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Australian tourists will be welcomed into New Zealand without having to undergo any period of isolation from 11.59pm on 12 April, 2022 as our neighbouring nation brings forward the easing of border restrictions.
Initially pencilled in for July, the eased restrictions will allow all vaccinated Australians to enter New Zealand as long as they complete a pre-departure COVID-19 test (be it a PCR or RAT), as well as another test on arrival and a third on day five.
“We’re ready to welcome the world back,” New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.
“We are a safe place to visit and New Zealand will be ready with open arms.”
The PM also announced that from 11.59pm on 1 May, 2022 travellers from visa waiver countries and those with valid visitor visas will also be permitted to enter New Zealand.
Ardern noted the eased border restrictions will be a boon for the local tourism industry, especially once Australians are allowed in, considering they historically made up 40 per cent of all international arrivals.
“They will be able to arrive in time for the Australian school holidays and provide a particular boost for the upcoming winter ski season,” Ardern said.
“Obviously we know that travel numbers will be below 2019 - it will take time to rebuild.”
The announcement comes after New Zealand already opened its borders to returning nationals earlier this year and those on critical worker visas without isolation earlier this week.
It was also made in the midst of a major spike in COVID-19 numbers for New Zealand, with the country reporting more than 21,000 new daily cases as of its last update, and no deaths reported yesterday.
“Ultimately, the most poignant moments of reopening to the world so far has surely been those when family and friends are reunited,” the PM said.
“I’m proud that New Zealand is a country able in this moment of time to provide a safe place for our tourists to return to.”
Updated at 10.38am AEDT on 16 March 2022.
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