COVID-19 Update: New Zealand Entry Requirements - All Restrictions Lifted

Travelers from anywhere in the world can once again travel to New Zealand without needing to provide Covid-19 vaccination proof or a negative test report. The new regulations became effective as of 12th September. 

New Zealand is a country that had maintained one of the most stringent coronavirus restrictions worldwide. Now, the country's authorities have lifted nearly all of the restrictions making traveling to New Zealand like in the pre-pandemic times.

Currently, the only remaining covid-related rule that affects incoming travelers is that those who test positive for Covid-19 are subject to a 7-day self-isolation.

According to the NZ Prime Minister, Jacinda Arden, Covid no longer has control over the New Zealanders' lives:

Finally, rather than feeling that Covid dictates what happens to us, our lives, and our futures, we take back control.

What is needed to travel to New Zealand now?

All travelers to New Zealand no longer need to provide vaccination proof or negative test reports to enter the country. It applies to every traveler regardless of their age. 

Visitors arriving in New Zealand by air or sea will receive free rapid tests and will be advised to take Covid-19 tests on Day 1 and Day 6 of their stay. However, post-arrival testing is not mandatory. 

Although the NZ authorities scrapped vaccination and testing requirements, particular travel operators, including airlines or cruise lines, may still require passengers to prove their immunity status. Before traveling to New Zealand, you should check the rules of your provider to make sure you meet all the requirements. 

Other documents necessary to enter New Zealand

Most travelers may need to meet visa requirements to enter NZ's territories and regions. Nationals of 60 different countries in the world can enjoy a visa waiver which enables them to visit New Zealand visa-free. Nevertheless, they still need to obtain electronic authorization before their travel. 

The New Zealand eTA is an Electronic Travel Authorization system introduced by the NZ government to facilitate the process of getting a visa for certain travelers.

NZeTA functions as a multiple-entry electronic visa covering the purpose of tourism, business, or transit. 

Eligible applicants are advised to submit their NZeTA application at least 3 business days prior to the intended arrival date in New Zealand. 

Additionally, to meet the requirements of visa-exempt entry to New Zealand, you may be asked to show proof of your onward travel ticket and sufficient funds for your entire stay. 

Despite dropping all covid-related restrictions, travelers arriving in New Zealand by air must still complete a New Zealand Traveler Declaration and obtain a Traveler Pas before their trip. Only transit passengers are exempt from this requirement.

The declaration can be submitted once a traveler has a flight ticket and should be completed up to 28 days before the flight.

The Traveler Pass may be required to check in at the airport, and customs officials may verify it upon your arrival in New Zealand. Both digital and physical versions are acceptable.