New Zealand to Ease Entry Rules for Pacific Islanders and Chinese Citizens

New Zealand facilitates entry for Pacific residents and Chinese citizens

Starting November 3, 2025, New Zealand will launch a one-year pilot project that allows citizens of several Pacific island states and Chinese travelers with a valid Australian visa to enter the country without a separate visa. Only a valid NZeTA and an Australian visa are required.

The innovation applies to citizens of the member states of the Pacific Islands Forum (Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Fiji) as well as for Chinese citizens who enter directly from Australia. In addition to tourist travel, the regulation also affects transit stays: From the end of October, Chinese travelers can use the NZeTA instead of a transit visa for transfers at Auckland International Airport.

To make use of the new regulation, travelers must apply for their NZeTA in advance, submit the online declaration NZTD at least 24 hours before departure, and meet the purpose of travel and standard requirements for safety and health. It is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before the trip.

The initiative aims to facilitate mobility between New Zealand, Australia, China, and the Pacific island states while simultaneously promoting economic and cultural relations. After completing the pilot project, authorities will decide on a possible expansion.

What is the NZeTA?

The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is an electronic entry authorization for New Zealand, introduced for citizens of visa-free states as well as for transit travelers.

Key features:

• Validity period: 2 years with multiple entries;
• each stay may last up to 90 days;
• the mandatory fee also includes the Tourism and Environmental Protection Tax IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy);
• also required for transit travelers through Auckland Airport if the stay lasts several hours.

Important: The NZeTA is not a visa in the conventional sense. It is a digital authorization that confirms the right of entry in advance. Without NZeTA, airlines do not allow passengers on flights to New Zealand.