Pacific Visitors Get Easier Entry to New Zealand

Earlier this year, the New Zealand Government announced major changes designed to make travel easier for Pacific passport holders living in or visiting Australia. From 3 November 2025, citizens of Pacific Islands Forum countries will be able to visit New Zealand from Australia without needing a visa. Instead, they will require only a valid New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

This is a 12-month trial programme that aims to simplify travel for Pacific communities while strengthening regional connections.

What the Changes Mean for Pacific Passport Holders

From November 2025, if you hold a passport from one of the Pacific Islands Forum countries and an eligible Australian visa, you can travel directly to New Zealand with just an NZeTA. No separate visa application will be necessary.

With an NZeTA you can:

• Stay in New Zealand for up to three months at a time

• Travel multiple times while your NZeTA is valid (must always be departing from Australia)

• Transit through New Zealand for up to 24 hours

Note: An NZeTA does not permit you to work for a New Zealand employer.

Requirements for Pacific Visitors

To qualify for this arrangement, you must:

• Be travelling from Australia

• Hold a passport from a Pacific Islands Forum country

• Possess an eligible Australian visa that is valid at the time of check-in

• Have a valid NZeTA

Eligible Australian Visas

A wide range of Australian visas are accepted under this trial. Examples include:

• Working Holiday (TZ417)

• Student (TU500)

• Visitor (FA600)

• Temporary Graduate (VC485)

• Skilled Regional (SP489)

• Partner (UF309 / UK820)

If you already hold one of the approved visas, you can apply for an NZeTA and be ready to travel from 3 November 2025.

Pacific Islands Forum Countries Included

The new arrangements apply to citizens of:

• Federated States of Micronesia

• Fiji

• Kiribati

• Nauru

• Palau

• Papua New Guinea

• Republic of the Marshall Islands

• Samoa

• Solomon Islands

• Tonga

• Tuvalu

• Vanuatu

How to Apply for an NZeTA

Applications for an NZeTA open on 27 October 2025. Although you can apply from this date, you can only use it for travel starting on 3 November 2025.

Ways to apply: You can apply from 

• The Official NZeTA mobile app Or

• Through the NZeTA website

Make sure to apply at least 72 hours before travelling to avoid delays or other complications.

Traveller Declaration

In addition to NZeTA, you will also need to fill a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). This needs to be completed online 24 hours before your departure and note that this is a compulsory requirement for all passengers entering New Zealand.

The Importance Of The Matter

This movement is an important step in providing the necessary support to Pacific communities, this will make it easier for families, students and professionals to travel between Australia and New Zealand hassle free.

This initiation deals with removing the need for a full visa application, it also reduces costs, takes less time for processing the paperwork and best of all offers greater flexibility for Pacific travellers.