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If you’re planning travel Australia to New Zealand, you may have heard about a new trial that makes short visits easier for some people. This change means that certain travellers departing Australia can enter New Zealand without applying for a traditional travel visa. Instead, they can use a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) — or in some cases travel visa-free — for short stays. This guide explains who is eligible, what checks to expect, and exactly how to prepare so your trip goes smoothly.

What exactly is the trial?

In simple words: New Zealand started a 12-month trial so some people leaving Australia to New Zealand do not need a full visitor visa. Instead, eligible travellers from certain countries can request an NZeTA or, under the trial rules, be treated as visa-free for a short stay (usually up to three months). The goal is to make travel faster and friendlier while keeping border safety checks.

Who can use this visa-free route?

The trial is targeted and not for everyone. The main groups who can benefit are:

• People with a Chinese passport who are leaving Australia to New Zealand, and who hold a valid, eligible Australian visa when they check in. Under the trial they can travel with an NZeTA instead of applying for a visitor visa.
  
• Passport holders from certain Pacific Island Forum countries who are travelling from Australia and have an eligible Australian visa. They may also use the NZeTA route as part of the trial.
  
• Non-Australian residents who live in Australia (for example students or temporary workers) — if you’re not an Australian citizen you usually need an NZeTA unless your nationality is visa-exempt. Australian citizens with an Australian passport normally do NOT need an NZeTA.
  

Key point: the trial only applies when you depart from Australia. Simply transiting through Australia does not count.

What checks will immigration make?

Even if you come from a covered country, immigration officers will still check:

• Your passport and the type of Australian visa you hold. The Australian visa must be valid when you check in for your flight.
  
• Health and character — officers may refuse entry if there are serious health concerns or certain criminal records.
  
• Purpose and length of stay — the NZeTA or visa-free route is for short visits: tourism, seeing family, or short business trips. It is NOT usually for working or studying.
  
• Proof you can support yourself and that you plan to leave — show return tickets, money for the stay, or a plan to continue travel.
  

These checks are standard. Think of them as the border asking: “Is this person here for a short, genuine visit?” If yes, the trial helps; if not, you may need a visitor visa.

The “eligible Australian visa” rule — why it matters

A big detail that trips people up: to use the trial, holders of Chinese or Pacific passports must have an eligible Australian visa that is valid when they check in to travel from Australia to New Zealand. That means:

• Your Australian visa must still be valid on the day you leave Australia.
  
• If you are only passing through Australia (transit) from another country, the trial likely won’t apply — you must be departing from Australia as your point of origin.
  

If you don’t meet that rule, you should apply for a regular visitor visa before you travel.

How to apply — quick, step-by-step

If you need an NZeTA, here is the simple way to Submit NZeTA Online and be ready:

1. Go to the official NZeTA page or download the free official NZeTA app — the app is usually the quickest and cheapest way.
   
2. Gather your passport, travel plans, and information about your Australian visa.
   
3. Fill in the form, answer the health and character questions, and pay the fee. Allow up to 72 hours for processing (many are approved faster).
   
4. Save the confirmation and carry it when you travel — airlines and border officials may ask to see it.
   

When you search for more details, look for NZeTA Visa Information on official New Zealand government pages — that will give you exact rules, fees, and up-to-date steps.

Common questions — short answers

• Do Australian citizens need an NZeTA? 
• No. Australian passport holders usually do not need an NZeTA for short visits.
  
• Can I work with visa-free entry? 
• Generally no. The trial and the NZeTA are for short visits only; working usually requires an appropriate work visa.
  
• What if my NZeTA is refused? 
• You should receive the reason. If refused, you can apply for a visitor visa instead — check official guidance.
  

Final tips — travel with confidence

• Before you book, check official pages for NZeTA Visa Information and instructions on how to Submit NZeTA Online. Using official sources will save you time and give the latest rules.
  
• Make sure your Australian visa is eligible and valid on the day you leave Australia.
  
• Carry proof of funds, a return or onward ticket, and the address where you’ll stay in New Zealand.
  
• If anything sounds unclear, call your airline or New Zealand immigration — they deal with these rules every day and can confirm what applies to you.