Key Points
- Managed Isolation Quarantine time for fully vaccinated travelers will be reduced beginning November 14, 2021
- All foreign nationals will be required to be fully vaccinated to enter New Zealand beginning November 1, 2021
- One-way Quarantine Free Travel for some Pacific Islands will be expanded beginning November 8, 2021
Overview
On October 28, 2021, the government of New Zealand announced the phased easing of several border restrictions, including reducing Managed Isolation Quarantine (MIQ) time and the expansion of one-way Quarantine Free Travel (QFT) for some Pacific Islands. In addition, foreign national travelers will be required to be fully vaccinated to enter New Zealand beginning November 1, 2021.
Reducing of MIQ
Beginning November 14, 2021, MIQ time will be reduced to seven days for fully vaccinated travelers. After the seven days, the traveler will be required to complete home isolation until the return of a negative day nine COVID test. All arrivals will be tested on days zero to one, day three, days six to seven and will have to remain in home isolation for around three days. A rapid antigen test and health checks will be carried out on day seven before a person leaves MIQ, and people will get a PCR test on day nine of their home isolation and stay at home until a negative result is presented.
Expansion of QFT
One-way quarantine free travel will be introduced for travelers from the Pacific Islands of Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, and the territory of Tokelau beginning November 8, 2021. Travelers must be fully vaccinated unless they are New Zealand citizens. Additional requirements for QFT will be available here.
What’s Changed?
All foreign nationals entering New Zealand will be required to be fully vaccinated by November 1, 2021. MIQ will be reduced by half for fully vaccinated travelers beginning November 14, 2021. QFT will be expanded for fully vaccinated travelers from Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, and the territory of Tokelau starting November 8, 2021.
Looking Ahead
Beginning in 2022, the government of New Zealand plans to allow more fully vaccinated travelers to self-isolate at home instead of in MIQ. Continue to check the government of New Zealand’s website for further updates.
Sources: Unite Against COVID-19, New Zealand
