nz travel unvaccinated

Covid-19 travel safety and information

Know what to expect while travelling and follow some simple guidelines to stay safe in New Zealand.

On this page, you'll find helpful information on what you need to know:

Before travelling to New Zealand

• When in New Zealand

Leaving New Zealand

1. check your eligibility.

Before planning your travel to New Zealand, make sure you are eligible for travel, meet the visa requirements and have taken the right steps.

Everyone entering New Zealand needs to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) (opens in new window) including babies and children. It’s free and you can complete it on the NZTD website or by downloading the NZTD app ahead of your travel.

2. New Zealand’s vaccination requirements

COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for all travellers arriving in the country, including air crew, are no longer required.

However, all travellers are strongly encouraged to remain up to date with their vaccinations before travelling to New Zealand. Vaccination remains a significant tool for preventing infection, reducing COVID-19 symptoms and severe illness.

3. Pre-departure test

To enter New Zealand, travellers no longer need to get a pre-departure test. 

4. Other things to consider before leaving 

For peace of mind during your trip in New Zealand, you may also want to consider medical and travel insurance.

When you're in New Zealand

Once you arrive in new zealand.

Antigen tests

Travellers entering New Zealand do not need pre-departure tests or proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand. Check with your travel provider as they may still require proof of vaccination. If you have COVID-19 symptoms when you arrive in New Zealand, it is recommended to take a rapid antigen test (RATs). COVID-19 tests are free and widely available in New Zealand. Find more information on how to get a free RAT or PCR test (opens in new window) . Find more  information on taking your test (opens in new window) .

COVID-19 safety practices in place

With COVID-19 case numbers falling, a highly vaccinated population, and increased access to antiviral medicines to treat COVID-19, New Zealand has removed most COVID-19 restrictions. It is still recommended to practice healthy habits when travelling around New Zealand.

Practice healthy habits

• While travelling around New Zealand, you should try to physically distance yourself in airports or busy transport hubs.
• Wearing a face mask is no longer required, although masks are still encouraged in some places such as hospitals.
• Find further information on face mask requirements (opens in new window) here.

What to do if you develop symptoms

• Find a COVID-19 testing centre (opens in new window) in your current location
• Order a rapid antigen tests (RATs) home testing kit
• Isolate for seven days. Find more information on self-isolation requirements (opens in new window) .
• Find more information on what to do if you  test positive while travelling (opens in new window) .

Helpful links

• New Zealand emergency information and numbers
• List of public hospitals in New Zealand (opens in new window)
• Testing centre locations (opens in new window) across New Zealand

Check entry requirements

The country you are travelling to may have entry requirements in place. Be sure to check the requirements of the country you are travelling to.

• the official website of the country you wish to enter
• that country’s diplomatic representative in New Zealand
• More information if you require a pre-departure test before leaving (opens in new window) New Zealand
• List of testing centre locations (opens in new window) in New Zealand

More information on travelling to NZ

Visas and entry requirements long-arrow-right

Flights To New Zealand long-arrow-right

Travel agents and agencies long-arrow-right

Border changes for unvaccinated New Zealand Citizens

Published: 18 March 2022

The Government has agreed that unvaccinated New Zealand citizens, and those who are eligible to travel to New Zealand do not need to enter MIQ or to self-isolate. This change takes effect from 11.59pm on Friday 18 March.

On this page

You will need to ensure you meet the requirements to enter New Zealand before you travel. You can find out more here:

When New Zealand's borders open (external link) — Unite against COVID-19

This also means that those eligible unvaccinated arrivals who entered MIQ prior to 11.59pm on Friday 18 March will be released from MIQ.

Minimum vaccination requirements for travel to New Zealand will apply to non-New Zealand citizens, including permanent residents, unless they have an exemption.

Travellers entering New Zealand will still be required to undertake rapid antigen tests on days 0/1 and 5/6 and report the results. If a traveller tests positive, they will need to undertake a PCR test, and isolate in accordance with the requirements for positive COVID-19 cases.

Managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) will used in limited circumstances, by some refugees, arrivals from Afghanistan, maritime crew, and some international aircrew.

It was announced last week that MIQ will reduce to 4 facilities by the end of June 2022. This change to the border entry requirements further reflects the reduced demand for MIQ as we reopen our borders.

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/border-changes-for-unvaccinated-new-zealand-citizens/ Please note: This content will change over time and can go out of date.

© Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

New Zealand Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to New Zealand

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces and enclosed environments.

New Zealand entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to New Zealand from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter New Zealand.

Can I travel to New Zealand if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter New Zealand without restrictions.

Can I travel to New Zealand without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter New Zealand without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter New Zealand?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering New Zealand.

Can I travel to New Zealand without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in New Zealand?

Mask usage in New Zealand is not required in public spaces and enclosed environments.

Are the restaurants and bars open in New Zealand?

Restaurants in New Zealand are open. Bars in New Zealand are .

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Reconnecting New Zealand – the next steps

• Fully vaccinated Kiwis and other eligible travellers can travel to NZ from Australia without staying in MIQ from 11.59pm Sunday, 16 January 2022
• Fully vaccinated Kiwis and other eligible travellers can travel to NZ from all other countries from 11.59pm Sunday, 13 February 2022
• All fully vaccinated individuals will be able to travel to NZ from 30 April 2022 onwards, with the re-opening staged over time 
• The Very High-Risk classification for Indonesia, Fiji, India, Pakistan and Brazil will be removed early next month

Fully vaccinated New Zealanders will find it easier to come home from January 2022, with foreign nationals to follow from April onwards, as the Government removes the requirement for MIQ for most travellers, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said today.

“Closing our border was one of the first steps we took to keep our country safe from COVID-19 and it’ll be the last thing we open up, following our transition into the traffic light protection framework system and lifting of the Auckland boundary,” Chris Hipkins said.

“We have a clear, simple and safe plan, including a mandatory period of self-isolation. The border will open in three steps and all travellers not required to go into MIQ will still require:

• a negative pre-departure test
• proof of being fully vaccinated
• a passenger declaration about travel history
• a day 0/1 test on arrival
• a requirement to self-isolate for seven days, and
• a final negative test before entering the community

“We are making this announcement today to give families, businesses, visitors and airline and airport companies certainty and time to prepare. It’s very encouraging that as a country we are now in a position to move towards greater normality.

“We always said we’d open in a controlled way, and this started with halving the time spent in MIQ to seven days. Retaining a seven-day isolate at home period for fully vaccinated travellers is an important phase in the reconnecting strategy to provide continued safety assurance. These settings will continue to be reviewed against the risk posed by travellers entering New Zealand.

“For details around when travellers can enter New Zealand without going into MIQ:   

• Step 1 – opening to fully vaccinated New Zealand citizens and those residence-class visa holders and other travellers eligible under our current settings from Australia from 11.59 pm on 16 January 2022 (provided they have been in Australia or New Zealand for the past 14 days)
• Step 2 – opening to fully vaccinated New Zealand citizens and those residence-class visa holders and other travellers eligible under our current border settings, from all but Very High-Risk countries, from 11.59pm Sunday 13 February.
• Step 3 – opening to fully vaccinated foreign nationals (possibly staged by visa category), from 30 April onwards

“Some people and businesses want us to start to open up before Christmas, and that’s understandable, but others want us to be more cautious. We acknowledge it’s been tough but the end of heavily restricted travel is now in sight,” Chris Hipkins said.

“There continues to be a global pandemic with cases surging in Europe and other parts of the world, so we do need to be very careful when reopening the border.

“In the end, we’ve done what we’ve always done, and that is to follow expert advice – which continues to show us the border is our biggest risk for new cases. For example, our current outbreak which now has over 7000 cases associated with it, stems from a single traveller traveling from Australia to New Zealand.

“A phased approach to reconnecting with the world is the safest approach to ensure risk is carefully managed. This reduces any potential impacts on vulnerable communities and the New Zealand health system.”

“Our dates for opening of borders logically follows the bedding in of the traffic light system, the lifting of the Auckland border, time for regions to get their vaccination rates higher still and for booster shots to be rolled out.

“Further details on how self-isolation will be implemented will be made available in December, and include guidance on how people can travel from their arrival airport to their location of self-isolation and requirements for the places where they can self-isolate.

“This does not mean the end of MIQ as a system, which was always intended to be temporary at this scale and has served us incredibly well – with more than 190,000 people brought home since our borders closed in March 2020.

“There will continue to be role for it in the foreseeable future.” 

