Oceania
Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
Fiji requires 72 hour pre-flight data transmissions starting Nov. 2
Fiji is deploying Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems starting Nov. 2. The new border controls allow immigration authorities to screen traveler data up to 72 hours before flights depart for Fiji.
Standard visitor visa applicants must use New Zealand digital portal starting Sept. 24
Immigration New Zealand is phasing out its legacy application system for visitor visas in favor of the enhanced Immigration Online platform. Group and tour escort visitor applications transition on Aug. 24, followed by most visitor visa categories on Sept. 24.
Fiji adds 5% Tourism Services Tax for large operators on Sept. 1
Fiji is implementing a 5% Tourism Services Tax across its travel and hospitality supply chain starting Sept. 1. The levy applies to accommodations, tours, and tourism-related services, which could increase overall travel costs. International visitors and remote workers with existing bookings should verify whether additional taxes will be charged upon arrival.
Home Affairs halts first-time Work and Holiday subclass 462 filings for 24 nations
Australia has deliberately slowed processing times for Working Holiday visas and paused applications from 24 capped countries. The slowdown comes as authorities draft wider migration cuts, impacting foreign travelers and working nomads planning extended stays.
Australia requires exact passport data matching for SmartGate entry
Australian Border Force has clarified border control procedures, SmartGate eligibility, and biometric screening for international travelers entering and leaving the country. Non-citizens may undergo fingerprint verification upon arrival to confirm identity against registered visa details. Travelers should ensure passport details precisely match visa grant notices before using automated e-gates.
Australia partner visa fees jumped 25% to 11,710 dollars on July 1
Australia is implementing significant fee increases for student, partner, working holiday, and skilled visas. The changes also include higher income thresholds for employer-sponsored visas and extended working holiday age limits for citizens of Cyprus, Finland, Germany, and South Korea.
New Zealand cuts Visitor Visa fee to NZD 161 for Pacific nationals
Eligible travelers from Pacific countries can now access reduced visitor visa fees for a 12-month period. This temporary measure lowers the entry cost for regional expats and tourists visiting New Zealand.
New Zealand sets 6 point threshold for Skilled Migrant Category on Aug. 24
Immigration New Zealand has finalized the requirements for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, focusing on a six-point system based on professional registration, qualifications, or income. The update also clarifies wage thresholds and experience requirements for the work to residence pathways.
Australia keeps paper Incoming Passenger Card as digital pilot hits 380,000
The Australian Border Force has reaffirmed that all international arrivals must complete a physical or digital Incoming Passenger Card. Travelers and expats must also present a valid passport or approved travel document to clear border controls when entering or leaving the country.
New Zealand prioritizes 11 family visa types in enhanced portal June 1
Immigration New Zealand is transitioning family-linked temporary visa applications to an upgraded digital portal. This change affects how expats and temporary workers apply for dependent or partner-related visas for their family members.
New Zealand adds 6 month Short-term Graduate Work Visa starting Nov. 16
New Zealand is introducing a Short-term Graduate Work Visa and broadening eligibility for the Post Study Work Visa. These changes provide international students and graduates with clearer, more flexible pathways to remain and work in the country after completing their studies.
New Zealand expands English rules to level 3 AEWV jobs starting June 1
Applicants for Accredited Employer Work Visas in skill level 3 roles, including many trades and hospitality jobs, must soon meet minimum English language requirements. This change affects mid-skilled expats and workers planning to relocate to New Zealand for vocational roles.
Iranian Visitor (Subclass 600) holders lose entry to Australia until Sept. 25
Starting March 26, Australia has imposed a 6-month travel restriction on most Iranian passport holders using Visitor (Subclass 600) visas. Affected travelers currently outside the country cannot enter unless they obtain a specific exemption or special permission from the government.
New Zealand Active Investor Plus visa draws 247 approvals in first year
New Zealand's updated investor visa program has attracted nearly NZ$4 billion since lowering its minimum investment threshold to NZ$5 million on April 1. The policy shift provides a more accessible residency pathway for high-net-worth individuals looking to relocate to the country.
What the digital declaration covers
All international travelers entering New Zealand must now complete a digital New Zealand Travel Declaration before arrival. The system replaces the old paper cards and applies to all visitors, including digital nomads and business travelers, to streamline border security and customs.
Fiji’s April 17 Health Alert Keeps Dengue on Watch
The U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji issued a Health Alert dated April 17, 2026 (posted/referenced in embassy alerts on or around that date). This falls within the requested window and could impact travelers (including digital nomads and expats) regarding local health risks, though specific details in results primarily reference broader regional dengue awareness rather than a new Fiji-specific outbreak. Travelers should check the alert for any screening, prevention, or risk updates.
New Zealand’s April 30 threshold hike hits family sponsors
Immigration New Zealand announced (reported April 14–17, 2026) increases to income and sponsorship thresholds for several family and Pacific visa categories, effective April 30, 2026. This includes the Parent Category Resident Visa, Parent Boost Visitor Visa, Pacific Access Category, and Samoan Quota. Sponsorship income thresholds rise to reflect the June 2025 median wage (NZD $35.00 per hour, up from $33.56). Specific new annual thresholds for sponsors under the Parent Category range from approximately NZD $72,800 (1 person) upward depending on family size (e.g., higher for additional supported individuals). These changes impact expats or residents sponsoring family members by raising the required income levels for approval. No direct changes to digital nomad or standard visitor visas were noted.
Will New Zealand Ease Peak Seasonal Visa Medical Cover in April?
Starting April 19, New Zealand will allow health insurance policies for Peak Seasonal Visas to exclude pre-existing conditions and repatriation. This change aims to lower costs and speed up processing for short-term foreign workers and seasonal travelers.
New Zealand's 275-Day Tax Break for Remote Workers
A Bloomberg Tax article published April 13, 2026, detailed provisions in the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2025–26, Compliance Simplification, and Remedial Measures) Act 2026 (assented March 30, 2026; exemptions effective April 1, 2026). It introduces tax exemptions for income earned by “nonresident visitors” (non-NZ tax residents working remotely for a foreign employer, not required to be in NZ for the work) for up to 275 days in an 18-month period. This is explicitly beneficial for digital nomads and remote workers. Additional April 13 reporting mentioned income threshold increases for certain visas (e.g., Pacific/parent categories), which could indirectly affect expat pathways.
New Zealand Updates Deportation and Enforcement Rules
New legislation extends the deportation liability period for serious criminal offenses from 10 to 20 years and increases penalties for migrant exploitation. The rules also grant authorities wider powers to act against individuals providing false information on visa applications.