New border reopening dates have been released by the New Zealand Government.
Here is a quick overview
Self-isolation requirements
Self-isolation is only available for fully vaccinated travellers who are eligible to enter New Zealand.
Travellers will self-isolate for 10 days. If New Zealand’s self-isolation period changes, such as a drop to 7 days, the self-isolation period for travellers will also change.
Travellers will be provided three rapid antigen tests at the airport, one for use on day 0/1, and one for use on day 5/6, with one extra for backup.
Anyone who tests positive will need to take a PCR test at a Community Testing Centre or GP for whole-genome sequencing in order to quickly identify and respond to new variants coming across the border.
Rules breaking people will be fined from $4000 up to $12,000 for those who do not comply with self-isolation requirements.
Unvaccinated people would still need to go into MIQ.
Timeline for Border Reopening:
February 27, 11.59pm.
Vaccinated Kiwis and other eligible travellers from Australia are able to enter and home-isolate.
New Zealand citizens and residents
Other eligible travellers under current border settings.
Unvaccinated travellers, and those who do not meet New Zealand’s vaccination requirements, who are eligible to enter New Zealand will continue to enter managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ).
March 13, 11.59pm.
Two weeks later fully vaccinated New Zealanders and other eligible travellers from the rest of the world are able to enter and home-isolate.
New Zealand citizens and residents
Other eligible travellers under current border settings.
Skilled workers earn at least 1.5x the median wage.
Travellers on a working holiday scheme.
Partners and dependent children of New Zealand citizens and residents, provided they meet the usual visa and vaccination requirements. A family group does not need to travel to New Zealand together.
Unvaccinated travellers, and those who do not meet New Zealand’s vaccination requirements, who are eligible to enter New Zealand will continue to enter MIQ.
April 12, 11.59pm.
Current offshore temporary visa holders, who meet relevant visa requirements, international students, further class exceptions for critical workforces that do not meet the 1.5 times the median wage test considered.
Current offshore temporary visa holders with valid visas can still meet their visa requirements.
Up to 5,000 international students for semester 2.
July 2022
Open to anyone from Australia and to visa-waiver travel. Accredited Employer Work Visa would open, phasing skilled and health worker border exception.
All travellers from Australia.
Visitors from countries who do not need a visa (visa waiver visitors)
Travellers arriving under the Accredited Employer Work Visa categories.
October 2022
Border fully reopens to the rest of the world and all visa categories fully reopen.
All visa categories will reopen in October 2022, including visitor and student visas.
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