Note to editors: 

• More detail will be provided in December for people holding existing MIAS vouchers for MIQ dates after the steps commence and on self-isolation for groups.
• For Step 1, agencies will work with airlines on implementing checks of passengers’ compliance with travel requirements, including vaccination status and pre-departure testing, ahead of a rollout of a digital Traveller Health Declaration System (THDS) towards the end of March.
• The availability of both New Zealand’s and Australia’s international COVID-19 vaccination certificates will support compliance checks. Immigration New Zealand airline liaison officers will be deployed on the ground as support in Australia.
• The three steps constitute a medium risk pathway. Those who don’t meet the requirements for medium-risk pathway, but are still permitted to enter New Zealand under current border settings, will continue to enter MIQ upon arrival under the new regime of seven days in managed isolation, followed by three days of home isolation.
• This will include those who do not meet vaccination requirements (including unvaccinated New Zealand citizens) and those from Very High-Risk (VHR) countries.
• The Very High-Risk classification for Indonesia, Fiji, India, Pakistan and Brazil is to be removed in early December and travellers from these countries will be able to enter New Zealand on the same basis as travellers from most other countries.
• This allows New Zealand Citizens and those residence-class visa holders and other travellers eligible under our current border settings to travel directly into New Zealand.
• Papua New Guinea will continue to be classified as Very High-Risk. Only New Zealand Citizens and dependants can travel directly to New Zealand.
• All travellers from Papua New Guinea must spend 14 days in a non-VHR country before coming to New Zealand. Exemptions are provided for humanitarian reasons.
• The COVID-19 situation in these countries will continue to be monitored as part of a regular surveillance and assessment process.

Website intended for a NZ health professional readership

Testing requirements for asymptomatic unvaccinated travellers

To meet domestic travel requirements from mid-December, 15-minute COVID-19 rapid antigen testing will be available at no cost from community pharmacies throughout New Zealand until the end of January 2022.

When the Auckland boundary lifts at 11:59pm on Tuesday 14 December, anyone travelling from Auckland who is not fully vaccinated will need to carry with them evidence of a negative test result within 72 hours of travel. In addition, those who are travelling in other parts of the country with a transport company that requires unvaccinated individuals to be tested will also be required to carry evidence of a negative test result.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says: “Aucklanders have borne the brunt of the Delta outbreak, facing restrictions for an extended period to keep the rest of New Zealand safe. But the time has come to allow all New Zealanders to reconnect with one another over summer as safely as possible.”

Testing for asymptomatic unvaccinated individuals over 12 years wishing to depart from Auckland, and asymptomatic unvaccinated domestic travellers from elsewhere in New Zealand, can be a supervised rapid antigen test at selected community pharmacies.

“For rapid antigen tests, the Ministry of Health strongly recommends this is administered as close as possible to the time of travel, preferably within 24 hours before departure.

“Travellers are still able to use a negative PCR test to meet any travel requirements, but that is not recommended. Using the alternative rapid antigen test will allow our laboratories to focus on processing PCR tests. This will reduce the turnaround time for returning results to symptomatic people and close contacts of confirmed cases as we continue to respond to the current outbreak,” says Dr Bloomfield.

Asymptomatic unvaccinated travellers over 12 years from other parts of New Zealand will need a proof of negative test taken within 72 hours if they travel with a transport company that decides to implement this testing requirement for travel on their service.

Unvaccinated workers who are already part of a testing regime for crossing the Auckland boundary can continue with their current regime – other unvaccinated workers can use the negative test within 72 hours.

“Testing to meet domestic travel requirements will be free of charge for the core summer period and available from 15 December 2021 to 31 January 2022.

“Rapid antigen testing is not to be used for symptomatic individuals. Advice for people who are unwell and have COVID-19 symptoms continues to be, stay home and get a PCR test,” says Dr Bloomfield.

Police will have operational discretion on the enforcement of these rules, with people breaking the rules facing an infringement fine of $1,000.

“A significant amount of movement happens across the country during this period, so we have added this safety net to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading but we have also been pragmatic.

“Air New Zealand have made a vaccine certificate or proof of a negative test a requirement before you fly, and these requirements also begin on 15 December. There will be spot checks for travellers out of Auckland airport.

“These testing requirements are another layer in our protection with COVID-19 in the community.

“As we enter the next phase, there will be challenges ahead. We will continue to see cases, and in places we haven’t so far.

“It’s crucial that all of us, right around the country, continue to play our part, so we can enjoy the summer we all deserve. Most importantly, if you are unwell, stay home and don’t go out or travel until you’ve had a negative PCR test,” says Dr Bloomfield.

