New Zealand eases travel rules for Pacific Islands visitors

Travel to New Zealand set to become easier for Pacific Islands Forum members 

The New Zealand Government has announced new immigration measures aimed at improving travel conditions for people of the Pacific Islands Forum. These changes include longer visitor visa validity periods and a 12-month trial starting in November 2025 of visa-free travel for eligible individuals travelling from Australia.

Extended Visitor Visa validity and travel flexibility 

Effective from 6 July 2025, those granted a Visitor Visa from any Pacific Islands Forum country will be permitted to enter New Zealand multiple times across a 24-month period. During this time, visitors can remain in New Zealand for up to 6 months within any 12-month timeframe, and for no more than 9 months within an 18-month period.  

While these changes enhance travel flexibility, applicants will still need to meet standard Visitor Visa requirements. In certain cases, a shorter visa may be issued if concerns arise regarding passport validity or other individual circumstances. 

Visa-free travel trial for eligible Australian visa holders 

Beginning in November 2025, New Zealand will pilot a visa-free entry arrangement for Pacific Islands Forum members travelling directly from Australia. Under this arrangement, individuals holding a valid Australian Visitor Visa, Student Visa, Work Visa, or Family Visa will be able to enter New Zealand for up to three months without applying for a New Zealand visa, provided they obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). 

This visa-free access applies only to those travelling directly from Australia and excludes passengers transiting through Australia. 

NZeTA simplifies short-term entry 

Until the visa-free trial begins in November, Pacific Island travellers must continue to apply for the appropriate visas to enter New Zealand. Once the trial is implemented, eligible travellers will be able to enter for short visits using an NZeTA, without needing to complete the full visa application process. 

Eligible Pacific Islands Forum countries 

The updated travel measures apply to nationals of the following Pacific Islands Forum members: 

• Federated States of Micronesia 

• Fiji 

• Kiribati 

• Nauru 

• Palau 

• Papua New Guinea 

• Republic of the Marshall Islands 

• Samoa 

• Solomon Islands 

• Tonga 

• Tuvalu 

• Vanuatu 

How Absolute Immigration NZ can support Pacific travellers 

As immigration requirements evolve, navigating visa and NZeTA eligibility can be complex. At Absolute Immigration NZ, we’re here to help Pacific Islands visitors understand their options, whether applying for a Visitor Visa or preparing for the upcoming visa-free trial from Australia. 

Get in touch with our team of immigration experts at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com for tailored advice and assistance.