What "transit visa-waiver" means for Solomon Islanders
New Zealand puts Solomon Islands on its list of transit visa-waiver countries. Normally, travellers from such countries would need a transit visa just to change planes in New Zealand. Instead, you can apply online for an NZeTA, which lets you pass through Auckland International Airport on the way to somewhere else.
It is important to be clear about the limit. A transit NZeTA does not give you permission to enter New Zealand. If you are flying to New Zealand to see family, study, attend church or sports events, or do business, you need a visitor visa (or another type of visa) before you travel. A visa application is a separate process with the New Zealand immigration authorities.
We are an independent online service that helps you apply for an NZeTA. We are not the New Zealand immigration authorities, who decide every application.
The four transit rules
1. Auckland only
The transit must be at Auckland International Airport. No other New Zealand airport qualifies.
2. 24 hours or less
From the time you land to the time your onward flight leaves.
3. Stay airside
You remain in the international transit area and do not pass through immigration.
4. Onward to a third country
You fly on to a country other than New Zealand, with a confirmed ticket and any visa it requires.
If you would have to collect your bags and check in again, for example because you booked two separate tickets, you will probably have to pass through immigration. In that case a transit NZeTA is not enough. Our guide to NZeTA transit explains this in more detail.
Journeys from Honiara
Most international flights from Honiara International Airport go to Brisbane, with other services to Nadi in Fiji, Port Vila and Port Moresby. Travellers then connect onward to the rest of the world. Auckland comes into the picture when it is the best connection for North or South America, Tahiti or Asia.
| Example itinerary | What you need for New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Honiara → Nadi → Auckland → Los Angeles, connecting the same day | Transit NZeTA |
| Honiara → Brisbane → Auckland → Santiago, 10-hour layover airside | Transit NZeTA |
| Honiara → Brisbane → Los Angeles (no New Zealand stop) | Nothing for New Zealand |
| Honiara → Brisbane → Auckland, staying a week | Visitor visa |
| Auckland layover of 26 hours | Visa, because it exceeds 24 hours |
Remember that Australia has its own rules. If your route goes through Brisbane, check what Australia requires for your stop there.
Trips a transit NZeTA can't cover
- Visiting relatives in Auckland, Hamilton or anywhere else in New Zealand
- Attending a conference, church gathering, tournament or training course
- Medical appointments or treatment
- Seasonal or any other work, which always needs a work visa
- Leaving the airport during a long layover, even for a few hours
Many Solomon Islanders come to New Zealand for study, scholarships, training and seasonal employment. Each of these has its own visa and is applied for separately. Start that process well ahead of your planned travel date.
Cruise passengers from Solomon Islands
There is one situation where Solomon Islands citizens can use an NZeTA to enter New Zealand: arriving on a cruise ship. If you are a passenger on a cruise that calls at New Zealand ports, you can apply for a visitor NZeTA, which includes the IVL levy. You need it before the ship departs.
This does not cover flying in to join the ship. If you fly to Auckland to start a cruise, you need a visitor visa for that arrival. Read more about NZeTA for cruise passengers.
Applying for a transit NZeTA
Apply online with your Solomon Islands passport. It must be valid for at least 3 months after you leave New Zealand.
Choose "Transit"
Select transit as your travel type and add your email.
Passport details
Enter each traveller's details exactly as printed in the passport.
Declarations and photo
Answer the questions and upload a clear face photo.
Pay by card
Transit applications have no IVL levy added.
Pick Normal (48–72 hours), Emergency (24–48 hours) or Rush (12–24 hours) processing. Compare the options on our fees page, then apply for your Solomon Islands transit NZeTA.
At Auckland Airport
When you land, follow the signs for international transfers rather than arrivals. You will go through a security screening and wait in the transit lounge. Keep your boarding pass and passport with you. Your NZeTA is valid for up to two years on the same passport, so it can also cover future connections.
Betel nut and kava. Even in transit, don't carry fresh betel nut, kava roots, fruit or plant material that you might need to declare. If you ever enter New Zealand on a visa, these items must be declared at biosecurity and may be refused.
Start a transit NZeTA application
Solomon Islands NZeTA FAQs
Yes, if you are flying in to visit. Solomon Islands is a transit visa-waiver country, so an NZeTA only lets you pass through Auckland International Airport. For a holiday, family visit or business trip you need a visitor visa.
Yes, provided you stay in the international transit area, leave within 24 hours and hold a confirmed ticket and any visa needed for the United States.
No. An NZeTA never allows work. Seasonal workers travel on a work visa issued under the relevant scheme, and that visa replaces the need for an NZeTA.
No. Transit passengers do not pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. Our fees page shows the current transit price.
No. Transit without a visa is only allowed at Auckland International Airport. Any other route through New Zealand needs a visa.
Yes. Every traveller, including infants, needs their own NZeTA. You can add up to 10 family members to one application.