New Zealanders and residents from most nations might be allowed quarantine-free entry from February 13.
New Zealand will preserve its borders closed to most worldwide travellers for an extra 5 months, the federal government mentioned on Wednesday, outlining a cautious easing of border curbs which have been in place since COVID-19 hit in March 2020.
Together with its geographic isolation, the South Pacific nation enforced a few of the tightest pandemic restrictions amongst OECD nations, limiting the unfold of COVID-19 and serving to its economic system bounce again quicker than lots of its friends.
However an outbreak of the extremely contagious Delta variant earlier this yr has pressured a shift in technique, with the primary metropolis of Auckland now solely steadily opening up as vaccination charges climb.
Totally vaccinated worldwide travellers might be allowed to enter the nation from April 30, 2022, onwards with the re-opening staged over time, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins advised a information convention.
Totally vaccinated New Zealanders and residence visa holders in neighbouring Australia can journey to New Zealand from January 16, whereas vaccinated New Zealanders and residence visa holders from most different nations might be allowed in from February 13.
‘Phased method’
“A phased method to reconnecting with the world is the most secure method to make sure danger is rigorously managed,” Hipkins mentioned.
“This reduces any potential impacts on susceptible communities and the New Zealand well being system.”
Travellers will not be required to remain at state quarantine services, he mentioned, however different measures might be put in place together with a adverse pre-departure check, proof of being absolutely vaccinated, and a COVID-19 check on arrival.