New Zealand: Authorities to ease some COVID-19 restrictions from 23:59 March 25 /update 42

Event

Authorities in New Zealand will reduce some COVID-19 measures from 23:59 March 25. The government will maintain its red risk level, the highest in the government's COVID-19 traffic light system, nationwide. However, authorities have lifted limits on outdoor gatherings and increased capacity at indoor locations to 200 people for establishments using the My Vaccine Pass system. Facemasks mandates will also end for outdoor settings. Officials will also terminate contact tracing requirements for businesses.

The government will end vaccine pass requirements from April 5, and all businesses can operate under the new, higher capacity limits from that date. Authorities will also lift vaccine mandates for most affected employees, though the requirement will continue for border and managed isolation workers, prison staff, and healthcare employees. Officials permit companies to require vaccination for employees or a vaccine pass for patrons at their discretion.

Domestic Measures
Officials permit activity in areas under red designations based on vaccination status, with relaxed measures effective for establishments using My Vaccine Pass requirements until April 5. Gatherings can occur with up to 200 fully vaccinated people or 25 mixed or unvaccinated guests. Officials require facemasks on public transport and indoor locations. Authorities require medical-grade facemasks for workers under vaccine mandates in designated high-risk sectors.

Workplaces can operate. Hospitality venues with only fully vaccinated customers can host up to 200 people per distinct area. Hospitality venues not checking vaccination status can only offer takeaway services until April 5. Venues and organizers must limit capacity at indoor gatherings and events to one person per meter (3.2 feet).

The government requires locally acquired COVID-19 cases and their household contacts to self-quarantine for seven days. People infected with COVID-19 and displaying symptoms beyond the seven days must continue to quarantine until 24 hours after their symptoms subside. Household contacts of COVID-19 cases must take a rapid antigen test on days 3 and 5 of quarantine; contacts that test positive must self-quarantine for an additional seven days from receiving the result. Household contacts that contracted COVID-19 in the previous 90 days are exempt from the requirements.

International Travel Restrictions
An entry ban for most foreign nationals remains in place. Officials permit partners, dependents, and legal guardians of citizens with a visa based on the relationship and usually reside in New Zealand, and diplomats to enter without prior government consent. Authorities also allow other categories of people to enter the country with permission; a complete list of entry reasons is available here. Foreign visitors must be fully vaccinated to enter the country. Authorities require most inbound passengers to obtain a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours or a RAT or LAMP test taken within 24 hours before departure. Exemptions exist for travelers from Antarctica, some Pacific Island nations and territories, and some countries where widespread COVID-19 testing is unavailable; medical reasons; and passengers that previously recovered from COVID-19. Passengers that do not meet pre-departure testing requirements may face a fine of up to NZD 1,000.

Citizens and fully vaccinated eligible passengers can enter New Zealand without quarantine, with a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival and on day five or six. Officials will permit fully vaccinated Australian tourists to enter the country without quarantine from 23:59 April 12 under the same requirements. Anyone that tests positive upon arrival must follow self-quarantine protocols. Vessel crews arriving in New Zealand must isolate onboard for at least seven days; journey time can be counted toward quarantine if verified by customs. A ban on cruise ships entering New Zealand ports remains in place; cargo and fishing vessels can load, unload, and undertake repairs.

Unvaccinated permanent residents and permitted foreign nationals must obtain a Managed Isolation Allocation system voucher to board flights and book accommodations before arrival. Unvaccinated passengers must quarantine at least seven days, though authorities could extend the period if the traveler tests positive for COVID-19. Officials charge quarantine fees of up to NZD 1,610 for the first person, NZD 460 for each additional adult, and NZD 230 per child for citizens and permanent residents. Children under three years of age are exempt if staying with another person. Authorities charge up to NZD 2,760 for the first individual, NZD 1,495 for each additional adult, and NZD 805 per child for permitted critical workers and most short-term permitted entrants - including partners of citizens and residents and students, work, and limited visa holders.

Advice

Consider postponing travel to New Zealand if affected by restrictions. Confirm flight status if allowed entry into the country. Follow all official instructions and allow additional time for immigration and health screenings.

Resources

New Zealand Government COVID-19 Information
Managed Isolation and Quarantine
Ministry of Health