The Australian Immi App is the official mobile application of the Australian Department of Home Affairs, designed to collect identity data as part of the visa application process. It allows eligible applicants to submit two types of information:

• Passport details (identity page, and electronic chip if applicable)
• A recent facial image, taken directly with the phone’s camera

In practice, the app replaces, for some applicants, the need to visit an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC), where photos and biometric data were previously collected. Authorities highlight reduced costs and faster processing times for visa applicants, along with a smoother overall experience.

The Australian Immi App now available in many more countries

The Department of Home Affairs announced earlier this week that the Australian Immi App has been expanded to a new group of countries, now covering parts of the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

The 19 new eligible countries are:

• Algeria, Bahrain, Colombia, Egypt, France, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mexico, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

With these additions, the Australian Immi App is now available in 34 countries in total, a number expected to increase as the program moves toward full implementation by early 2026.

Before this latest expansion, the app was already operational in the following countries:

• Fiji, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, as well as for third-country nationals residing in New Zealand.

Who can use the Australian Immi App?

Access to the app remains restricted to a specific group of users. According to the Department of Home Affairs, applicants must:

• Have previously provided their biometric data (photo and fingerprints) to the department in an earlier visa application;
• Hold a valid passport;
• Reside in one of the 34 countries currently covered under the offshore biometric collection program.

In addition, use of the app is only possible if the applicant has received a “Requirement to provide personal identifiers (biometrics)” letter containing a Visa Lodgement Number (VLN) beginning with AUI or AUH. If the VLN does not start with these letters, the applicant must still appear in person at an ABCC.

Authorities remind applicants that not all visa applicants are required to provide biometrics. Collection requirements depend on the applicant’s country’s participation in the Biometrics Collection Program, which currently covers 56 countries. In regions where no digital process is available yet, applicants may need to travel to a neighboring country to access a biometric collection center.

Technical requirements: a recent and secure smartphone

The Australian Immi App is free to download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

To use the app, your phone must:

• Be a smartphone running iOS or Android;
• Have a stable internet connection (mobile data or Wi-Fi);
• Allow camera access;
• Have NFC (Near-Field Communication) enabled to read the passport’s electronic chip when present;
• Permit location services for the app.

Authorities note that device compatibility can be verified via the technical details listed in the respective app stores.

A five-step process on your smartphone

The department outlines a five-step process to follow in the app:

1. Enter the Visa Lodgement Number (VLN)
   • The code appears on the biometrics request letter.
   • It can be entered manually or scanned from the barcode on the letter.
   • Each family member has their own VLN.
2. Scan the Passport Identity Page
   • Open your passport to the personal data page.
   • Hold your phone above the page so the entire area, including the MRZ code lines at the bottom, is captured.
   • The app will indicate when the framing is correct and validate the scan.
3. Read the Electronic Chip (if applicable)
   • If your passport has the e-passport symbol, place your phone directly on the cover to allow the chip to be read via NFC.
   • The screen will display a progress bar or reading message and recommend not moving the device during the process.
4. Verify and Confirm Passport Information
   • Extracted data (name, date of birth, passport number, etc.) appear on the screen.
   • The applicant must check for accuracy and redo the scan if errors appear.
5. Take and Submit the Applicant’s Photo
   • Stand in front of a light-colored background, with no visible objects behind you.
   • Center your face within the oval displayed on screen, eyes open, looking directly at the camera, and remove glasses if possible.
   • The app automatically captures the image when positioning is correct. Multiple attempts are allowed.

After completing these steps, users can enter an email address to receive a submission confirmation.

At final validation, the Australian Immi App sends the passport details and facial images directly to the Department of Home Affairs. The department states that:

• Data are not stored in the app after submission;
• If transmission errors occur, the app will prompt the user to retry;
• Once the process is complete, the applicant’s ImmiAccount should be updated within about 24 hours.

If additional information is required, the department will contact the applicant directly with further instructions, which may include a visit to a biometric collection center.

What does this mean for Australian Biometrics Collection Centers?

The expansion of the Australian Immi App does not eliminate Australian Biometrics Collection Centres (ABCC), but it reduces their use for certain applicants.

• Those eligible to use the app can complete the biometric portion remotely and no longer need to visit a center, unless specifically requested by authorities.
• Other applicants, for example those whose VLN does not begin with AUI or AUH, or who have never provided biometrics, must still go through an ABCC.
  In some countries, this may mean traveling to a neighboring state.