The Ministry has been engaging with the Pharmacy sector, following Minister Verrall’s announcement on 25 November that rapid antigen tests would be available to the public under supervision by community pharmacies from 15 December.

People cannot purchase a rapid antigen test from community pharmacies and complete the test at home. Off-the-shelf rapid antigen tests for purchase and use at home is being considered by Ministry of Health and may be available for the general public in the New Year.

The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand, Green Cross Health and Pharmaceutical Society of NZ represent a significant proportion of the pharmacy sector and the Ministry has been working at pace with them to develop the rollout of rapid antigen testing to the community.

As 97.2% of the population live within 20 minutes’ drive from a community pharmacy, use of this network will ensure testing is widely available for all those that need it during this time. Utilising the pharmacy network to provide supervised testing for unvaccinated travellers to meet these testing requirements provides a convenient, reliable and trusted option for the community. |

Supervised testing means this test will be completed by the person travelling together with a member of the community pharmacy workforce.

A rapid antigen test will be used for the purposes of this testing requirement.

A negative PCR test is acceptable, but Ministry of Health are asking asymptomatic unvaccinated individuals 12 years and older not to use PCR tests to meet these requirements for travel. This will allow laboratories to focus on processing PCR tests, to reduce the turnaround time for returning results to symptomatic people and close contacts of confirmed cases as we continue to respond to the current outbreak.

Who needs to be tested?

Evidence of a negative rapid antigen test is required by the following people no more than 72 hours prior to travel, preferably within the 24 hours immediately preceding travel:

• Asymptomatic, unvaccinated individuals over 12 years leaving Auckland. Port Waikato is included in the boundary with Auckland, and travellers across the boundary must follow the same rules.
• Asymptomatic, unvaccinated domestic travellers over 12 years from any other part of the country, who travel with a transport company that requires evidence of a negative test result.

Unvaccinated workers crossing the Auckland boundary who are already part of a testing regime for crossing the boundary can continue with their current regime – other unvaccinated workers can use the negative test with 72 hours. Cost of testing

Free testing is only available for asymptomatic, unvaccinated individuals over 12 years leaving Auckland, and for domestic travel as required by transport operators across New Zealand, from 15 December to 31 January.

When to get tested?

For rapid antigen testing, the Ministry of Health strongly recommends that it is administered as close as possible to the time of travel, preferably in the 24 hours prior to departure.

PCR tests should be taken within 72 hours before time of departure.

Unvaccinated individuals wishing to leave Auckland or travel across the motu must therefore plan their travel carefully to allow sufficient time to get tested and receive their result.

Where to get tested?

The Ministry of Health is working with the pharmacy sector to make supervised rapid antigen testing available to the community at selected pharmacies from 15 December 2021.

PCR tests continue to be available at CTCs and GPs, but the Ministry is strongly recommending unvaccinated travellers to use rapid antigen testing which provides a result in around 15 minutes to meet this testing requirement.

The Healthpoint website will provide details of testing locations including community pharmacies offering a rapid antigen testing service.

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New Zealand Traveller Declaration Whakapuakanga Tangata Haere ki Aotearoa

The New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) collects travel, customs, immigration and biosecurity information. It is free and everyone travelling into New Zealand needs to complete a declaration.

What you need to know

• Everyone travelling into New Zealand needs to complete a declaration.
• It is free and you can do it on the online form or the NZTD app.
• A declaration needs to be completed for each traveller, including babies and children.
• You can start your digital declaration at a time that suits you. The earliest time you can submit your declaration depends on whether you are travelling by air or sea.
• Your declaration is linked to your passport and is checked when you arrive at the eGate or by a border officer.
• There is a paper declaration form available for travellers who cannot complete it online.
• If you are a New Zealand visa or NZeTA holder, you still need to complete an NZTD as well.

When you can submit your declaration

Travelling by air.

The earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before you start your trip to New Zealand. It needs to be submitted by the time you reach passport control in New Zealand.

Long-haul journeys and stopovers

Travelling by sea

The earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before departing the vessel’s last foreign port prior to arriving in New Zealand. It needs to be submitted by the time the vessel has berthed at its first port in New Zealand.

