From 3 November 2025, New Zealand will make it easier for citizens of China and the Pacific Islands to enter the country through the NZeTA program. Learn more about the new rules

Starting November 3, 2025, New Zealand will introduce new visa-free entry schemes designed to make travel easier for Chinese citizens and Pacific Islanders residing in Australia. The move marks one of the country’s most significant border updates in recent years — aiming to strengthen regional ties, promote tourism, and simplify short-term travel between the Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand.

The 12-month pilot will allow eligible travellers to enter New Zealand without a traditional visa, provided they hold a valid New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and an eligible Australian visa.

Read more about the NZeTA policy changes in this article.

Before heading to New Zealand, travellers are strongly encouraged to secure reliable medical insurance. While not mandatory for short-term visits, comprehensive coverage can protect against unexpected health issues, flight delays, or emergency repatriation costs.

Visit World experts remind travellers that even minor incidents abroad can lead to significant expenses without proper insurance. A quality policy ensures peace of mind and smoother travel experiences.

What Is the NZeTA?

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a digital travel authorisation that streamlines border entry for visitors from visa-waiver countries and those transiting through Auckland International Airport.

Travellers simply apply online, upload a passport photo, answer brief security questions, and pay the required fee – which includes the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. Once approved, an NZeTA is valid for two years and allows:

- Multiple entries into New Zealand;

- Stays of up to three months at a time;

- Transit through New Zealand for up to 24 hours.

While it’s not a visa, travellers who require it cannot board a flight without one. This system has been in place since 2019, and the upcoming pilot project builds upon its success.

Read in this article, NZeTA - what kind of permit it is, which categories of travelers must apply for it, and what is the current procedure for obtaining the document.

Who will be able to travel visa-free to New Zealand from November 3, 2025?

From November 3, 2025, citizens of Pacific Islands Forum member countries and Chinese nationals residing in Australia will be able to enter New Zealand visa-free under the NZeTA pilot scheme.

The change is part of New Zealand’s effort to deepen cooperation across the Pacific and facilitate easier people-to-people connections — particularly among families, seasonal workers, and students who frequently travel between the three regions.

Easier Entry for Pacific Islanders

For a 12-month trial, citizens of the following Pacific nations can travel from Australia to New Zealand without applying for a visitor visa:

Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Eligible travellers will need to:

- Apply for an NZeTA (applications open October 27, 2025);

- Hold a valid Australian visa from the approved list;

- Travel directly from Australia;

- Present a valid passport;

- Meet standard entry requirements (good health, sufficient funds, return ticket).

They will be permitted to stay in New Zealand for up to three months per visit under this new arrangement.

Visa-Free Access for Chinese Citizens in Australia

Chinese passport holders will also gain access to the 12-month pilot, allowing them to travel from Australia to New Zealand without a visa, provided they:

- Hold a valid Australian visa (temporary, student, skilled, or family category);

- Obtain an approved NZeTA;

- Depart directly from Australia.

Additionally, from October 27, 2025, Chinese travellers can transit through Auckland International Airport with only an NZeTA – eliminating the previous requirement for a separate Transit Visa.

This policy is expected to make New Zealand more accessible to thousands of Chinese nationals currently living, studying, or working in Australia.

Holders of which Australian visas can obtain an NZeTA to New Zealand

The scheme applies to a broad range of visa types, including:

- Work and Skilled visas: Business Innovation and Investment (EB188), Skilled Regional (PS491), Temporary Graduate (VC485), and others.

- Family and Partner visas: Partner (UK820), Prospective Marriage (TO300), Sponsored Parent (GH870).

- Student and Guardian visas: Student (TU500), Student Guardian (TU590).

- Visitor visas: Visitor (FA600), eVisitor (TV651).

- Retirement and Investor visas: Investor Retirement (UY405).

A full list of eligible Australian visa subclasses is available via New Zealand’s immigration authorities.

What NZeTA requirements still apply?

Even under the new rules, travellers must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) within 24 hours before departure. This online form includes essential information on customs, health, and security.

Authorities recommend submitting NZeTA applications at least 72 hours before travel to prevent any last-minute delays, though most approvals are processed quickly.

All travellers must still meet standard immigration conditions, including:

- Being in good health and of good character;

- Holding valid travel insurance;

- Having sufficient funds for their stay;

- Presenting onward or return flight details.

Why are the changes to the NZeTA important?

New Zealand’s decision is widely viewed as a strategic step to strengthen mobility across the Pacific region and to encourage more visitors from China – one of the country’s largest tourism markets before the pandemic.

By extending visa-free privileges to Pacific Islanders and Chinese citizens based in Australia, New Zealand is recognising the economic and cultural ties that bind these communities. The move may also support Pacific labour mobility and boost tourism revenue.

If successful, this pilot could become a permanent policy, further aligning travel rules between New Zealand and Australia – and potentially setting the stage for broader visa harmonisation across the region.

How to prepare for a trip to New Zealand?

For Pacific and Chinese travellers joining the new scheme, preparation will be key. Immigration authorities recommend:

- Applying for an NZeTA early;

- Ensuring your Australian visa remains valid;

- Double-checking travel dates and documentation;

- Completing the NZTD within 24 hours before flying.

With these steps complete, visitors can enjoy faster entry and a more seamless border experience.

Understanding the intersection of Australian, New Zealand, and Pacific migration rules can be complex – especially during a pilot program. If you’re unsure whether your visa qualifies, how to apply for an NZeTA, or what documentation to prepare, it’s worth consulting with a migration specialist.

Visit World’s migration experts offer personalised assistance for travellers, students, and professionals planning to move between Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific region. They help with:

- Visa eligibility assessments;

- NZeTA and NZTD application support;

- Guidance on work, study, and residence options in New Zealand;

- Comprehensive travel and relocation planning.

With professional advice, you can confidently navigate the evolving immigration framework and make the most of the new opportunities New Zealand’s pilot offers.

New Zealand’s expansion of visa-free travel through the NZeTA program marks a new chapter in regional mobility. For Chinese citizens and Pacific Islanders in Australia, it opens doors to easier, faster, and more affordable travel – while reinforcing New Zealand’s role as a welcoming hub for tourism, education, and cultural exchange.

As the world continues to reopen, this forward-looking policy signals New Zealand’s commitment to connection and cooperation across the Pacific — one e-authorization at a time.

Let's remind! South Africa is moving to a digital border control format. Read here everything about the new electronic travel authorization (ETA) system: launch dates, implementation stages, registration rules and key benefits for tourists and business travelers.

Photo by Freepik

---

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

---

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.