This coexistence of both systems reflects a transition phase, as digital biometric collection continues to expand across the entire program.

Traveling to Australia without a visa: eVisitor and ETA unchanged

The expansion of the Australian Immi App does not affect existing schemes allowing travel to Australia without a traditional visa, namely the eVisitor (subclass 651) and the Electronic Travel Authority – ETA (subclass 601). These electronic travel authorizations, available to travelers exempt from visa requirements for short-term tourism or business visits, do not involve biometric collection.

The eVisitor, which is free of charge, is reserved for citizens of the European Union and certain associated European countries. It is fully completed online via an ImmiAccount.

The ETA, on the other hand, is available through a dedicated mobile app for certain nationalities, primarily close Australian partner countries like the U.S., Canada, Japan, and South Korea.

In both cases, travelers do not need to use the Australian Immi App or visit a biometric center.

These two systems therefore remain independent from the offshore biometric collection program and continue to be the preferred pathways for eligible tourists and business travelers seeking quick entry into Australia.

The Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) has announced that starting October 1, 2025, it will launch a new digital arrival card, known as the “PNG Digital Arrival Card (PNG DAC)”. This new system will permanently replace the traditional paper form that passengers have been required to fill out before landing.

This shift to digital is part of a broader trend seen across the Asia-Pacific region, with countries like New Zealand, and more recently, Laos and Indonesia, embracing digital border processing to enhance both efficiency and security.

In addition to reducing paper usage, the PNG DAC is designed to improve pre-arrival data processing, shorten wait times at immigration counters, and create a smoother overall travel experience.

“Papua New Guinea is embracing new digital systems to strengthen our border security and make your journey smoother,” explains the ICA.

How to fill out the PNG DAC

The official website, pngdac.ica.gov.pg, will go live on September 27, 2025, just a few days ahead of the system’s official launch. This early access will allow travelers to familiarize themselves with the platform and complete the process before departure.

According to Papua New Guinea authorities, the digital arrival process involves four simple steps:

1. Visit the website and start your application, no earlier than three days before arriving in Papua New Guinea.
2. Enter your personal and travel information, including flight details, arrival date, and declarations. You’ll have the option to upload a photo of your passport’s biographical page to auto-fill some fields.
3. Add information for accompanying travelers (family or travel companions), if applicable.
4. Submit your application. A confirmation email will be sent, download and present it upon arrival.

If any details need to be updated before departure, travelers can simply log back into the site and make the necessary changes. “Is that easy?” says the ICA.

Papua New Guinea “is taking another step towards a digitally connected future”

In unveiling this reform, the ICA emphasized its commitment to improving the traveler experience.

“By introducing the PNGDAC, Papua New Guinea is taking another step towards a digitally connected future and making travel more efficient while keeping our border secure,” the ICA states. It adds that border agencies are “working to ensure your arrival is safe, welcoming, and seamless.”

It’s important to note that the PNG DAC does not replace the requirement for an electronic visa (e-Visa), which remains the official authorization for entry into the country. The digital arrival card is an additional step designed to streamline the arrival process by centralizing traveler information.

However, certain nationalities are eligible for visa-on-arrival privileges. Citizens of the following countries and territories can obtain a visa upon entry in PNG when traveling with a regular passport:

• American Samoa, Canada, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia (Tahiti), Guam, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Palau, Niue, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna.

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is an electronic authorization that travelers from certain countries must obtain before entering New Zealand.

It applies to citizens of visa-waiver countries as well as passengers transiting through Auckland.

Designed to streamline entry procedures and strengthen border security, this online process has become a mandatory step for many visitors.

Against this backdrop, New Zealand authorities have recently announced new measures, starting with an easing of requirements for travelers from Pacific nations.

NZeTA: relaxed requirements for Pacific travelers arriving from Australia..

Beginning November 3, 2025, New Zealand will launch a 12-month trial aimed at making it easier for citizens of Pacific Islands Forum member states to travel.

Specifically, these travelers will be able to fly from Australia to New Zealand without a visa, provided they apply for a NZeTA starting October 27, 2025.

“Instead of applying for a visa, if they have a valid eligible Australian visa, they will be able to travel to New Zealand on a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), and stay for up to 3 months,” New Zealand Immigration announced today.

