New Zealand Transit NZeTA for Peru Citizens

Transit Visa Waiver — NZeTA required for all transit through New Zealand airports

Apply NZeTA Transit — Peru

Peru on New Zealand's Transit Visa Waiver List

Peru is one of South America's most internationally connected nations — home to Machu Picchu and a thriving diaspora with links to Australia, Asia, and the Pacific. Peruvian travellers flying to Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, or Pacific Island destinations frequently connect through Auckland International Airport. Peru is included on New Zealand's transit visa waiver list, meaning Peruvian 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 Peruvian citizens transiting New Zealand and must be approved online before departure.

Peru Country Flag Image | New Zealand Transit NZeTA for Peru Citizens

What the Transit Visa Waiver Means for Peruvian Citizens

New Zealand's transit visa waiver exempts Peruvian citizens from the requirement to obtain a traditional transit visa when passing through a New Zealand airport on the way to a third destination. Without this waiver, every Peruvian transit passenger would need a formal transit visa — regardless of whether they enter immigration control or remain airside. Since October 2019, the NZeTA has replaced the old process. It is an electronic authorisation linked to your Peruvian passport number, verified automatically by airlines at check-in and by New Zealand border officers on arrival. No physical transit document is required beyond your passport.

Transit NZeTA vs New Zealand Visitor Visa — Understanding the Difference

The transit NZeTA and a New Zealand visitor visa serve different purposes and grant different permissions:

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

If your travel plan includes a planned stopover in New Zealand to explore the country between flights, a visitor visa is required. The transit NZeTA alone does not grant this permission to Peruvian citizens.

When Peruvian Citizens Need a Transit NZeTA

You must hold an approved NZeTA before transiting any New Zealand airport as a Peruvian passport holder if:

  • Your flight itinerary 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-country destination via a New Zealand connecting flight.
  • Your airline requires NZeTA verification at check-in before boarding a flight that transits New Zealand.

The NZeTA is required whether you remain in the airside transit zone or clear immigration during a longer layover.

How to Apply for a New Zealand Transit NZeTA from Peru

  1. Open the application — Visit our NZeTA application page and select Peru as your passport country.
  2. Enter your passport details — Full name, Peruvian 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 departure from Peru. Review the terms and conditions before submitting.

Documents Required for Peru Transit NZeTA

  • Valid Peruvian 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 and Re-use

The NZeTA issued for your Peruvian passport is valid for 2 years from the date of approval and covers multiple transit journeys through New Zealand during that period. You do not need to apply for a new NZeTA each time you transit New Zealand — the same authorisation is read automatically on each transit within the 2-year window. If you renew your Peruvian passport, a new NZeTA must be applied for before your next New Zealand transit, as the authorisation is bound to the specific passport number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Peruvian 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 Peruvian transit passengers. The NZeTA must be obtained online before departure — it is not available at the airport.

No. The NZeTA for Peruvian citizens authorises transit through New Zealand airports only. It does not permit entry into New Zealand for tourism, business visits, 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 Peru.

Yes. Peruvian citizens whose flight routes include a connection at Auckland International Airport on the way to Australia or any other third country may transit New Zealand without a traditional transit visa. However, a valid NZeTA must be obtained online before departure. The NZeTA is required regardless of whether you remain airside or clear immigration during the layover.

The application is entirely online and can be completed from Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, or anywhere in Peru. Select Peru as your passport country, enter your personal and passport details, upload a recent passport-size photograph, and pay the combined NZeTA and IVL fee. Approval arrives by email within 48–72 hours. Apply at least 5–6 business days before departure.

If your layover in Auckland extends beyond the normal transit period and you intend to leave the airport or stay overnight in New Zealand, a New Zealand visitor visa may be required in addition to the transit NZeTA. Contact Immigration New Zealand for guidance on extended layovers. The transit NZeTA covers transit, but entering New Zealand for an extended stopover requires visitor visa authorisation.