NZ Reduces Visitor Visa Fees for Pacific Nationals to Boost Regional Connections

Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford jointly confirmed the changes, highlighting the government’s continued focus on deepening connections with Pacific communities.

New Zealand has announced a new set of measures aimed at strengthening its relationship with Pacific countries by making travel to the country more affordable and accessible for Pacific nationals. The initiative includes a temporary reduction in visitor visa fees and builds on a series of recent reforms designed to improve travel opportunities and mobility across the region.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford jointly confirmed the changes, highlighting the government’s continued focus on deepening connections with Pacific communities.

Lower Visitor Visa Fees from June 2026

Under the new policy, which will take effect on 1 June 2026, the cost of applying for a visitor visa for Pacific nationals will be reduced from NZD $216 to NZD $161. The reduced fee will apply to visas issued for a 12-month period.

According to Foreign Minister Winston Peters, the adjustment is part of New Zealand’s broader effort to make travel easier and more affordable for people from Pacific nations.

“This is a practical update to visitor visa settings that reduces cost, supports easier travel and helps strengthen the relationships that matter most,” Peters said while announcing the decision.

The government views the move as a way to encourage more travel between New Zealand and Pacific countries, which share long-standing cultural, economic and family ties.

Building on Earlier Visa Reforms

The newly announced reduction is part of a broader series of improvements already introduced to make the visitor visa system more accessible for Pacific travellers.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford explained that recent policy updates have already improved visa flexibility and processing efficiency.

Key earlier reforms include:

• Extended visa validity periods, increasing from one year to two years

• Multiple-entry visa options, allowing travellers to visit New Zealand more than once during the visa’s validity

• Faster visa processing times to reduce waiting periods

• New escalation processes to help applicants who need urgent travel arrangements

• A visa-free trial scheme for Pacific travellers entering New Zealand from Australia

“These updates make it easier and cheaper for Pacific visitors to come to New Zealand while ensuring the system remains clear, predictable and secure,” Stanford said.

The government hopes these combined measures will facilitate stronger people-to-people connections, family reunions, tourism growth, and economic engagement between New Zealand and Pacific nations.

Review Planned After One Year

Officials noted that the visa fee reduction is currently a temporary measure, and the government plans to review its impact after one year.

The evaluation will examine factors such as:

• The number of Pacific visitors travelling to New Zealand

• The effectiveness of reduced costs in improving accessibility

• Any administrative or immigration system impacts

Based on the review, the government will determine whether the lower fee should be continued, adjusted, or replaced with additional policy changes.

Further Details to Be Announced

Authorities said additional information about eligibility criteria, timelines, and implementation details will be released in the coming weeks.

Applicants seeking official updates can monitor announcements from Immigration New Zealand through its official website.

For more information, visit:https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/visitor-visa-fees-temporarily-reduced-for-pacific-nationals/

Media Contacts

• Winston Peters’ Office: John Tulloch – +64 21 868 943

• Erica Stanford’s Office: Michael van der Kwast – +64 21 875 347