Travelling by different vessel types

Welcoming you to Aotearoa New Zealand

Kia ora, nau mai haere mai.  Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand.  We want to help you understand what you need to do to travel here.  Our home is precious – a taonga. Please help to keep our tangata and our whenua – our people and our land – safe.   We ask everyone travelling to, or returning to New Zealand, to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration.  You can do this on our website travellerdeclaration.govt.nz or by downloading the NZTD app.  You’ll be asked some questions about your trip and what’s in your bags. Some items can’t be brought into New Zealand. If in doubt, declare it for inspection. Please answer the questions honestly, otherwise you could be fined. We look forward to welcoming you to Aotearoa New Zealand.   Ka kite anō

Support and resources in other languages .

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What you will need to complete your digital declaration

Passport details

Contact details in New Zealand

Travel history from the last 30 days

Travel details

What you need to declare

Visa or NZeTA, if you need one

Travellers arriving by sea on any maritime vessel can complete a digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD):

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New Zealand Knocked Out The Coronavirus. Now It's Planning To Welcome Back Tourists

The Associated Press

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the borders would not reopen until after the vaccine rollout is completed at the end of 2021. Nick Perry/AP hide caption

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the borders would not reopen until after the vaccine rollout is completed at the end of 2021.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand, which has completely stamped out the coronavirus, plans to cautiously reopen its borders to international travelers early next year, the government said Thursday.

Officials also said they would delay second shots of the Pfizer vaccine in order to speed up first shots to protect more people as the threat of the delta variant grows.

New Zealand's success in erasing the coronavirus has allowed life to return almost to normal. The South Pacific nation of 5 million people has reported just 26 deaths since the pandemic began.

That's been achieved in part by closing borders to those who aren't residents or citizens.

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But many question whether its feasible for New Zealand to maintain a zero-tolerance approach to the virus once international travel resumes.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the government planned to follow the advice of experts and maintain the elimination strategy.

"While the pandemic continues to rage overseas, and the virus continues to change and mutate, the best thing we can do is lock in the gains achieved to date while keeping our options open," she said.

Passengers arriving from Sydney at the Wellington International Airport hug loved ones in Wellington, New Zealand. Nick Perry/AP hide caption

Passengers arriving from Sydney at the Wellington International Airport hug loved ones in Wellington, New Zealand.

Ardern said the borders would not reopen until after New Zealand's vaccine rollout was completed at the end of the year. The rollout has been much slower than in most developed nations, although is beginning to accelerate.

Ardern said that from the first quarter of next year, the country would begin allowing travelers to arrive on a carefully managed basis.

Fully vaccinated travelers from low-risk countries would not be required to quarantine, she said. Those arriving from medium-risk countries would need to complete some form of quarantine. And those arriving from high-risk countries, or who were unvaccinated, would need to stay 14 days in a quarantine hotel run by the military, Ardern said.

The government did not provide a ranking of countries by risk, saying it could change quickly.

Ardern said a new trial would begin in October that would allow some business travelers to quarantine at home rather than in military-run hotels as a test of the new system it planned to introduce for medium-risk countries next year.

Ardern also announced it was increasing the standard time scheduled between Pfizer vaccine doses from three weeks to six weeks. She said the initial groups targeted for the vaccine — border workers and older people — had already been fully vaccinated.

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"From a population basis, it makes sense to get as many New Zealanders at least partially vaccinated quickly," Ardern said.

The changes were generally welcomed by business owners, including those in the struggling tourism industry. Before the pandemic, more than 3 million overseas travelers visited New Zealand each year and tourism was among the country's largest industries.

"It's important to have a roadmap so all businesses, including tourism operators, can plan ahead and make informed decisions," said Chris Roberts, the chief executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

Opposition Leader Judith Collins said Ardern's announcements were a step in the right direction but the government needed to speed up its vaccination program.

About 29% of New Zealanders have received one dose of the vaccine and 17% are fully vaccinated.

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Covid-19 Omicron outbreak: Unvaccinated permanent residents can now return to NZ

John Weekes

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Unvaccinated permanent residents can return to New Zealand from Friday.

And Australian citizens who usually live in New Zealand will soon be able to have transtasman trips.

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins announced the changes this afternoon.

Unvaccinated citizens have been allowed to travel back to New Zealand since March 18 but permanent residents were excluded.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was asked several weeks ago at a Beehive press conference about unvaccinated permanent residents returning home.

At the time she said officials were still looking into it but some earlier risk assessments were the reason members of this group weren't allowed to return sooner.

