In this article 6 sections
Immigration New Zealand tells travelers to carry evidence that they can meet their visa conditions, and gives "your travel ticket to leave New Zealand" as the example. The official before-you-travel page adds that officers may ask you questions before you board or when you arrive. It says this applies to everyone, including visa and NZeTA holders and people in transit.
Your airline sends your details to Immigration New Zealand when you check in, so the first check can happen at the departure airport, before you leave.
What to carry
| Document | What the official page says |
|---|---|
| Ticket to leave | Your travel ticket to leave New Zealand, as evidence that you meet your visa conditions |
| Money | Bank statements showing that you can pay your living expenses |
| Permission to travel | Your eVisa letter or NZeTA confirmation email |
| Passport | Valid until at least 3 months after your planned departure from New Zealand |
| Declaration | A New Zealand Traveller Declaration, which air travelers can submit from 24 hours before the journey begins |
The page also recommends English translations of documents written in another language.
Visa or NZeTA?
Most travelers need a visa or an NZeTA before they travel. New Zealand and Australian citizens need neither, and Australian permanent residents normally need an NZeTA. Which one applies to you depends on your passport, so check the official site before you book.
Return ticket or onward ticket?
A return ticket takes you back to the country you came from. An onward ticket takes you from New Zealand to another country you can enter. Both show that you will leave. A domestic flight between two New Zealand airports does not. Choose an exit date within the stay your visa or NZeTA allows. For the difference between the two documents, read onward ticket vs return ticket.
Is a temporary reservation sufficient?
A temporary flight reservation shows a planned route and a booking reference while it is active, but it is not a paid ticket. Do not assume that an unissued reservation satisfies your visa conditions or your airline in every case. If your airline accepts a reservation for your route, confirm that it is still active when you present it.
A ticket with change or refund conditions that suit your plans can be an option when your route is still open. Compare the actual terms before you buy. You can review reservation options, but do not describe a temporary booking as a confirmed ticket.
Before you fly
- Check whether you need a visa or an NZeTA, and get it before you travel.
- Submit your New Zealand Traveller Declaration.
- Check that your passport stays valid for 3 months after your planned departure.
- Keep your ticket to leave and your bank statements available offline.
- Ask the operating airline which document it accepts at check-in for a one-way arrival.
For a comparison of document types, read our complete proof-of-onward-travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a ticket out of New Zealand an official requirement?
The official page presents it as evidence that you meet your visa conditions, and says officers may ask questions before you board or on arrival. The conditions of your own visa or NZeTA decide what you must hold.
Can I be stopped at check-in?
Yes. The page says you may not be allowed to check in if your travel document is not valid for travel to New Zealand, and that questions can be asked before boarding.
Does an NZeTA replace the ticket to leave?
No. An NZeTA is permission to travel. The page still lists a ticket to leave among the evidence to carry.
How much money do I need to show?
The page mentions bank statements showing that you can pay your living expenses and does not state an amount. Check the conditions of your visa.
Does this apply if I am only in transit?
The page says its questions can apply to everyone, including people in transit.
Create a temporary flight reservation for visa files, airline checks, or proof of onward travel.