New Zealand updates visa rules for Pacific Islands Forum citizens, making travel easier from July 2025.
New Zealand has announced significant changes to its immigration settings, making it easier for citizens of Pacific Islands Forum countries to visit the country. The changes were revealed by Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Peters and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, as part of a broader initiative to strengthen ties with the Pacific region.
From 6 July 2025, citizens of Pacific Islands Forum countries granted a Visitor Visa will be eligible for multi-entry access for up to 24 months, a marked improvement from the current 12-month limit. Under the new rules, visitors will be able to stay in New Zealand for up to six months in any 12-month period, with a cap of nine months within an 18-month period. Visitors will still be required to meet standard visa requirements, but in cases of passport expiration or other concerns, a shorter visa may be issued.
In addition, a 12-month trial beginning in November 2025 will allow citizens of Pacific Islands Forum countries to travel visa-free from Australia to New Zealand if they hold a valid Australian visitor, work, student, or family visa. Instead of applying for a separate New Zealand visa, travellers will only need to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), which will allow them to stay in New Zealand for up to three months. This trial excludes people transiting through Australia.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed New Zealand’s commitment to the Pacific region, stating, “We deeply value our Pacific relationships. Being able to visit New Zealand to connect with family and friends is an important part of this.” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford noted that the new policy would simplify the travel process for Pacific visitors, significantly reducing costs and time.
“These flexible and nuanced solutions ensure we have a stable and predictable immigration system,” said Stanford. “These changes are a tangible step to increase the connection between New Zealand and the Pacific, and we look forward to discussing our connections further when Pacific Islands Forum leaders meet in Solomon Islands in September.”
The changes will apply to the following Pacific Islands Forum countries: the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
The New Zealand government says more details and guidance for applicants will be made available in the coming months.
