New Zealand Moves Forward With Border Reopening

New Zealand is removing the self-isolation requirement for vaccinated arrivals on 3 March 2022 and is preparing to speed up the next phase of its reopening plan.

New Zealand is ending a requirement that incoming travellers isolate themselves as it continues to remove coronavirus border protections in the face of a growing domestic outbreak.

“That means that all Kiwis coming home and tourists entering the country will be able to step off the plane and immediately connect with family and friends and enjoy all New Zealand has to offer,” COVID-19 response minister Chris Hipkins announced today.

New Zealand’s Phase of Reopening

New Zealand entered the first phase of its reopening plan on 27 February, permitting fully vaccinated New Zealanders living in Australia to return home to visit friends and family.

The government is also bringing forward step 2 which will allow New Zealand nationals living anywhere in the world, as well as skilled international workers and those eligible for the working holiday visa, to travel to New Zealand from 4 March, instead of March 13 as previously scheduled.

“We are able to take these decisions because we have a highly vaccinated population and good public health restrictions through the COVID-19 Protection Framework in place,” Hipkins said.

To see New Zealand's steps to reopening, check our blog post.

New Zealand Entry Rules

Vaccinated arrivals no longer have to self-isolate on their arrival starting 3 March, but anyone over the age of two will continue to test for COVID-19.

Arrivals will be given three rapid antigen tests at the airport to take home. One for use on day one of their arrival, one for use on day five or six, with one extra, the third test, for backup.

“That gives us the best chance of identifying cases that have come across the border,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern explained earlier this month.

Arrivals who return a positive result will be required to take a PCR test at a community testing station so that New Zealand can keep tabs on any emerging variants and isolate cases as needed.

Those who are not fully vaccinated will be required to undergo mandatory quarantine at a government-run centre.

To be considered fully vaccinated, arrivals must have completed the primary course of a vaccine schedule. A booster is not required for entry at this stage.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

Check out the offers and discounts from:

And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.