The New Zealand Government is improving immigration settings for visitors from Pacific Islands Forum countries, making it easier and more flexible to travel here. These changes, which begin rolling out from the 6th July 2025, reflect a commitment to strengthening regional ties and simplifying travel for Pacific communities. From 6 July 2025, individuals from Pacific Islands Forum nations who are granted a visitor visa will benefit from more generous visa terms: They will be able to enter New Zealand multiple times over a 24-month period. During that time, they can stay for up to 6 months in any 12-month period, with an absolute limit of 9 months in any 18-month period. These changes apply only to new visas issued on or after 6 July 2025. Existing visas granted before this date remain unchanged. While the improved conditions provide greater flexibility, applicants will still need to meet the usual visitor visa requirements. A shorter visa may be issued in cases where a passport is close to expiring or where other concerns exist. Visa-free travel In a further boost, a 12-month visa-free travel trial will begin in November 2025 for those travelling to New Zealand from Australia. This trial allows passport holders from Pacific Islands Forum countries to travel to New Zealand from Australia without applying for a visa, provided they meet certain conditions: They must hold a valid Australian visitor, work, student, or family visa. They must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before arrival. They can stay in New Zealand for up to 3 months at a time. This trial does not apply to people transiting through Australia, and those travelling under a transit visa will still need to apply for a New Zealand visitor visa. Who Qualifies? The changes apply to citizens of the following 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 More information and guidance on the new visa settings and visa-free travel trial will be released in the coming months. In the meantime, Pacific travellers are encouraged to continue applying for the appropriate visas until the changes come into effect. Have any questions? Get in touch with our team today! You can find more information on the Immigration New Zealand website.
