Introduction
Starting November 3, 2025, the New Zealand government is introducing a landmark change to make it easier for Pacific passport holders to visit New Zealand from Australia. This is a trial program aimed at simplifying travel, boosting tourism, and strengthening connections between New Zealand and Pacific Island nations.
Instead of applying for a traditional visa, eligible Pacific passport holders who hold certain Australian visas can now travel to New Zealand using a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for stays of up to three months.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about these changes — from eligibility criteria and the application process to practical tips for your trip.
Why New Zealand Is Making These Changes
New Zealand has always maintained strong ties with Pacific Island nations, and travel between these regions is vital for families, businesses, and cultural exchange. By introducing this visa-free system via NZeTA, the government aims to:
- Reduce bureaucracy and make travel easier.
- Encourage tourism and cultural exchange.
- Strengthen regional connections.
- Support economic opportunities for both New Zealand and Pacific nations.
This change is part of a 12-month trial period, starting from November 3, 2025.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility Criteria
To take advantage of this program, travellers must meet the following conditions:
- Travel to New Zealand from Australia.
- Hold a passport from a Pacific Islands Forum country.
- Have an eligible Australian visa that is valid when checking in for their flight.
- Have a valid NZeTA.
Pacific Islands Forum Countries
This new policy applies to travellers holding passports from the following countries:
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Eligible Australian Visas
Not every Australian visa qualifies under this scheme. Eligible visas include a wide range of work, business, and residency categories such as:
- 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
(Full list available on the New Zealand Government immigration website.)
What is the NZeTA?
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a digital travel authorisation required for travellers under this program. It replaces traditional visa applications for eligible travellers.
Benefits of the NZeTA
With an NZeTA, you can:
- Travel to New Zealand without applying for a separate visa.
- Stay for up to three months at a time.
- Enter New Zealand multiple times while your NZeTA is valid (provided you travel from Australia each time).
- Transit through New Zealand for up to 24 hours.
Limitations of the NZeTA
- You cannot work for a New Zealand employer while in New Zealand on an NZeTA.
How to Apply for the NZeTA
Timeline
Applications open on October 27, 2025, but your flight to New Zealand must be on or after November 3, 2025. NZeTA cannot be used before November 3.
Application Methods
You can apply for an NZeTA via:
- NZeTA App for Apple devices
- NZeTA App for Android devices
- NZeTA website
Application Requirements
When applying, you must confirm that:
- You are in good health.
- You have good character.
- You have a genuine reason for visiting New Zealand.
- You have enough funds to cover your expenses.
- You have plans to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay.
Timing
You should request your NZeTA at least 72 hours before your travel date.
Traveller Declaration (NZTD)
Before arriving in New Zealand, travellers must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). This can be done online within 24 hours of departure.
The declaration asks for:
- Your travel details.
- Health and character declarations.
- Purpose of visit.
You can complete your NZTD on the official New Zealand immigration website.
Practical Benefits of the New Policy
For Travellers
- Simplified process — fewer visa applications and paperwork.
- Faster travel — the NZeTA application is quicker and can be done online.
- Multiple entries — ideal for frequent travellers between Australia and New Zealand.
For Pacific Nations
- Closer regional ties — easier travel supports cultural and family connections.
- Economic opportunities — increased travel boosts tourism and trade.
- Strengthened cooperation — builds stronger relationships between Pacific nations and New Zealand.
Challenges and Considerations
While the policy is a major step forward, there are some important things to keep in mind:
- Eligibility is limited — only certain Australian visas qualify.
- NZeTA conditions — you cannot work in New Zealand without a separate work visa.
- Trial period — this is a 12-month trial; changes could occur after the trial ends.
Step-by-Step Travel Guide for Pacific Passport Holders
Here’s how a typical journey would work under the new policy:
- Check your eligibility — confirm you hold a passport from a Pacific Islands Forum country and an eligible Australian visa.
- Apply for your NZeTA — at least 72 hours before departure.
- Complete the NZTD — up to 24 hours before departure.
- Board your flight — ensure your visa, NZeTA, and passport are valid.
- Arrival in New Zealand — immigration will confirm your status of residence for up to 3 months.
Why This Change Matters
This new policy is not just a travel convenience — it’s a strategic move for stronger Pacific relations. Travel between Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific nations is important for:
- Families who have members living in different countries.
- Businesses that rely on cross-border trade.
- Tourism that benefits local economies.
For Pacific Islanders, this change means fewer barriers, faster travel, and stronger ties with New Zealand.
FAQs
Q1: Can I work in New Zealand on an NZeTA? No, you cannot work for a New Zealand employer under the NZeTA program.
Q2: How long is the NZeTA valid? The NZeTA is generally valid for multiple visits over two years.
Q3: Do I need to carry proof of funds? Yes, you should be able to show you have enough funds to support your stay.
Q4: Can I extend my stay beyond 3 months? No, under the NZeTA rules, stays are limited to three months at a time.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s new visa-free travel scheme for Pacific passport holders coming from Australia represents a major step toward simplifying regional travel and strengthening ties. This change benefits travellers, businesses, and communities by removing unnecessary barriers and fostering closer relationships within the Pacific region.
By preparing ahead — ensuring you meet eligibility requirements, applying for your NZeTA in advance, and completing your NZTD — you can take full advantage of this exciting opportunity to travel between Australia and New Zealand with ease.
