Quarantine rules for vaccines to be ended in New Zealand, borders to be reopened

Government officials announced Thursday that New Zealand will no longer impose quarantine requirements on incoming travelers and resume its borders phase by phase.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has maintained strict border controls for much of the past two years. Military hotel rooms have been used to quarantine incoming travelers for a minimum of 10 days. Such a requirement was causing a backup at the border.

New Zealanders returning from Australia with the COVID-19 vaccine will no longer need to enter quarantine following the latest changes, outlined in a five-step plan.

New Zealanders who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and are traveling to countries other than Australia may enter by March 13 without quarantine. This also applies to skilled workers from other countries as well as working holidaymakers.

The government plans to allow up to 5,000 international students to enter the country without quarantine starting April 12. By that time, those with a valid offshore temporary visa can also enter.

The arrival of visa-free tourists from Australia and other visa-free countries without quarantine will begin in July.

3 Feb 2022