Exciting News: New Zealand Opens Visa-Free Travel for Pacific Islands Forum Countries (Pilot Program)

Starting November 03, 2025, travelers from Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) countries can now travel to New Zealand from Australia without needing a visa. This is a significant move to strengthen regional ties. However, travelers must secure the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and hold a valid, eligible Australian visa.

This new initiative allows for simpler and faster travel between Australia and New Zealand for eligible Pacific Islanders.

Visa-Free Travel: The One-Year Pilot Program

This visa-free travel initiative began as a limited pilot project. Currently, the program will run for one year. Significantly, travellers from the 12 PIF countries can stay in New Zealand for up to three months by simply applying for the NZeTA.

It is important to note that this initiative streamlines short-term visits. Furthermore, this arrangement does not permit employment in New Zealand.

Eligible Pacific Islands Forum Countries

This new travel arrangement applies to citizens holding valid passports from the following 12 PIF member states:

• The Federated States of Micronesia

• Fiji

• Kiribati

• Nauru

• Palau

• Papua New Guinea

• Republic of the Marshall Islands

• Samoa

• Solomon Islands

• Tonga

• Tuvalu

• Vanuatu

Note: Travellers from Niue and the Cook Islands already enjoy visa-free entry to New Zealand.

Key Requirements for Visa-Free Entry to New Zealand

Travellers from the eligible PIF countries can enter New Zealand without a standard visitor visa. However, they must meet specific, strict conditions:

1. Origin: They must be travelling to New Zealand directly from Australia.

2. Passport: They must hold a valid passport from one of the eligible Pacific Island Forum countries.

3. Australian Visa: They must possess an eligible Australian visa. This visa must be valid when they check in for their flight to New Zealand. Crucially, transit through Australia is not covered by this exemption.

4. NZeTA: They must have a valid NZeTA.

Eligible Australian Visas: Check Your Subclass

Not all Australian Visas qualify for this visa-free entry. Travellers must hold one of the specific Australian visa subclasses. Therefore, check your visa grant notification or use Australia’s VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) system to confirm your subclass number.

What is the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)?

The NZeTA is an online travel authorization. It is a mandatory requirement for citizens from visa-waiver countries and for many passengers transferring through Auckland International Airport.

Benefits of the NZeTA

With an NZeTA, you can:

• Travel to New Zealand without applying for a full visa.

• Stay in New Zealand for a maximum of 3 months at a time.

• Travel to New Zealand multiple times while the NZeTA is valid (Remember: you must travel from Australia each time).

• Transit through New Zealand for up to 24 hours.

Warning: If you arrive on an NZeTA for a visit, you cannot work for a New Zealand employer.

NZeTA Eligibility Criteria

To apply for and receive an NZeTA, you must meet basic entry criteria. For example, you must:

• Be in good health.

• Have a good character record.

• Have a genuine reason for visiting New Zealand.

• Have sufficient funds to pay for your expenses during your stay.

• Have concrete plans to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay.

How to Apply for Your NZeTA

The application process is simple and can be completed online.

• Application Method: You can request an NZeTA via the free NZeTA app (available on Apple and Android) or through the official Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website.

• Timeline: Request your NZeTA at least 72 hours before your intended travel date.

• Accuracy: Make sure all your information is correct. It must match the details on your valid passport. Double-check all details before submitting.

• Fees: Pay the required fees when submitting your request. Important: Select ‘submit’ only once to avoid being charged twice.

Traveller Declaration (NZTD)

Apart from the NZeTA, all travellers must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before arriving in New Zealand.

• You can complete the NZTD form online.

• You must submit the form 24 hours before your scheduled departure.

Final Thoughts: Stronger Regional Ties

This visa-free travel option is a significant diplomatic step. Ultimately, it allows for closer regional ties between Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. Furthermore, for eligible travellers, it provides a much simpler and faster way to explore New Zealand. There is no lengthy visa process—just the NZeTA and an eligible Australian visa. This move simplifies travel and strengthens community connections across the Pacific region.