Fully vaccinated Kiwis from all around the globe will be able to return to New Zealand without the MIQ hassle from early next year followed by a border opening for all other foreign nationals in April 2022.
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has announced that the New Zealand border will initially be open for fully vaccinated Kiwis and other eligible travellers coming from Australia on 17th January, then from other countries on 13th February and finally for all other vaccinated visitors from April 30th.
“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.
Once the border is reopened, all travellers that do not require an MIQ stay will still need to self isolate for seven days, do a Covid-19 test on arrival and get a final negative test before entering the community.
In addition to that, they would also need to show proof of being fully vaccinated, a negative pre-departure test and a declaration about travel history.
“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.” Hipkins said.
Travellers who do not meet the criteria like those who are unvaccinated (including unvaccinated New Zealanders) and those who are from high-risk countries would still need to go through the current setting of doing seven days in a managed isolation facility followed by a three day home isolation.
“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.” Hipkins said.
Further details on how the self-isolation process is going to be implemented will be provided in December along with information for people with MIQ vouchers for early next year.
For more information please head to https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/reconnecting-new-zealand-%E2%80%93-next-steps