New Zealand: Government to lift remaining border restrictions from 23:59 July 31 /update 46

Event

The New Zealand government will lift almost all COVID-19-related border controls from 23:59 July 31. Authorities will permit entry for all visa categories, including tourists, from any location. Cruise ships can also resume travel to the country.

Domestic Measures
The country remains under the orange COVID-19 risk level, the second-highest tier in the government's COVID-19 traffic light system. A facemask mandate continues for public transport and indoor locations. Officials permit companies to require vaccination for employees or a Vaccine Pass for patrons at their discretion.

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 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 many foreign nationals remains in place through July 31. Officials permit entry for existing visa holders worldwide, Australian citizens and permanent residents, and travelers from visa waiver locations. The country also allows entry for specific categories of people with permission; a complete list of entry reasons is available here. Authorities will permit work visa applications from July 4. Foreign visitors must be fully vaccinated and complete a travel declaration to board flights. The government allows transit passengers regardless of vaccination status without a New Zealand Traveller Declaration.

Citizens, Australian citizens that live in New Zealand, and fully vaccinated eligible passengers can travel to New Zealand without quarantine. Entrants must take RATs within 24 hours and on day five or six after entry; officials will provide tests upon arrival. 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 through July 31; cargo and fishing vessels can load, unload, and undertake repairs.

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
Ministry of Health
New Zealand Visa Waiver Locations