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New Zealand Introduces Visa-Free Access for Pacific Island Travellers Transiting Through Australia

November 4, 2025 5:41 am

New Zealand Introduces Visa-Free Access for Pacific Island Travellers Transiting Through Australia

Great news awaits travelers from the Pacific Islands! Starting November 3, 2025, you can now journey to New Zealand from Australia without needing a visa. This new initiative streamlines travel, enabling short-term visits across the region. To take advantage of this opportunity, you only need a valid Australian visa and the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

Visa-Free Travel to New Zealand

This initiative launched as a pilot project and will last for one year. Eligible travelers can stay in New Zealand for up to three months by simply applying for the NZeTA. This change opens doors for exploration and cultural exchange, making it easier to experience all that New Zealand has to offer.

Eligible Countries

The visa-free travel option applies to citizens from the following 12 Pacific Islands Forum countries:

Federated States of Micronesia
Fiji
Kiribati
Nauru
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu

Notably, citizens of Niue and the Cook Islands can enter New Zealand without requiring a visa.

Requirements for Visa-Free Travel

While this new travel option is convenient, travelers must meet specific requirements:

Travel must originate from Australia.
Hold a valid passport from a Pacific Islands Forum country.
Possess a valid Australian visa at the time of check-in for flights to New Zealand (transiting through Australia does not qualify).
Obtain a valid NZeTA.

Eligible Australian Visas

Not all Australian visas qualify for this travel option. The following visas are acceptable:

Visitor Visa (600)
Work and Holiday (462)
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) (400)
eVisitor (651)
Working Holiday (417)
Student (500)
Temporary Graduate (485)
Training (407)
Student Guardian (590)
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (188)
And more…

Check your visa grant notification letter or use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service to verify your visa details.

Understanding the NZeTA

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is an online travel authorization required for certain travelers. It allows:

Visa-waiver citizens to visit New Zealand without a visa.
Multiple entries to New Zealand as long as you travel from Australia.
Transit through New Zealand for up to 24 hours.
However, remember that working for a New Zealand employer is not permitted under the NZeTA.

How to Apply for NZeTA

You can apply for an NZeTA through the free mobile app or the official INZ website. It’s essential to submit your application at least 72 hours before your trip. Ensure your details match your passport to avoid issues during your travel. Additionally, all travelers must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) online within 24 hours before their arrival.

Conclusion

This new visa-free travel option strengthens ties between Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. It simplifies the travel process, making it faster and easier for you to explore New Zealand’s beauty. With just an NZeTA and a valid Australian visa, you can embark on unforgettable adventures in New Zealand. Enjoy your travels!