Palau Joins Fiji, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea And More In Simplifying Regional Travel To New Zealand With New Visa-Free Access For Pacific Islands Citizens

Published on November 5, 2025

Palau joins Fiji, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea, and more in a groundbreaking visa-free travel agreement with New Zealand, enhancing regional mobility and tourism by allowing citizens from Pacific Islands Forum countries to travel to New Zealand with just an NZeTA and a valid Australian visa. This new initiative, effective from November 3, 2025, simplifies the travel process, eliminating the need for traditional visas and opening up greater opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism, and economic collaboration between the Pacific Islands and New Zealand.

The Pacific Islands have long been known for their natural beauty, rich cultures, and welcoming communities. As the world increasingly focuses on fostering deeper regional ties, a new visa-free travel initiative between New Zealand and 12 Pacific Islands Forum countries is set to transform travel and tourism in the region. With the announcement that citizens from countries like Palau, Fiji, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea, and others will now be able to travel to New Zealand without a visa, the Pacific Islands are witnessing a significant step forward in enhancing regional mobility. This visa-free travel agreement, which began as a pilot project on November 3, 2025, marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the bonds between the Pacific Islands and New Zealand.

A New Era for Regional Travel: Visa-Free Access for Pacific Islands Forum Countries

New Zealand has always been a popular travel destination for residents of the Pacific Islands, and now, with the introduction of the visa-free travel policy, the process has become simpler and more accessible. The new policy is part of a 12-month pilot project, allowing citizens from 12 Pacific Islands Forum countries to travel to New Zealand without the hassle of applying for a traditional visa. Instead, travellers are only required to obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), in addition to a valid Australian visa.

For the first time, residents of countries such as Palau, Fiji, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and others will enjoy easier access to New Zealand, where they can stay for up to three months at a time. This new initiative opens doors to greater regional tourism and facilitates smoother travel, particularly for those looking to explore New Zealand’s scenic beauty or engage in business and educational pursuits.

Eligible Countries and the NZeTA Requirement

The countries included in the visa-free travel agreement are members of the Pacific Islands Forum, a regional intergovernmental organization that includes some of the Pacific’s most vibrant island nations. The 12 countries eligible for visa-free travel to New Zealand are:

• Palau
• Fiji
• Tuvalu
• Papua New Guinea
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Tonga
• Kiribati
• Vanuatu
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Nauru
• Republic of the Marshall Islands

It is important to note that citizens from Niue and the Cook Islands already enjoy unrestricted entry to New Zealand without the need for a visa. For all other Pacific Islands Forum citizens, however, the requirement now is to obtain an NZeTA and a valid Australian visa before traveling to New Zealand. This is part of a broader push to create a more cohesive and accessible Pacific region, promoting travel and strengthening economic ties.

Requirements for Visa-Free Travel

While the visa-free travel initiative simplifies the entry process, there are still key requirements for travellers to meet. For citizens of the eligible Pacific Islands Forum countries, here are the basic requirements:

1. Travel Must Be From Australia: To qualify for the visa-free travel arrangement, travellers must be arriving in New Zealand directly from Australia. This condition ensures that only those who have valid Australian visas will benefit from the simplified process.
2. Valid Passport: Travellers must possess a valid passport from one of the Pacific Islands Forum countries. The passport must meet New Zealand’s entry requirements for international visitors.
3. Valid Australian Visa: The traveller must hold an eligible Australian visa at the time of boarding their flight to New Zealand. The Australian visa cannot be for transit purposes; it must be a valid visa allowing entry into Australia.
4. New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA): In addition to the valid Australian visa, travellers must apply for and obtain an NZeTA. This is an online travel authorization required for entering New Zealand, and it can be obtained through the official New Zealand Immigration website or via a mobile app. It is an easy-to-use, digital system that requires the traveller to submit basic personal details and travel information.
5. Traveller Declaration: All travellers, regardless of their country of origin, must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) online, no later than 24 hours before their departure for New Zealand. This form helps ensure that all travel details are properly recorded and processed.

Eligible Australian Visas for Pacific Islands Forum Citizens

It’s important to note that not all Australian visas are eligible for the New Zealand visa-free travel program. For those travelling from Australia to New Zealand, the following Australian visa types are eligible:

• Visitor Visa (600)
• Work and Holiday Visa (462)
• Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (400)
• eVisitor Visa (651)
• Working Holiday Visa (417)
• Student Visa (500)
• Temporary Graduate Visa (485)
• Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (491)

These are just some of the qualifying Australian visa subclasses. Travellers should confirm their eligibility by checking the visa subclass number listed on their visa grant notification letter or by using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.

What Is the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)?

The NZeTA is a digital authorization system that makes it easier for international visitors to travel to New Zealand. It is a quick and simple way for travelers from eligible countries to obtain permission to enter New Zealand without the need for a full visa application. For those who have an eligible Australian visa, the NZeTA serves as a straightforward and efficient means of travel authorization.

Travellers with an NZeTA can stay in New Zealand for up to three months at a time, and they may also transit through the country for up to 24 hours. The NZeTA is valid for multiple visits during its term, which generally lasts for up to two years. However, it is important to remember that the NZeTA does not permit the traveller to work for a New Zealand employer while visiting the country.

How to Apply for NZeTA

Applying for an NZeTA is simple and can be done online or via the NZeTA app. Here’s how to apply:

1. Download the NZeTA App or visit the official New Zealand Immigration website to submit the application.
2. Complete the Application: The form requires basic personal information, travel details, and passport information. Ensure all details are accurate and match the passport being used for travel.
3. Submit and Pay: After submitting the application, travelers must pay the processing fee. Make sure to submit the request at least 72 hours before the planned departure to ensure it is processed on time.
4. Wait for Approval: Once approved, travellers will receive their NZeTA via email, and they can proceed to travel to New Zealand.

Economic and Tourism Benefits of the New Visa-Free Travel Agreement

This groundbreaking visa-free travel initiative not only benefits travellers but also has a significant impact on the tourism and economic landscapes of both New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. The simplification of travel procedures encourages greater tourism flows between New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, leading to mutual benefits for both regions.

For New Zealand, the enhanced accessibility is expected to increase tourism numbers, particularly from the Pacific Islands, which is an important tourism market. Tourists from the Pacific Islands bring diverse cultural influences, contributing to the rich, multicultural fabric of New Zealand.

Meanwhile, the Pacific Islands also stand to gain from the increased movement of people, which can foster stronger economic ties and business opportunities. Many Pacific Islands rely heavily on tourism as a primary economic driver, and the ability for their citizens to travel more easily to New Zealand opens up new opportunities for cross-border tourism initiatives, partnerships, and investments.

The introduction of visa-free travel between New Zealand and the Pacific Islands Forum countries is a momentous step towards closer regional cooperation. The ease with which travellers can now visit New Zealand opens up new horizons for tourism and fosters stronger economic and cultural ties between the Pacific Islands and New Zealand.

This initiative is not just about simplifying the travel process; it represents a broader vision of increased collaboration and connectivity within the Pacific region. By making travel easier, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands are setting the stage for a more interconnected and prosperous future, where regional tourism is accessible to all.

Palau joins Fiji, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea, and more in a groundbreaking visa-free travel agreement with New Zealand, making it easier for citizens of Pacific Islands Forum countries to visit New Zealand with just an NZeTA and an Australian visa. This initiative simplifies travel, boosting tourism and strengthening regional ties.

As the world continues to change, initiatives like this one will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of travel in the Pacific region. Whether for business, leisure, or education, the new visa-free travel agreement will make exploring New Zealand from the Pacific Islands more accessible than ever before.