On November 03, the New Zealand government announced a new visa waiver policy for Chinese citizens traveling from Australia. This measure, which makes it easier for such travelers to enter New Zealand, creates a favorable atmosphere just ahead of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to China, and reflects the great importance the New Zealand government places on people-to-people exchanges with China, which have become a key driver of bilateral relations, according to a Chinese expert.
Details and terms of the new policy
According to New Zealand Immigration, visa waiver status will be tested for a period of 12 months, from November 2025.
Chinese passport holders traveling from Australia will be eligible, provided they hold a valid Australian visitor, work, student or family visa. They will be allowed to visit New Zealand for up to three months. Instead of applying for a traditional visa, these travelers will be able to use a electronic travel authorization (NZeTA New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).
It is important to note that this exemption does not apply to people in transit through Australia, and applicants will still have to satisfy the criteria required to obtain a NZeTA. The main objective of this trial is to improve the attractiveness of New Zealand as a destination for Chinese tourists.
Immediate impact and economic context
The announcement of this policy prompted a swift reaction on Chinese platforms. Just a few hours after its release, the hashtag about the visa waiver trial reached 3.07 million reads on Sina Weibo.
Furthermore, according to a press release from Ctrip, a leading Chinese online travel agency, the volume of New Zealand-related travel searches on its platform has increased by 70 % in the hour following the announcement, compared with the same period the previous day.
Ctrip Group vice-president Qin Jing said that the implementation of the new policy should considerably improve the efficiency of the Ctrip Group. boost the flow of Chinese tourist passengers to New Zealand via Australia, New Zealand's cultural and tourist exchanges between the three countries. New Zealand's natural landscapes and rich eco-tourism resources have always been popular with Chinese tourists. From April to May this year, travel bookings to New Zealand on the platform increased by 37 % year-on-year, and the volume of transactions on tourist sites jumped by 74 %.
Strategic visit by Prime Minister Luxon
The visa facilitation announcement comes ahead of Christopher Luxon's official visit to China. Mr. Luxon is making his first visit to China since taking office.
The visit comes as the China-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership enters its second decade. The agenda will focus on trade growth, which stood at over 38 billion dollars last year, as well as strengthening links in the fields of education and tourism, to maximize opportunities for New Zealand businesses.
According to a note published by the New Zealand government, China is New Zealand's biggest source of international students, and its third-largest tourist market. Mr. Luxon said his visit was aimed at supporting the recovery of international education and tourism, and positioning New Zealand as a world-class destination for travel, study and long-term links.
You can consult the New Zealand destination page, as our agency specializes in helping you obtain a travel document NZeTA.
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