Unvaccinated residence visa holders have been unable to enter New Zealand since November last year.

Hipkins said changes announced today were due to high numbers of vaccinated Kiwis, combined with the Omicron variant's prevalence.

He said these factors reduced the risks to domestic healthcare systems.

"I acknowledge the difficulties some residents have faced in remaining overseas during this period and I am pleased we are able to make this change," Hipkins said.

The changes allow unvaccinated travellers holding a permanent resident visa or a resident visa, and Australian citizens usually living in New Zealand, to re-enter.

Last month, some unvaccinated permanent residents threatened to sue the Government for not letting them into the country.

Holly Atkinson, who is unvaccinated, found out during a trip in Africa that she wouldn't be able to return.

"My husband is an unvaccinated citizen and I am an unvaccinated permanent resident so he can get in but not me," Atkinson told the Herald at the time.

People flying to New Zealand after 11.59pm on May 5 must call the traveller declaration centre.

The numbers are +64 4 9315799 for international callers, 0800 359 269 for local callers, and 1800 359 269 if in Australia.

From Friday May 13 all unvaccinated New Zealand residence class visa holders will be able to complete traveller declarations online.

Hipkins said more possible adjustments to border settings were being considered.

National's Covid-19 Response spokesman Chris Bishop said it was sad how many permanent residents had been barred from travelling home in recent months.

He welcomed today's rule changes but added: "Frankly, it's taken too long."

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Coronavirus: Government to allow unvaccinated New Zealand permanent residents to return

Unvaccinated New Zealand permanent residents will be able to travel into Aotearoa from later this week.

The announcement came as the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) confirmed the closure of the four remaining MIQ facilities will be brought forward due to low-use.

In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said residence class visa holders who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to enter New Zealand from Friday.

That means New Zealand permanent residents and Australian citizens who are an ordinary resident in New Zealand can travel in and out of the country without proof of vaccination. 

A group of people - including New Zealand citizens, those under 16, and refugees - already do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter the country. 

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"Under the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Air Border) Order, and because of the public health risk at the time, unvaccinated residence visa holders have not been able to enter New Zealand since November 2021," Hipkins said.

"I am now directing a variation to the Order, on the basis of the high numbers of people in New Zealand who are vaccinated, combined with how common the Omicron variant has become.  This means the risk posed to our healthcare system from overseas returnees is now much lower."

It's the latest move from the Government as part of its reconnecting New Zealand strategy. The air border has been opening progressively throughout the year, with vaccinated travellers from visa-waiver countries able to return from the start of this week . Vaccinated Kiwis and Australian tourists are already able to enter without isolation.

MBIE said just 95 people are using 54 rooms in MIQ facilities - 32 in isolation and 22 in quaratine - across four hotels. Due to the low number of people using the facilities, the decision has been made to close them by August 2022.  They were originally meant to operate until December.

"There is no longer a requirement for anyone arriving in New Zealand to enter MIQ. In addition, demand for MIQ from community cases, particularly during the Omicron peak in Auckland has been lower than anticipated," Head of MIQ Andy Milne.

"Given the lack of demand, it has been decided that the decommissioning of the final four facilities will be brought forward.

"We know this is an unsettling time for our workers and will do everything possible to ensure they are well looked after. The commitment from all our facilities and workers throughout this time has been extraordinary and we can’t thank them enough."

Planning for a national quarantine facility continues, Milne said.

Hipkins acknowledged issues residents have faced having to stay overseas, but said "caution has served us well". 

"As we continue to move through the Omicron outbreak and peak, we will continue to remove restrictions when advised it is safe to do so – as we always said we would."

The statement said the Director-General of Health will sign a class exemption allowing unvaccinated travellers holding either a Permanent Resident Visa or a Resident Visa, and Australian Citizens who live in New Zealand, to enter the country.

"The class exemption will not prevent people in other groups from continuing to apply for exemptions based on their individual circumstances.

"From 11:59pm NZ time 5 May, when the class exemption goes into effect, a manual process will be used to approve Traveller Declarations made by unvaccinated people in these groups.   

"Travellers whose flights to New Zealand depart after 11:59pm NZ time 5 May, need to call the New Zealand Traveller Declaration Contact Centre (on +64 4 9315799, for international callers; 0800 359 269, for NZ-based callers; and 1800 359 269, for Australia-based callers) for details on how to make their Traveller Declaration.

