New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford have announced further changes to visitor visa settings for Pacific people, making it more affordable for Pacific visitors to travel to New Zealand.
“From 01 June this year, the total cost of applying for a visitor visa for Pacific nationals will drop from $216 (US$127) to $161 (US$95), for a 12-month period, as part of New Zealand’s ongoing work to deepen Pacific connections,” Peters says.
“This is a practical update to visitor visa settings that reduces cost, supports easier travel and helps strengthen the relationships that matter most.”
“These updates build on earlier improvements, such as longer visa durations – from one year to two years with multiple entries – along with reduced processing times, new escalation processes to support urgent travel, and the current visa‑free trial for Pacific travellers coming from Australia,” Stanford says.
“Together, these changes make it easier and cheaper for Pacific visitors to come to New Zealand, while ensuring the system remains clear, predictable and secure. The Government will review the impacts in a year’s time, before deciding what happens next.”
Further details on eligibility and timing will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
