New Zealand will trial a visa waiver for Chinese nationals arriving from Australia starting November, in a move designed to bolster tourism and deepen economic ties with China, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced on Sunday.
The 12-month trial allows Chinese passport holders with valid Australian visas—whether for tourism, work, study, or family—to enter New Zealand without applying for a separate visa. Visitors will be permitted to stay for up to three months under the scheme.
The announcement came ahead of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s scheduled visit to Shanghai and Beijing from June 18 to 21, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with China.
“This is about removing barriers to travel and making it easier for high-value visitors to come here,” said Stanford. “Our immigration settings play an important role in brightening our country’s economic future.”
Tourism Sector Set to Benefit
China was New Zealand’s second-largest source of international visitors prior to the pandemic, contributing more than NZ$1.7 billion to the economy in 2019. Although travel numbers declined in recent years, the market remains critical to New Zealand’s tourism recovery. In the year ending March 2025, Chinese visitors added NZ$1.24 billion to the national economy.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston hailed the trial as a boost for local businesses and regional economies.
“More international visitors mean more restaurant bookings, more people exploring our attractions, and more jobs created across the country,” she said.
Additional Immigration Guide Measures for Chinese Travellers
Alongside the visa waiver trial, Immigration New Zealand plans to introduce several enhancements aimed at making the visa process more accessible and cost-effective for Chinese nationals:
A dedicated contact centre and on-the-ground support in China for Approved Destination Status (ADS) travel agents
Simplified Chinese content added to the official immigration website
Removal of certified translation requirements for visitor visa documents
These updates are expected to lower visa application costs and streamline processing for prospective travellers. They complement existing options, such as the five-year multiple-entry visitor visa and an average processing time of just five working days for Chinese applicants.
By easing immigration requirements and refining visa policies, New Zealand is positioning itself to re-emerge as a top destination for Chinese tourists, while stimulating broader economic growth through increased international visitation.
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