.
What the Transit Visa Waiver Means for Paraguayan Citizens
New Zealand's transit visa waiver means Paraguayan citizens are exempt from the requirement to obtain a traditional transit visa before passing through a New Zealand airport. This is a significant benefit — without the waiver, all transit passengers from Paraguay would need a formal transit visa. The waiver removes that requirement, but the NZeTA is still mandatory. Since October 2019, the NZeTA has replaced the old transit process. It is an electronic pre-travel authorisation linked to your Paraguayan passport number, verified automatically by airlines and New Zealand border officers. No physical document is required beyond your passport.
Transit NZeTA vs New Zealand Visitor Visa — What Paraguayan Citizens Need to Know
Paraguayan citizens must understand what the transit NZeTA does and does not permit:
- Transit NZeTA: Authorises Paraguayan 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, or any form of extended stay.
- New Zealand Visitor Visa: Required if you wish to enter New Zealand for tourism, family visits, or business. Must be applied for separately through Immigration New Zealand before departing Paraguay.
If your itinerary includes planned time in New Zealand between flights — such as a multi-day stopover for sightseeing — a visitor visa is required in addition to the transit NZeTA.
When Paraguayan Citizens Need a Transit NZeTA
You must hold an approved NZeTA before transiting any New Zealand airport as a Paraguayan passport holder if:
- Your international flight route includes a connection or layover at Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, or any other New Zealand international airport.
- You are travelling onward to Australia, Asia, Pacific Island nations, or any other third destination via New Zealand.
- Your airline requires NZeTA verification at check-in before boarding a flight transiting New Zealand.
The NZeTA is required regardless of whether you remain in the airside transit zone or clear New Zealand immigration during a longer connection.
How to Apply for a New Zealand Transit NZeTA from Paraguay
- Open the application — Visit our NZeTA application page and select Paraguay as your passport country.
- Enter your passport details — Full name, Paraguayan 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 your scheduled departure from Paraguay. Review the terms and conditions before submitting.
Documents Required for Paraguay Transit NZeTA
- Valid Paraguayan 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 Within 2 Years
The NZeTA issued for your Paraguayan 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 Paraguayan passport before the NZeTA expires, a new NZeTA must be applied for using the new passport number. The authorisation is bound specifically to the passport number it was issued against.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paraguayan citizens 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 Paraguayan transit passengers. The NZeTA must be applied for online before departure — it is not available at any New Zealand airport.
No. The NZeTA for Paraguayan citizens authorises transit through New Zealand airports only. It does not allow entry into New Zealand for tourism, business, or any extended stay. If you wish to visit New Zealand as a tourist, a separate New Zealand visitor visa must be applied for through Immigration New Zealand before departing Paraguay.
The NZeTA issued for a Paraguayan passport is valid for 2 years from the date of approval and allows multiple transit journeys through New Zealand within that period. You do not need to apply for a new NZeTA each time you transit New Zealand — the same authorisation is reused automatically within the 2-year window.
The application is entirely online. Select Paraguay 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 Paraguay.
If your Paraguayan passport is renewed or replaced, the NZeTA linked to your old passport number becomes invalid. You must apply for a new NZeTA using the new passport details before your next transit through New Zealand. The remaining validity period on the old NZeTA cannot be transferred to a new passport.