New Zealand: Authorities to suspend quarantine-free travel from Victoria from 01:59 July 16 /update 12

Event

New Zealand will pause quarantine-free travel from Victoria, Australia, from 01:59 July 16 due to COVID-19 concerns in that state. The suspension will remain in place through at least 01:50 July 20, though further extensions are possible. Quarantine-free travel remains suspended from New South Wales (NSW). Any traveler who visited Victoria after 01:59 July 16 or NSW since 22:30 June 26 cannot enter 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 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) to those states 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