Category: New Zealand

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

COVID-19: Which Countries Are Closed Again? Updated Restrictions Due to Omicron Variant and How to Bypass Them

The omicron variant (B.1.1.529) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was first detected in South Africa on November 24, 2021. Since its discovery, countries around the world have closed their borders to citizens, travellers, or visitors from many African countries in hopes of slowing the spread of the virus.  Each country has its own set of rules…
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New Zealand Sets 2022 Reopening Date For Tourists

New Zealand announced cautious plans to reopen its borders in recent days but it’s still months before tourists are allowed back. After almost two years of closed borders, New Zealand has set its official reopening date of 30 April 2022 for fully vaccinated international travellers. New Zealand’s COVID-19 response minister Chris Hipkins announced in a…
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EU Safe List: EU Removes 2 Countries from Safe List

The Council of the European Union announced the decision to take Singapore and Ukraine out of the safe third countries on 9 November. The removal of the countries means that the Council recommends for EU members to reintroduce a temporary entry ban for non-essential travel for visitors from Singapore and Ukraine. According to the recommendation,…
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New Zealand to Ease Travel Restrictions in November

New Zealand will begin easing COVID-19 restrictions that have been in place on its international borders since last year. Chris Hipkins, minister in charge of New Zealand’s COVID-19 response, said that from November, travellers from Pacific countries such as Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu will no longer need to quarantine on arrival. The 14-day hotel quarantine…
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Australia Ready to Release COVID Vaccine Passport

As Australia gears up to allow international travel for its citizens and permanent residents, the federal government is ready to release its international vaccine passport. Individuals wanting to go overseas or return home will have access to an international proof-of-vaccination certificate starting 19 October, bringing overseas travel a step closer as the country nears the…
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