New Zealand on 19 November launched a 12-month trial allowing citizens of Pacific Islands Forum countries who hold a valid Australian visa to enter New Zealand for up to three months using only an NZeTA instead of a visitor visa, provided they fly directly from Australia.
The initiative simplifies short-term family, cultural and business travel across the Tasman and is aimed at deepening regional mobility ties. Eligible travellers include citizens of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and eight other island nations.
![NZeTA trial lets Pacific passport holders travel from Australia to New Zealand visa-free]()
For companies employing Pacific nationals on Australian work visas—particularly in agriculture and aged-care sectors—the change removes a layer of red tape for training trips and cross-border client meetings in Auckland or Wellington.
Australian airports expect a modest uplift in trans-Tasman traffic. Travel-management firms are advising Pacific workers to apply for the NZeTA at least 72 hours before departure and to carry evidence of their Australian visa grant.
Immigration New Zealand will assess the trial’s impact on border throughput and could make the arrangement permanent if compliance is high.
The initiative simplifies short-term family, cultural and business travel across the Tasman and is aimed at deepening regional mobility ties. Eligible travellers include citizens of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and eight other island nations.
For companies employing Pacific nationals on Australian work visas—particularly in agriculture and aged-care sectors—the change removes a layer of red tape for training trips and cross-border client meetings in Auckland or Wellington.
Australian airports expect a modest uplift in trans-Tasman traffic. Travel-management firms are advising Pacific workers to apply for the NZeTA at least 72 hours before departure and to carry evidence of their Australian visa grant.
Immigration New Zealand will assess the trial’s impact on border throughput and could make the arrangement permanent if compliance is high.