The following Pacific Islands Forum member countries are included:

• Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States), Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

The eligible Australian visa categories are:

• UR160: Business Owner (provisional), UR161: Senior Executive (provisional), UR162: Investor (provisional), UR163: State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (provisional), UR164: State/Territory Sponsored Senior Executive (provisional), UR165: State/Territory Sponsored Investor (provisional), UT173: Contributory Parent (temporary), EB188: Business Innovation and Investment (provisional), TO300: Prospective Marriage, UF309: Partner (provisional), GA400: Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist), UY405: Investor Retirement, GF407: Training, TQ410: Retirement, TZ417: Working Holiday, TK445: Dependent Child, UP461: New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship, US462: Work and Holiday, UC457: Business (Long Stay), VF476: Skilled – Recognized Graduate, GK482: Skills in Demand, VC485: Temporary Graduate, SP489: Skilled Regional (provisional), PS491: Skilled Work Regional (provisional), PE494: Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional), TU500: Student, TU590: Student Guardian, FA600: Visitor, TV651: eVisitor, UK820: Partner (temporary), GH870: Sponsored Parent, and UU884: Contributory Aged Parent.

… and for Chinese citizens

Starting in November, New Zealand will roll out a similar pilot program for Chinese nationals.

They too will be allowed to enter the country visa-free from Australia, under a 12-month trial.

“From 3 November 2025, people with passports from China can visit New Zealand from Australia without a visa,” New Zealand Immigration also confirmed today.

As with Pacific Island travelers, this option will require both a valid NZeTA and an eligible Australian visa (from the same list above).

NZeTA: a mandatory step for visa-waiver travelers to New Zealand

Whether they are Pacific Islanders covered by the new trial, Chinese citizens taking part in the pilot, or travelers from any visa-waiver country, all visitors must obtain a NZeTA before traveling to New Zealand.

This electronic travel authorization also requires payment of the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), a tax used to fund environmental preservation and tourism infrastructure, which was raised last year.

The NZeTA application is completed online via the official website nzeta.immigration.govt.nz or through the dedicated mobile app (iOS | Android). Travelers must enter personal and passport details, answer basic security questions, upload a photo/selfie, and pay the required fees.

Authorities recommend applying at least 72 hours before departure, although approvals may be issued more quickly.

Once granted, a NZeTA is valid for two years, provided the traveler’s passport remains valid. It allows multiple entries into New Zealand during that period, within the limits of the permitted stay for each traveler category.

In addition, all passengers must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) no earlier than 24 hours before arrival. This electronic form, separate from the NZeTA, provides health, customs, and security information and must be presented upon arrival to facilitate border checks.

On May 26, New Zealand Customs Service announced that eGates are now available to passport holders from 11 new countries and territories, bringing the total number of eligible nations to 48. This expansion aims to improve border control efficiency and provide a smoother entry experience for international visitors.

The newly added countries and territories are: Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Vatican City, Macao, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

This decision follows a successful trial period, during which Customs worked closely with New Zealand Immigration to ensure the electronic passports from these countries met the necessary biometric and security standards.

70% percent of arriving and departing passengers are currently processed through eGates in New Zealand

“As we open New Zealand’s eGates to more countries, even more travellers will have the option of a self-service route through both arrivals and departures. We welcome the new passport holders and encourage them to give our eGates a try,” said Paul Williams, Acting Group Manager of Border Operations.

Williams noted that approximately 70% of arriving and departing passengers in New Zealand are currently processed through eGates, highlighting the growing importance of this technology in managing border flows.

He also mentioned that using eGates, in combination with other digital tools such as the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), will help reduce processing times in airport terminals and streamline border security checks.

eGates in New Zealand: usage requirements and eligible countries

eGates are available at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown international airports. To use them, travelers must be at least 10 years old, hold a valid electronic passport (ePassport), and complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) prior to arrival.

The following countries are eligible:

• Oceania: New Zealand, Australia
• Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City
• Asia: China (excluding Hong Kong), Japan, South Korea, Macao, Singapore
• North America: Canada, United States
• Middle East: Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman

The eGate system uses biometric technology to match the passport photo with a live image taken upon arrival. For the system to work effectively, travelers should resemble their passport photo as closely as possible.

