Expert: Roberto Gomes - 10/24/2009

Question
Dear Roberto

I am wandering about one issue. Well, let`s say if somebody travels from Europe to New Zealand from the European country that has visa regime with New Zealand and with Australia too, does he needs a visa for Australia because his plane flies to New Zealand over let`s say Melbourne airport? I am not speaking about the plane change, but about the fact that the plane has a stop in Melbourne en route to New Zealand. The flight number, the carrier, the plane and everything else remain the same. I am convinced that this event even is not treated as transit. Well, am I wrong?

Thank you for your kind answer

Dario

Answer
Dear Dario,

Lets get your country - Croatia - has an example.
To enter Australia, you`ll need a visa, but while transiting over New Zeland there is program called TWOV (Transit Without Visa), which allows those travelling to Australia as an immediate or final destination after New Zealand and holding a valid visa for Australia to transit within 24 hours and not leaving the airport transit lounge.

Hope this clarifies your question.
My best regards,
R. Gomes