Fijians and other passport holders from Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) countries who obtain a Visitor Visa will now be able to visit New Zealand multiple times within a 24-month period starting from July 6. This update comes from New Zealand Immigration, further facilitating travel for citizens of Fiji and other PIF countries including the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
The new visa policy allows recipients to stay in New Zealand for up to six months within any 12-month timeframe, or a maximum of nine months over an 18-month period. To be eligible for the Visitor Visa, applicants must meet the standard requirements, and may receive a shorter visa duration depending on the validity of their passport or any concerns raised during the application process.
Additionally, a new provision will allow passport holders from PIF countries who are traveling to New Zealand from Australia, provided they hold an appropriate visa, to travel visa-free for a trial period starting in November 2025. This initiative includes the ability to travel for up to three months using the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) instead of needing to apply for a traditional visa.
These changes reflect ongoing discussions and reforms aimed at enhancing travel and mobility for Pacific peoples, which has been a long-standing request from regional leaders. They signify New Zealand’s intent to strengthen ties with its Pacific neighbors while also facilitating easier access for tourism and cultural exchange.
This move is highly regarded as a positive step towards fostering greater ties within the Pacific region, presenting opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchange while addressing the long-term aspirations of the Pacific communities for increased mobility.
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