Travelers are advised to avoid wearing accessories that cover parts of the face, such as veils, scarves, or hats. Glasses may be worn only if they are also worn in the passport photo and have thin frames. The system can accommodate some minor changes in appearance, such as weight variation or a new hairstyle.

NZTD: the mandatory digital declaration for all travelers to New Zealand

Since August 2023, all travelers entering New Zealand are required to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). This digital form replaces the former paper arrival card and collects information about the traveler’s trip, imported goods, and health status. It can be completed online at travellerdeclaration.govt.nz or via the “NZTD” app available on the App Store and Google Play.

Travelers must submit the declaration before reaching passport control in New Zealand. As of April 2024, the NZTD requirement has been extended to maritime arrivals.

NZeTA: the electronic travel authorization for visa-waiver countries

Nationals of countries that are part of New Zealand’s visa waiver program must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before traveling.

The NZeTA is valid for multiple entries over a two-year period and can be requested online at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz or through the mobile app “NZeTA” on the App Store and Google Play.

New Zealand has recently updated the NZeTA fees based on the application method. Here is a detailed breakdown:

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 crucial step forward with the upcoming introduction of an online visa and permit application system.

The small Pacific nation, renowned for its white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and unspoilt paradise atmosphere, will be equipped by mid-September 2024 with a tool that could transform the way long-stay travelers access its natural gems.

The Cook Islands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced that the new online visa and permit application system is an “initiative to modernise immigration services and customers will see a gradual shift from the current manual process to online applications”.

According to officials, the change will significantly reduce the need for stakeholders and customers  to request an in-office appointment with an immigration officer.

An e-Visa in the Cook Islands to “enhance the user experience”

“The inevitable shift to an online platform will enhance the user experience and convenience for submitting both sponsorship and visa applications,” said Principal Immigration Officer, Chere Arthur.

“In addition to the streamlined application process, there is a user-friendly dashboard where applicants can monitor their pending applications, download visa approvals, receipts, and invoices,” the immigration chief added.

The Cook Islands Immigration Service is currently carrying out internal tests with its agents, giving them an overall presentation of the new system and gathering their feedback and suggestions to contribute to the final improvement of the system.

The Cook Islands, a visa-free destination for short-stay tourists

One of the attractive features of the Cook Islands is its visa-free policy.

Visitors from all over the world do not need a visa to enter the Cook Islands for tourist stays of up to 31 days.

This exemption makes the destination particularly accessible and simplifies travel arrangements. Upon arrival, visitors are granted a one-month free entry permit, allowing them to explore the archipelago freely during this period.

For visitors who wish to extend their stay beyond 31 days, the Cook Islands authorities allow visa extensions. An extension of stay can be requested by submitting an application to the archipelago’s immigration department. Each extension is generally granted for an additional period of 31 days, with a maximum limit of 6 months for non-resident visitors.

It is advisable to start this process before the expiry of the first month’s authorization, to avoid complications or penalties. The extension request requires the payment of a fee of NZ$470.00 and the provision of certain documents, such as a form, a valid exit ticket and proof of sufficient funds for the extended duration of stay.

VisasNews’ travel experts advise tourists planning to visit New Zealand in the coming months to quickly apply for their NZeTA electronic travel authorization as its price will more than double…

Indeed, from October 1, 2024, New Zealand will increase the cost of its tourism tax, known as the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), and included in the NZeTA fee, from 35 NZ$ to 100 NZ$.

“The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will be raised to $100 to ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand”, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced in a statement.

This significant increase aims to better fund the preservation of the country’s natural environment as well as tourism infrastructure, in response to the continuing growth in the number of international visitors.

“The IVL was introduced in 2019 as a mechanism to ensure international visitors were contributing directly to these costs, the vast majority of which are paid for by New Zealand taxpayers and ratepayers”, explains Matt Doocey.

According to the Tourism Minister, “a public consultation by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) found 93 per cent of submitters supported raising the IVL, with the main rationale being an increase would be reasonable to help cover the costs of tourism”.

The cost of the tourist levy “remains competitive with countries like Australia and the UK”

“The new IVL remains competitive with countries like Australia and the UK, and we are confident New Zealand will continue to be seen as an attractive visitor destination by many around the world”, said Matt Doocey.

The Minister adds that “a $100 IVL would generally make up less than 3 per cent of the total spending for an international visitor while in New Zealand, meaning it is unlikely to have a significant impact on visitor numbers”.

