New Zealand: Authorities to lower COVID-19 alert level, ease restrictions from 23:59 April 13 /update 43

Event

New Zealand authorities will lower the COVID-19 risk level to orange, the second-highest tier in the government's COVID-19 traffic light system, nationwide from 23:59 April 13. All gatherings can occur under the new measures without capacity limits or distancing requirements. Businesses no longer must use the Vaccine Pass system, regardless of establishment type. Officials will lift facemask requirements for some indoor settings, such as hospitality and personal services businesses; however, a facemask mandate continues for public transport, retail outlets, public facilities, and healthcare services.

Domestic Measures
A vaccine mandate continues 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. Authorities require medical-grade facemasks for workers under vaccine mandates in designated high-risk sectors.

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 (RAT) 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 entry for resident partners, dependents, and legal guardians of citizens with a visa based on the relationship, diplomats, and Australian citizens and permanent residents. Other categories of people can enter the country with permission; a complete list of entry reasons is available here. Foreign visitors must be fully vaccinated and complete a travel declaration to board flights. 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 RAT taken within 24 hours and on day five or six after arrival; officials will provide tests upon arrival. The government will permit travelers from visa waiver locations to enter the country under identical requirements from 23:59 May 2. Travelers must report their test results. 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 for 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
New Zealand Visa Waiver Locations