Get ready for a warm Kiwi welcome like never before! In a game-changing announcement, New Zealand is throwing open its doors wider for Pacific Islanders with a fresh wave of immigration changes that are set to roll out from July and November 2025. And the best part? Multiple entries, extended stays, and visa-free travel—yes, you read that right!
More Trips, Less Hassle – New Visitor Visa Settings
Starting 6 July 2025, travellers from Pacific Islands Forum countries who are granted a Visitor Visa can now:
- Enter New Zealand multiple times within a 24-month period
- Stay for up to 6 months in any 12-month period (and no more than 9 months in an 18-month period)
This is a major win for families, businesses, and cultural ties across the Pacific. While visa requirements will still apply—including standard checks and passport validity—this update brings flexibility and freedom never seen before.
Visa-Free Travel From Australia – A Groundbreaking Trial Begins!
Hold on—there’s more! A 12-month visa-free travel trial is kicking off in November 2025. If you’re from a Pacific Islands Forum country and you’re already in Australia on a valid visitor, work, student, or family visa, you’ll be able to:
- Skip the traditional visa process
- Simply apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to visit Aotearoa for up to 3 months
Note: This doesn’t apply to people just transiting through Australia.
Who’s In? Here’s the Full Pacific Islands Forum Country List:
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
What’s Next?
These changes mark a bold step forward in strengthening New Zealand’s bond with its Pacific neighbours. Keep an eye out—more details will be released in the coming months as implementation draws near.
Ready your passport, check your travel documents, and start dreaming—because New Zealand is opening its doors wider than ever for Pacific whānau.