"Then from 13 May, all unvaccinated New Zealand residence class visa holders will be able to do their Traveller Declaration online."

Travel requirements

We recommend you check information about visa and entry requirements before you book and at least a week before you fly. 

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New Zealand Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for New Zealand.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to New Zealand. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to New Zealand.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

New Zealand is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet.

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in New Zealand, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although New Zealand is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in New Zealand include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call New Zealand’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in New Zealand, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in New Zealand.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for New Zealand for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Air New Zealand to require full COVID-19 vaccination for international travellers

Air New Zealand, the country's flag carrier airline, says it will require passengers on its international flights to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, in what is one of the world's strictest policies for travellers.

Key points:

• The mandatory vaccination policy will be implemented from February 1
• New Zealand plans to reopen its borders early next year
• Qantas has announced a similar vaccination policy for international travellers

"Being vaccinated against COVID-19 is the new reality of international travel — many of the destinations Kiwis want to visit are already closed to unvaccinated visitors," Air New Zealand's Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran said in a statement.

New Zealand plans to reopen its international borders, which have been closed since March 2020 to anyone who is not a New Zealand citizen, early next year.

Air New Zealand would implement the vaccination policy from February 1, the airline said.

"As with anything, there will be some that disagree," Mr Foran said.

"However, we know this is the right thing to do to protect our people, our customers and the wider New Zealand community."

In September, Qantas also said it would require all passengers on international flights to be vaccinated , becoming one of the first airlines in the world to require proof of inoculation for everyone on board.

Virgin has mandated vaccinations for staff , but says it is firmly against imposing different restrictions for domestic travellers on the basis of vaccination status. 

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• Epidemics and Pandemics
• New Zealand
• Travel Health and Safety
• Travel and Tourism (Lifestyle and Leisure)

• Media releases

Air New Zealand to introduce 'no jab, no fly' for international travellers

"We're getting ready to reconnect with the world and letting customers know what they need to do to be ready to take off when we can," says Air New Zealand's Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran.

"Being vaccinated against COVID-19 is the new reality of international travel –many of the destinations Kiwis want to visit are already closed to unvaccinated visitors. The quicker we get vaccinated, the sooner we can fly Kiwis to places like New York, Vancouver and Narita .

"We've been hearing from both customers and employees that this measure is important to them. It came through loud and clear in our recent consultation process with employees and we want to do everything we can to protect them. Mandating vaccination on our international flights will give both customers and employees the peace of mind that everyone onboard meets the same health requirements as they do."

These requirements will sit alongside the measures the airline already has to keep New Zealand safe.

"It's not just customers who will be required to be vaccinated – it's everyone on board an Air New Zealand aircraft travelling internationally, adding to the health and safety measures we already have in place. Another tool in our toolbox.

"As with anything, there will be some that disagree. However, we know this is the right thing to do to protect our people, our customers and the wider New Zealand community. We'll spend the next few months making sure we get this right, ensuring it works as smoothly as possible for our customers. This also gives anyone wanting to travel from next year plenty of time to get their vaccination.

"To take some of the friction out of the travel experience and to help our customers know exactly what they need to travel before even getting to the airport, we're continuing to work on rolling out the International Air Transport Associations (IATA) Travel Pass app."

The airline continues to work closely with the Government and Airport groups on the Reconnecting New Zealanders plan.

Air New Zealand's vaccination requirement will apply to all passengers aged 18 and older arriving or departing Aotearoa on an Air New Zealand aircraft. Customers who are not vaccinated will be required to present proof that vaccination was not a viable option for them for medical reasons.

IATA Travel Pass

Using Timatic, the IATA Travel Pass will check customers' health information against flight details to ensure they are meeting entry requirements for that destination, and the airline.

The app is based on decentralized technology which means there is no central database holding passenger information. Passengers have complete discretion as to whether they share their data or not and they can delete their data at any time on the app, without fear of this being stored.

Issued by Air New Zealand Communications.

Email: [email protected]   │  Twitter: @AirNZMedia

About Star Alliance

The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognised by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 19,000 daily flights to more than 1,250 airports in 195 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner, Juneyao Airlines.

For more information please visit Air New Zealand  and  Star Alliance  and/or follow Star Alliance on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,   Youtube ,  LinkedIn  or  Instagram .

Star Alliance Press Office: Tel: +49 69 96375 183 or email:  [email protected]