Travel from Singapore to New Zealand via Australia - Feeling confused

Transport
1

I’m looking into traveling from Singapore to New Zealand with a stop in Australia. Before I can book any tickets, I need to make sure I have a transit visa since I have a Malaysian passport. The problem is that when I try to apply for the transit visa online (ImmiAccount), it asks for exact dates and flight numbers for arrival and departure. But I can’t know those details until I book my tickets, which I won’t do until I’m sure that I can transit through Australia. So, I’m stuck in a tricky situation.

What am I missing?

2

A transit visa allows you to transfer between flights. You generally can’t get a transit visa without booking flights.

Consider booking your tickets but make sure the tickets have a flexible option in case your visa doesn’t get approved. Once you have your flights, you can apply for the visa.

3

@Orin
This is a tough reality for people with weaker passports. Many times, you need flexible tickets, since you have to sort out visa issues that aren’t always guaranteed to go through like they are for those with stronger passports.

4

Emirates has a handy tool for this.

5

You can see the dates and flight numbers before you pay for your flights.

6

Malaysians don’t need a transit visa for Australia if their layover is less than 8 hours and they stay in the airport.

Is this your situation?

7

Are you sure you’re applying for the right visa? You should be looking for an ETA https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601

8

Most visa applications just need your expected flight info, not actual proof of flights. They understand that visas can be denied, and many applications state not to buy tickets before approval. You should be able to provide your intended dates and flight numbers.

9

Why not just fly directly from Singapore to NZ?

10

Jesse said:
Why not just fly directly from Singapore to NZ?

Haha, I’d love to if it weren’t at least a few hundred dollars more!

11

Vail said:

Jesse said:
Why not just fly directly from Singapore to NZ?

Haha, I’d love to if it weren’t at least a few hundred dollars more!

If you can’t afford it, then don’t stress yourself out.

12

@Jesse
This is a forum for travel hacks about budget options and tricks.

13

Vail said:
@Jesse
This is a forum for travel hacks about budget options and tricks.

Paying extra to avoid a hassle is also a travel hack! Just sayin’!

14

Jesse said:

Vail said:
@Jesse
This is a forum for travel hacks about budget options and tricks.

Paying extra to avoid a hassle is also a travel hack! Just sayin’!

Flying direct isn’t that much of a hack; it’s often a given for many.

15

@Vail
It is, especially if it saves you time at the airport and avoids extra baggage checks!

16

Jesse said:
@Vail
It is, especially if it saves you time at the airport and avoids extra baggage checks!

You must be one of the rudest people I’ve come across. LOL. What a character.

17

@Vail
Instead of insulting others, take a look at the top comments that offer practical advice on how to handle your situation.

18

@Jesse
What kind of comment is that? Don’t you ever look for cheaper travel options, even if you can afford to spend more?

19

Vail said:
@Jesse
What kind of comment is that? Don’t you ever look for cheaper travel options, even if you can afford to spend more?

If I find transfers too much hassle, I will pay extra to avoid them. I’m sorry if you can’t.

20

@Jesse
That’s what I’m trying to figure out… whether it’s really too much hassle.