Key Points
- Eligible travelers are allowed to enter New Zealand from Australia without specific requirements beginning January 16, 2022
- Eligible travelers will be allowed to enter New Zealand from high-risk countries without undergoing specific requirements beginning February 13, 2022
- Fully vaccinated foreign nationals, possibly based on the visa category, will be able to enter New Zealand without undergoing specific requirements beginning April 30, 2022
Overview
The government of New Zealand will allow fully vaccinated New Zealand citizens, residence-class visa holders, and other eligible travelers to travel to New Zealand from Australia without staying in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities beginning January 16, 2022. The government will release additional information regarding eligible travelers in December 2021. New Zealand citizens exempt from MIQ will require:
- A negative pre-departure COVID test taken no more than 72 hours before the scheduled departure time
- Proof of being fully vaccinated
- A passenger declaration of travel history
- A COVID test is taken on the arrival day or one day after arrival
- A requirement to self-isolate for seven days
- A final negative test before entering the wider community in New Zealand
Further information on how self-isolation will be implemented will be made available in December 2021.
What are the Changes?
The government of New Zealand released plans to gradually allow vaccinated travelers to avoid MIQ beginning in January 2022. This roll-out process will occur in three phases based on travelers’ country of origin, visa category, and travel country.
Looking Ahead
Vaccinated New Zealand citizens, approved residence-class visa holders, and other eligible travelers will enter New Zealand even from high-risk countries beginning February 13, 2022. The country will also open to fully vaccinated foreign nationals, possibly based on the visa category, starting April 30, 2022. Continue to check the government of New Zealand’s website for additional information and updates.
