The New Zealand Government has introduced new travel arrangements to make it easier for Pacific Island visitors traveling from Australia. Starting 3 November 2025, citizens from Pacific Islands Forum countries can enter New Zealand without applying for a traditional visa, provided they hold a valid Australian visa. This initiative aims to strengthen regional ties, promote tourism, and encourage business and cultural exchanges between New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

What Is Changing?

Previously, Pacific Island travelers needed to apply for a New Zealand visa to enter the country, even when traveling from Australia. This often involved time-consuming paperwork, fees, and waiting periods. Under the new system, eligible travelers can now use the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) instead of a full visa. This simplifies the entry process and allows visitors to stay in New Zealand for up to three months per visit. This program will be trialed for 12 months, during which the New Zealand Government will monitor its impact on tourism, regional travel, and border management. Travelers must hold a valid Australian visa listed as eligible for the NZeTA system.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for this simplified travel system, travelers must:
  • Be traveling to New Zealand from Australia
  • Hold a passport from a Pacific Islands Forum country
  • Possess an eligible Australian visa at the time of check-in
  • Have a valid NZeTA
The Pacific Islands Forum countries included in this initiative are:
  • Fiji
  • Samoa
  • Tonga
  • Vanuatu
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Solomon Islands
  • Kiribati
  • Nauru
  • Palau
  • Republic of the Marshall Islands
  • Federated States of Micronesia

Eligible Australian Visas

Not all Australian visas qualify for this simplified travel arrangement. Travelers must hold one of the following:
  • UR160 – Business Owner (provisional)
  • UR161 – Senior Executive (provisional)
  • UR162 – Investor (provisional)
  • UR163 – State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (provisional)
  • UR164 – State/Territory Sponsored Senior Executive (provisional)
  • UR165 – State/Territory Sponsored Investor (provisional)
  • UT173 – Contributory Parent (temporary)
  • EB188 – Business, Innovation and Investment (provisional)
  • TO300 – Prospective Marriage
  • UF309 – Partner (provisional) visa
  • GA400 – Temporary Work (short stay specialist)
  • UY405 – Investor Retirement
  • GF407 – Training
  • TQ410 – Retirement
  • TZ417 – Working Holiday
  • TK445 – Dependent Child Visa
  • UP461 – New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship
  • US462 – Work and Holiday
  • UC457 – Business (long stay)
  • VF476 – Skilled – Recognised Graduate
  • GK482 – Skills in Demand
  • VC485 – Temporary Graduate visa
  • SP489 – Skilled Regional (provisional)
  • PS491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional)
  • PE494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional)
  • TU500 – Student
  • TU590 – Student Guardian
  • FA600 – Visitor
  • TV651 – e-Visitor
  • UK820 – Partner Visa (temporary)
  • GH870 – Sponsored Parent
  • UU884 – Contributory Aged Parent
Eligible travelers must ensure their Australian visa is valid at the time of boarding their flight to New Zealand.

NZeTA Requirements

Travelers applying for the NZeTA must meet certain conditions:
  • Be in good health
  • Be of good character
  • Have a genuine reason for visiting New Zealand
  • Have sufficient funds to cover expenses during their stay
  • Have plans to leave New Zealand at the end of their visit
The NZeTA allows multiple entries to New Zealand for travelers coming from Australia, as long as the NZeTA remains valid. It also permits short transits of up to 24 hours. However, travelers on an NZeTA cannot work for a New Zealand employer.

How to Apply

Applications for the NZeTA will open on 27 October 2025, ahead of the official travel start date of 3 November 2025. Travelers can apply via:
  • NZeTA App (iOS and Android)
  • Official NZeTA Website
Travelers must apply at least 72 hours before departure to allow sufficient processing time. Additionally, a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) must be completed online within 24 hours prior to travel. The NZTD provides border authorities with updated health and travel information.

Benefits of the New System

The introduction of the NZeTA for Pacific Island visitors traveling from Australia offers several advantages:
  • Reduced paperwork: Travelers no longer need to apply for a full visa.
  • Faster processing: The electronic system enables quicker approvals.
  • Multiple entries: Eligible travelers can make multiple trips to New Zealand within the validity of their NZeTA.
  • Short-term stays: Visitors can stay for up to three months per visit, supporting tourism and business travel.
Officials from New Zealand emphasized that this trial aims to encourage regional mobility, promote tourism, and enhance business and cultural connections. For travelers, it offers a more convenient and streamlined experience while maintaining security and border safety.

Important Tips for Travelers

  • Check your Australian visa eligibility before booking travel.
  • Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in New Zealand.
  • Apply for the NZeTA at least 72 hours in advance.
  • Complete the NZTD online 24 hours before departure.
  • Carry sufficient funds and a clear itinerary for your stay.

This new initiative marks a significant step toward making travel between Australia and New Zealand easier for Pacific Island visitors. It is expected to enhance tourism, strengthen regional ties, and offer more seamless travel opportunities for residents of the Pacific Islands.

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