New rules from New Zealand are making travel easier for many Pacific Island citizens. The new Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa option means people from Pacific Islands Forum countries can visit New Zealand more often, with clearer rules about how long they can stay. This matters for families, workers on short projects, people travelling for health or study reasons, and anyone who visits friends and family across the Tasman.

Below I explain the change in plain, friendly language — what the Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa is, who can use it, how long you can stay, what to do about the NZeTA, and practical tips so you don’t get stuck at the airport. I used official and trusted sources so you can feel confident about the facts. 

What exactly is a Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa?

A Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa lets you travel to New Zealand as many times as you need while the visa is still valid. Instead of applying for a new visa every trip, you apply once and can come and go during the visa’s life. For Pacific Island citizens this has been changed so the visa can be valid for 24 months — that is, two years of being able to visit repeatedly. This change starts from 6 July 2025. 

Who can get this change?

The update is for people from Pacific Islands Forum countries (for example Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and others). If you have a passport from one of these countries and you apply for a visitor visa, you may be issued a Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa that’s valid for 24 months. This is meant to help families, small business visitors, and people who travel often between the Pacific and New Zealand.

How long can I stay on each trip?

Even though your visa might let you come back many times for 24 months, the time you can spend in New Zealand follows sensible limits. You can stay up to six months in any 12-month period, and the rules also say no more than nine months in any 18-month period. That means you should keep track of your days so you don’t accidentally go over the allowed time. 

Why this change matters — real-life examples

Think of Sela from Samoa who has family in Auckland. Before this change, Sela might have had to apply for a new visa each time she wanted to visit for a wedding or tangi. Now she can apply once and visit multiple times during two years. Or think of a small contractor from Tonga who travels to help with short projects — less paperwork and more certainty can make life easier.

This change is not only convenient — it also shows that New Zealand wants to make travel with Pacific neighbours simpler and more family-friendly. The government says the move will strengthen ties and reduce time spent on visa forms and fees. 

Do I still need an NZeTA?

Some travellers do not need a visa but must request an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travelling. If you are visa-exempt you should request the NZeTA using the official NZeTA Application Form or the free app. If you already requested one, you can check your NZeTA Status online to confirm it is approved. Keep the confirmation email or reference number with you when you travel — airlines and border officers often ask for it. 

Simple step-by-step: how to apply

1. Check if you need a visa or an NZeTA. Use the government tool to learn which one applies to you.

2. If you need a Visitor Visa, apply online through Immigration New Zealand and upload the documents they ask for — proof of funds, purpose of visit, and return or onward travel plans. If approved, you may get the 24-month Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa.

3. If you are visa-exempt, fill out the NZeTA Application Form or use the NZeTA app. Save the confirmation.

4. Before travel, check your NZeTA Status (if relevant) and your visa status in Immigration Online. Bring printed or saved copies of these confirmations when you fly.

Common questions — clear answers

Q: Will I automatically get a Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa?
No — you must apply and meet visitor rules. If approved, and you are from a Pacific Islands Forum country, you may receive the 24-month multi-entry visa.

Q: Can I work or live in New Zealand with this visa?
No. The Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa is for visiting only. It does not let you work or settle. If you want to work or live, you must apply for the correct work or residence visa. 

Q: What happens if I stay too long?
Overstaying is serious. It can result in fines, removal, or future visa refusals. Track your days and follow the limits. If you’re unsure, contact Immigration New Zealand. 

Practical tips before you travel

• Apply early — give time for processing.

• Keep copies of your visa and NZeTA confirmation (email or screenshot).

• Use a calendar or app to count your days in New Zealand so you never go over six months in a 12-month period.

• If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before applying — a short passport can cause a shorter visa.

Final words

The Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa is a helpful change for many Pacific Island citizens. It cuts repeated paperwork and gives people the freedom to visit family, help with short work projects, or come for medical or study reasons without reapplying each time. Just remember the stay rules, keep your papers handy, and check your NZeTA Status or use the NZeTA Application Form when needed. With those steps done, travel will be less stressful and more about the people and reasons that matter.