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Although we have tried to use plain English content on the site, you may come across specialist terms and acronyms. Find out what they mean in our glossary of terms.
If you come across a term that isn't included in the Glossary please send us an email.
In simple terms, Australians and New Zealanders can travel to and live and work in one another's country without restriction. This is the essence of what has become known as the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement. The TTTA is not expressed in the form of any binding bilateral treaty between New Zealand and Australia, but rather is a series of immigration procedures applied by each country and underpinned by joint expressions of political support. The most recent reaffirmation of the TTTA was on 26 February 2001 when Prime Ministers Helen Clark and John Howard announced new trans-Tasman social security arrangements.
New Zealand citizens have free entry into Australia and may visit, reside, work and live there for an indefinite period. On arrival in Australia, New Zealand citizens are given a Special Category Visa, denoted in their passports with an arrival date stamp. Note: people of "behaviour concern"(eg those with convictions carrying prison sentences) and people of "health concern" must apply for a visa before leaving for Australia.
For further information, contact the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, telephone 131 881 in Australia, or the Australian Consulate-General in Auckland, New Zealand, telephone (09) 921 8800 or visit the Australian High Commission’s web site.
Information on recent rule changes affecting New Zealand migrants' entitlements to social security and citizenship in Australia may be obtained from the NZ to OZ Helpline, telephone 133 242 (in Australia) and 0800 441 248 (toll-free from New Zealand).
Australian citizens are exempt from the requirement to hold a visa to travel to New Zealand or a permit to be in New Zealand, and residents of Australia are exempt from the requirement to obtain a temporary or residence visa. Certain exclusions apply, principally for persons with a criminal record. Australians travelling to New Zealand require only a valid Australian passport.
Many dual/plural citizens hold passports of more than one country. Australians re-entering Australia are required to present satisfactory evidence of their citizenship. An Australian passport is the preferred and most conclusive proof of Australian citizenship. People seeking entry as an Australian citizen without an Australian passport may face difficulties and delays in getting an airline to carry them and on entering Australia. Australian passports are issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). More information on dual citizenship and passports and consular assistance can be obtained from DFAT [external link].
For further information, contact the New Zealand Immigration Service [external link].
Telephone New Zealand (0508) 558 855 or +64 9 914 4100
