New Zealand: Authorities suspend quarantine-free travel from South Australia as of July 21 /update 13

Event

New Zealand has paused quarantine-free travel from South Australia as of July 21 due to COVID-19 concerns in that state. The pause, as well as ongoing quarantine-free travel suspensions from Victoria and New South Wales (NSW), will remain in place through at least 23:59 July 27. New Zealand citizens and permanent residents, Australian residents, and their close relatives can still return to New Zealand from South Australia with a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure and completion of a health declaration. Any traveler who visited Victoria after 01:59 July 16 or NSW since 22:30 June 26 within 14 days of scheduled arrival cannot travel to New Zealand; transit through these states is also not permitted. Travelers that have visited a location of interest in other areas of Australia also remained banned. However, the government operates flights from Sydney (SYD) to repatriate permitted travelers; approved arrivals must quarantine for 14 days upon their return.

Quarantine-free travel remains possible from the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia. However, authorities require passengers from these states to submit a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 72 hours of departure.

Outbound flights to NSW, South Australia, and Victoria remain operational; however, airlines could cancel flights between New Zealand and airports serving the states due to reduced demand. Some flights from Auckland (AKL) may continue.

Advice

Consider deferring travel plans and check with travel providers for rebooking options if impacted by the quarantine exemption suspension. Follow all official instructions.

Resources

New Zealand Travel Bubble Information
Australia Locations of Interest