[Source/Observer Network, Wang Yong; Editor/Gao Shen]

New Zealand's government official website published an article on June 18th, stating that from November 2025, travelers holding Chinese passports will no longer need to apply for visas in advance when transiting through New Zealand, and can directly apply for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization (NZeTA).

The article mentioned that the New Zealand government simplifies the process, shortens processing time, and reduces application fees to facilitate Chinese citizens transiting through New Zealand, promoting the development of New Zealand's tourism and trade.

New Zealand Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said, "In the past, applying for a transit visa cost 235 New Zealand dollars (approximately 1000 RMB) and took 4 days to process. Now, applying for NZeTA costs a minimum of 17 New Zealand dollars (approximately 73 RMB), and approval can be completed within 24 hours."

NZeTA is valid for up to two years, meaning that travelers can make multiple round trips during this period without reapplying.

Auckland cityscape Visual China

According to reports by the New Zealand Herald, the latest optimization policy allowing Chinese citizens to transit without a visa will attract more Chinese travelers to choose New Zealand as a transit point, improving flight passenger and cargo efficiency, which will greatly benefit New Zealand's export trade and tourism industry.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Lakeson said that simplifying the requirements for Chinese citizens to transit "is more attractive to tourists and airlines," aligning with the government's goal of promoting economic growth.

New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said, "Travelers transiting through New Zealand to South America or returning to China will help reduce ticket costs, making it more affordable for more tourists to experience the charm of New Zealand."

According to the New Zealand RNZ website, this policy was announced at a time when direct flights from China to South America, with a stopover in Auckland, have just been launched.

New Zealand 1news website reported that Lakeson said in his speech before visiting China on June 18th, "We are lagging behind in the tourism and hospitality sectors, and we need to focus on these areas and let the Chinese market know that we are ready to welcome guests."

Before Lakeson's visit to China, the New Zealand government announced that Chinese tourists holding valid Australian visitor, work, student, or family visas, traveling from Australia to New Zealand, can apply for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization (NZeTA) without needing to apply for a visa, with a maximum stay of three months.

In addition, according to a June 19th report by the New Zealand Herald, China Eastern Airlines announced plans to launch direct flights from Auckland to Buenos Aires by the end of this year, operating two weekly flights. This route will depart from Shanghai Pudong Airport starting December, stop over at Auckland Airport, and then fly to Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport.

Lakeson said at the launch event of the new route held by China Eastern Airlines in Shanghai on the 18th, "This new route connecting Asia and South America will build a more resilient and diversified air network, benefiting travelers, trade, and tourism."

Lakeson emphasized that New Zealand is fully committed to promoting tourism development to drive rapid national economic growth. It is estimated that the new route will bring 48 million New Zealand dollars (approximately 210 million RMB) in tourism revenue to New Zealand annually.

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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7517610273290437130/

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