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Pacific visitor visa fees will be reduced from June as the Government moves to make travel to New Zealand more affordable for Pacific nationals.
Foreign minister Winston Peters and immigration minister Erica Stanford announced the change, which will see the total cost of applying for a visitor visa fall from $216 to $161.
The reduced fee will apply for a 12-month period from Sunday, June 1, 2026.
Peters says the change is intended to strengthen connections between New Zealand and Pacific nations.
“From 1 June this year, the total cost of applying for a visitor visa for Pacific nationals will drop from $216 to $161, for a 12-month period, as part of New Zealand’s ongoing work to deepen Pacific connections,” he says.
“This is a practical update to visitor visa settings that reduces cost, supports easier travel and helps strengthen the relationships that matter most.”
Stanford says the change builds on earlier updates to visa settings for Pacific travellers.
“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.”
Erica says the Government will review the policy after 12 months.
“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.”
Further details on eligibility and timing are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
