New Zealand to Reopen Borders to Visa-Waiver Countries
New Zealand has announced the 4th step of its 5-stage reopening scheme. Fully vaccinated international visitors from over 60 visa waiver countries can travel to New Zealand again. They must still meet certain entry requirements.
The New Zealand gradual reopening plan was announced in February 2022 when the authorities allowed entry for NZ vaccinated citizens and residents returning from Australia. The plan assumes the full reopening of the country’s borders by October 2022.
Despite the relatively low number of covid-related deaths (707) out of the total of 933,000 reported cases, New Zealand has maintained one of the strictest entry requirements worldwide, including the total travel ban.
Previously, the country’s authorities planned to welcome visitors from visa-free countries in July. Having seen that the initial stages of the gradual reopening have brought the expected results, they decided to speed up its fourth phase.
Who can enter New Zealand now?
Currently, the following groups of people may enter New Zealand from anywhere in the world:
- vaccinated and unvaccinated NZ citizens
- vaccinated NZ residents
- vaccinated Australian permanent residents and citizens
- current holders of temporary student and work visas
- international students
- vaccinated travelers holding a border exception
- vaccinated travelers from visa-free countries (over 60 countries) who hold a valid NZeTA
- vaccinated travelers holding a valid visitor visa
- other vaccinated travelers eligible to travel under current border settings
Requirements to be met to enter New Zealand
Before the planned trip to New Zealand, all eligible travelers must:
- confirm their vaccination status
- complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration
- obtain the New Zealand eTA (if coming from a visa-free country)
- take a pre-departure Covid-19 test PCR/RAT/LAMP (taken 48/24/24 hours before the trip)
All certificates, i.e. vaccination proof and negative test report must be uploaded to the online Traveller Declaration.
Upon arrival in New Zealand, travelers should be prepared for:
- series of the airport checks, including the valid passport and completed Traveller Declaration
- self-tests for Covid-19 (two RATs on Day 1 and Day 5/6 of your stay)