“Increasing the IVL means we can continue to grow international tourism to support economic growth while ensuring international visitors contribute to high-value conservation areas and projects, such as supporting biodiversity in national parks and other highly visited areas and improving visitor experiences on public conservation land”, said Matt Doocey.

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) price increased

The increase of the IVL fee will directly impact the total cost of the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), required for visa-exempt travellers entering New Zealand, as the cost of this contribution to local tourism is included in this online process.

From 1 October 2024, a traveller using the official mobile app (App Store | Google Play Store) to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority will pay NZ$117 (approximately US$73), up from NZ$52 currently; while an online application will cost NZ$123 (almost US$76), up from NZ$58 currently.

Nationals of the following countries are exempt from New Zealand entry visa requirements, but must apply for an NZeTA, and therefore pay the IVL tourist levy, before traveling to the country:

• Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay and the Vatican.

The following are exempt from paying the IVL levy:

• passengers transiting through Auckland Airport;
• New Zealand, Australian or many Pacific Island passport holders;
• New Zealand or Australian resident visa holders;
• Business visitor visa or APEC Business Travel Card holders.

IATA disappointed by New Zealand’s tourism levy increase…

The move has sparked mixed reactions among tourism industry players. Some operators fear that the increase in the IVL tax could deter potential visitors, especially those travelling on a budget.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today expressed its “disappointment” following the New Zealand government’s decision to increase the IVL tax rate…

“It has been a double whammy for the New Zealand travel and tourism sector, starting with New Zealand Immigration announcing steep increases in visa fees, and now the increase in the IVL. These changes make travel to New Zealand more expensive and less attractive and could further delay the recovery in visitor numbers to beyond 2026”, said Dr. Xie Xingquan, IATA’s Regional Vice President for North Asia and Asia-Pacific (ad interim).

Citing the example of Thailand, which recently decided not to introduce its own tourist tax, Xie Xingquan explains that “the travel and tourism sector is an important contributor to the New Zealand economy. The government’s analysis indicated that more than three times of economic activity will be removed from the country for every dollar generated from additional IVL revenue. Instead of stifling its development, the government should be looking at ways to improve the country’s competitiveness as a destination compared to other markets”.

During the IVL public consultation process, IATA submitted a proposal urging that the tax not be increased. “Unfortunately, the government announced the increased levy and its application in the 2024 budget while the consultation process was still ongoing, casting doubt on the process’ effectiveness”, said Dr. Xie Xingquan.

New Zealand is set to digitize its transit visa formalities from August 12, 2024.

“From 12 August 2024, travellers requiring a Transit Visa for New Zealand can apply online using the Enhanced Immigration Online system”, announces New Zealand Immigration.

Applicants for a transit visa will no longer need to submit paper applications via visa application centers, providing “a more streamlined and efficient experience and removing fees associated with submitting through a Visa Application Centre”.

However, New Zealand Immigration specifies that Chinese nationals applying for group transit visas must continue to use the paper application process. “We will be working on an online solution for this category soon” the authorities explain.

Fijians in transit exempt from visa and eligible for NZeTA

From September 4, 2024, Fiji will be added to the list of countries exempt from transit visas. This will allow Fijian nationals to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) instead of a transit visa.

“If you already have an approved Transit Visa, it will remain valid until its expiry date even after the waiver takes effect”, states New Zealand Immigration.

Fijian nationals intending to visit, study, or work in New Zealand must still apply for the appropriate visa before traveling.

Fijian citizens traveling to or from Fiji via Wellington or Christchurch on Fiji Airways must still apply for a visitor visa, as there are no transit facilities at these airports.

NZeTA required for transit at Auckland International airport

Visa-exempt travelers visiting or transiting through New Zealand via Auckland International Airport must apply for an NZeTA on the portal: nzeta.immigration.govt.nz.

In its communication, New Zealand Immigration reminds that the NZeTA fee is NZD 23.00 for online applications or NZD 17.00 for applications submitted via the mobile app (App Store | Google Play Store).

Most NZeTA applications are processed within 72 hours. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple 90-day trips to New Zealand.

Within 24 hours before arriving in New Zealand, air and sea travelers must complete a digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) on the site: www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz.

Countries exempt from Visitor Visa in New Zealand:

Countries exempt from Transit Visa in New Zealand: