Whether you’re heading to New Zealand for a freedom camping adventure or simply visiting friends and family, it’s important to know your visa requirements if you’re planning a trip across the Tasman Sea. That’s why the team at Crown Currency Exchange have created this ultimate guide!
Below, you’ll find out whether or not you need a visa to visit New Zealand as an Australian citizen, along with all the information you need to make organising your holiday as easy as possible.
Quick Answer
The short answer is no; Australian citizens do not need a visa to visit Fiji for short stays. Your visa-free length of stay in Fiji is also very generous, and you can stay for up to four months! However, there are still some important details and requirements you need to be aware of, which we’ll cover below.
The Special Relationship Between Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand share a special relationship, which is often referred to as the “Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement”, and one of the main benefits of this relationship is the ease of travel and migration between the two countries.
The Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement (TTTA) has been in place since 1973, and under this arrangement, Australian citizens and permanent residents do not need a visa to enter New Zealand and can stay indefinitely.
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
While Australians do not need a visa to visit New Zealand, you are required to obtain a New Zealand Travel Authority (NzETA). This isn’t a visa, but a form of electronic authorisation that allows border officials in New Zealand to pre-screen travellers before arriving in the country.
- Fill Out the Application: Head to the official New Zealand Immigration website to request an NZeTA. You’ll need to provide your personal details, passport information, and answer a few simple questions.
- Submit a Photograph: The next step is to submit a photograph, which should ideally match the photo on your passport.
- Review & Confirm Details: Take the time to look over your application, and once you’re certain everything is correct, confirm your details.
- Sign the Declaration: You’ll now need to digitally sign the application form and declare that all of the information you have provided is 100% accurate.
- Pay: There is a small fee for processing the NZeTA, which you can pay online using a credit or debit card.
Applying for the NZeTA
The application process for the NZeTA is really easy, and can be done by following these steps:
Validity
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is valid for multiple visits and lasts up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If your passport is due to expire quite soon, it’s a good idea to renew it before applying for the NZeTA, so there’s no need to reapply in the near future.
Australian Resident Visa
Australian citizens do not need a visa to visit or live in New Zealand. However, Australian permanent residents (who are not citizens) do require a specific visa known as the Australian Resident Visa (ARV).
Extended Stays and Special Cases
If you wish to stay in Fiji for longer than four months, or if you have specific purposes for your visit, such as work or study, you will need to apply for an appropriate visa prior to your visit. Here’s a little more information on these:
Eligibility and Application
Australian permanent residents need to apply for the ARV upon arrival in New Zealand, and this visa allows you to stay, work, and live in New Zealand indefinitely. Again, it’s important to note that this type of visa only applies to permanent residents and not Australian citizens.
The application for the Permanent Resident Visa is simple and can be done upon arrival at the border. All you need to do is provide evidence of your Australian permanent residency status and answer a few questions to meet the health and character criteria. For example, those with certain criminal convictions may not be granted a Permanent Resident Visa.
Working and Living in New Zealand
One of the biggest advantages of the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement (TTTA) is that an Australian citizen is granted the ability to work and live in New Zealand without needing a work or residence visa. However, if you’re still a little unsure about how this works, here’s some more information.
Work Rights
As an Australian Citizen or a permanent resident with an ARV, you have the right to work in New Zealand without restriction, and this makes it easy for Australians to take up job offers, transfer within companies, or even start their own business in New Zealand. The employment laws and regulations are also similar in both countries, so the working environment will feel familiar to most.
Permanent Residence
Australians can also choose to live in New Zealand permanently, and there are no requirements other than requesting a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). However, if you wish to enjoy the full benefits of being a New Zealand citizen (such as voting or gaining access to certain social services), you will need to apply for residency or citizenship.
Get Your New Zealand Dollars Today!
As you can see, the entry requirements for visiting New Zealand from Australia are basically non-existent, and as long as you request and obtain an NZeTA, you can visit without a visa as an Australian citizen. But before you head across to this beautiful country, you’ll need to make sure you have your spending money sorted.
Visit Crown Currency Exchange, where you’ll find great rates on New Zealand Dollars with zero commission fees or hidden costs. Speak to our expert team at one of our many locations today!
