What the Changes Mean for Pacific Passport Holders

From November 2025, if you hold a passport from one of the Pacific Islands Forum countries and an eligible Australian visa, you can travel directly to New Zealand with just an NZeTA. No separate visa application will be necessary.

With an NZeTA you can:

  1. Stay in New Zealand for up to three months at a time
  2. Travel multiple times while your NZeTA is valid (must always be departing from Australia)
  3. Transit through New Zealand for up to 24 hours

Loading reader polls…

Note: An NZeTA does not permit you to work for a New Zealand employer.

Requirements for Pacific Visitors

To qualify for this arrangement, you must:

  1. Be travelling from Australia
  2. Hold a passport from a Pacific Islands Forum country
  3. Possess an eligible Australian visa that is valid at the time of check-in
  4. Have a valid NZeTA
Eligible Australian Visas

A wide range of Australian visas are accepted under this trial. Examples include:

  1. Working Holiday (TZ417)
  2. Student (TU500)
  3. Visitor (FA600)
  4. Temporary Graduate (VC485)
  5. Skilled Regional (SP489)
  6. Partner (UF309 / UK820)

If you already hold one of the approved visas, you can apply for an NZeTA and be ready to travel from 3 November 2025.

Pacific Islands Forum Countries Included

The new arrangements apply to citizens of:

  1. Federated States of Micronesia
  2. Fiji
  3. Kiribati
  4. Nauru
  5. Palau
  6. Papua New Guinea
  7. Republic of the Marshall Islands
  8. Samoa
  9. Solomon Islands
  10. Tonga
  11. Tuvalu
  12. Vanuatu
How to Apply for an NZeTA

Applications for an NZeTA open on 27 October 2025. Although you can apply from this date, you can only use it for travel starting on 3 November 2025.

Ways to apply: You can apply from

  1. The Official NZeTA mobile appOr
  2. Through the NZeTA website

Make sure to apply at least 72 hours before travelling to avoid delays or other complications.

Traveller Declaration

In addition to NZeTA, you will also need to fill a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). This needs to be completed online 24 hours before your departure and note that this is a compulsory requirement for all passengers entering New Zealand.

The Importance Of The Matter

This movement is an important step in providing the necessary support to Pacific communities, this will make it easier for families, students and professionals to travel between Australia and New Zealand hassle free.

SH MCC
About the author

SH MCC

SH MCC brings together independent writers contributing to the Students Herald editorial team. Our coverage explores international education, student experiences, institutions, education agencies and the developments shaping study opportunities. Each contributor brings an individual perspective to stories prepared for Students Herald readers.