New Zealand is piloting a streamlined entry route that lets eligible Pacific Islands Forum citizens and Chinese passport holders resident in Australia travel to New Zealand from Australia without a traditional visa — provided they hold an NZeTA and a qualifying Australian visa. Read this quick guide to confirm if you qualify and what to prepare.

What is the NZeTA?

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a digital travel authorisation — not a visa — required for certain visitors (including visa-waiver nationals and some transit passengers at Auckland Airport). It’s granted online, valid for two years, and allows multiple entries.

• Apply online: form, security questions, photo upload, pay the fee (includes IVL).
• Per visit allowance: up to 3 months. Transit: up to 24 hours.

How the Pilot Works (Quick)

1. Travel directly from Australia to New Zealand.
2. Hold a passport from a Pacific Islands Forum country or China.
3. Carry a qualifying Australian visa (approved list).
4. Have an approved NZeTA (apply from Oct 27, 2025).

Easier Access for Pacific Islanders

From Nov 3, 2025, citizens of these Pacific nations can travel visa-free from Australia to New Zealand with an NZeTA and eligible Australian visa:

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

What About Chinese Passport Holders?

Also from Nov 3, 2025, Chinese nationals resident in Australia who hold both a qualifying Australian visa and an NZeTA can enter New Zealand without a separate visa. Furthermore, from Oct 27, 2025, Chinese passport holders can transit Auckland Airport on an NZeTA — no separate Transit Visa required.

Eligibility & Applicant Requirements

• Be in good health and meet character requirements.
• Have a legitimate reason for visit, sufficient funds, and onward/return travel.
• Hold one of the accepted Australian visas (business, skilled, family/partner, work/holiday, student/guardian, visitor, etc.).

For the full list of approved Australian visas and up-to-date eligibility detail consult the official New Zealand Immigration guidance.

🔗 Official — New Zealand Immigration

Before You Fly — Practical Checklist

• Apply for NZeTA at least 72 hours before departure.
• Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) within 24 hours before your flight.
• Carry your passport, Australian visa, proof of funds, and onward/return ticket.

Why This Matters

This pilot could deepen travel, trade, and cultural ties between New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and China while making short-term travel far more frictionless for eligible travellers. If the pilot succeeds, NZ may broaden the program — potentially unlocking easier movement for more people.