Fijians will soon no longer need a transit visa when travelling through New Zealand.
This announcement follows a meeting between New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Fijian counterpart, Sitiveni Rabuka.
During his first official visit to Fiji since becoming PM, Luxon stated that this move demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to Fiji and highlights the value placed on their bilateral relationship. He noted that many Fijian nationals travel through New Zealand to reach various destinations across the Pacific and the globe.
Luxon mentioned that they expect this change to have a positive economic impact on the region.
The New Zealand PM explained that Fijian nationals will be able to transit New Zealand with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), similar to citizens of many other Pacific countries.
“New Zealand Cabinet has agreed to lift the transit visa requirement for Fijians travelling through NZ and instead Fijian nationals will be able to transit via NZ with our standard eTA. NZ as you know is a significant transit hub for Pacific travelers including Fijians and the removal of those requirements will significantly reduce the barriers for regional travel facilitating regional integration and reducing the barriers for businesses and other Pacific countries many of whom rely on Fijian labour and connections.”
Work to implement this change is still underway, including adjustments to immigration regulations, and is expected to be completed in the coming months.
In the meantime, Fiji nationals transiting through New Zealand will still need a Transit Visa.
Once the transit visa waiver is implemented, Fiji nationals will need to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to transit New Zealand.
Fiji nationals intending to visit, study, or work in New Zealand will still need to apply for the appropriate visa.
The fee for an NZeTA is NZ$23 for online applications, or NZ$17 if using the free app. NZeTA requests are processed within 72 hours and are valid for two years.