Samoans are excited and optimistic about New Zealand’s new immigration changes, which allow Pacific Island citizens to be issued a two-year multiple-entry visa.

The changes, which came into effect on 6 July 2025, have sparked positive responses from families across the region who often face challenges visiting their loved ones in Aotearoa.

"I really hope this has already started, since it’s the 10th of July now. It would be amazing to see our families make the most of it straight away—especially with all the travel plans people have coming up!" said Lagi.

Under the new policy, people from Pacific Islands Forum countries granted a Visitor Visa can now enter New Zealand multiple times within a 24-month period. They will be allowed to stay for a total of six months in any 12 months, and no more than nine months in 18 months. All travellers must still meet the standard visa requirements.

"Wow, this is such great news! It’ll be so much easier for us to visit family in New Zealand without all the stress of applying for a visa each time,” said Tasi, reflecting the relief shared by many who travel regularly to reconnect with relatives.

Mika, a New Zealand resident currently living in Samoa with his family, echoed the sentiment: "This is a positive move. Living here in Samoa with my family, I’ve seen how hard it can be for our relatives to come over for important events. These changes will make it much easier for our loved ones to visit us in Aotearoa without all the usual visa headaches. It's about time!"

Further easing of travel will begin in November 2025, when passport holders from Pacific Islands Forum countries travelling from Australia can enter New Zealand visa-free for up to three months, provided they have a valid Australian visitor, work, student, or family visa and an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). This one-year trial will not apply to those transiting through Australia.

Until then, Pacific travellers are reminded that current visa requirements still apply.

The Pacific Islands Forum countries include: the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

More details are expected to be released in the coming months.