Oceania Visa and Travel News
The Solomon Islands government has officially confirmed the launch of its new electronic visa system. Following the activation of online payments on August 22, 2026, authorities have now announced that the new visa framework is fully operational, digitizing applications, processing and approvals.
Starting October 1, 2026, New Zealand will stop accepting paper applications for 24 Visitor Visa categories as well as the Transit Visa. Travelers who need one of these visas will be required to apply online through the Enhanced Immigration Online platform, except in exceptional circumstances.
The Australian government has confirmed that Working Holiday visa applications are still being processed, but at a slower pace than before. Eligible travelers can still apply for a Working Holiday visa, while first Work and Holiday visa applications are currently paused for nationals of 24 countries.
Papua New Guinea is stepping up enforcement of its digital arrival card requirement. Airlines and check-in staff must now ensure that travelers have completed the PNGDAC before issuing their boarding pass.
Following a successful trial involving more than 450,000 passengers, Australia will roll out its digital arrival card across all international airports and seaports. The transition will take place gradually over the next 12 to 18 months.
Australia increased the fees for its Working Holiday Maker visas on July 1, 2026. A first Working Holiday visa application now costs AU$840, while a second or third application costs AU$1,000.
Australia is gradually expanding its digital arrival card. Since May 26, 2026, the Australia Travel Declaration has been available to certain international travelers arriving at Melbourne Airport on selected Qantas flights.
Australia continues to roll out its mobile app designed to simplify some remote visa procedures. Since March 24, 2026, the Australian Immi App has been available in 13 additional countries.
In 2025, New Zealand granted more than 1.6 million NZeTAs to nationals of visa-waiver countries, reaffirming the central role of this electronic travel authorization in managing traveler flows.
Already in use across several Asia-Pacific countries, the Australian Immi App, designed to streamline biometric collection for visa applications, is now available in 19 additional countries.
Starting October 1, 2025, all travelers entering Papua New Guinea will be required to complete a digital arrival card called the “PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNG DAC).”
Starting November 3, 2025, New Zealand will expand the use of the NZeTA by launching two pilot programs that make it easier for Pacific nationals and Chinese travelers to enter from Australia.
New Zealand Customs Service has announced the expansion of access to its automated eGates border control system to 11 additional countries and territories, making entry easier for more international travelers.
By mid-September, the Cook Islands will launch an online electronic visa and permit application system in a bid to simplify its travel formalities. In a strategic move that reflects both a desire to modernise and an ambition to boost its tourism economy, the Cook Islands is set to take a
The cost of the New Zealand tourist levy will increase from NZ$35 to NZ$100 on 1 October 2024. This increase will therefore impact the price of the NZeTA for visa-exempt travellers.
