New Zealand: Entry Exemption for Unvaccinated Residence Holders 

Last Updated on February 23, 2023

Key Points  

  • The government of New Zealand updated its entry policies for residence class visa holders  

Overview  

The government of New Zealand will allow unvaccinated residence class visa holders to enter the country beginning 6 May 2022. Residence class visa holders include those holding permanent residence, residence visas and Australian citizens permitted to live in New Zealand. This will allow New Zealand permanent residents and Australian citizens who ordinarily reside in New Zealand to enter the country regardless of their vaccination status.  

Beginning 13 May 2022, unvaccinated New Zealand residence class visa holders will be permitted to enter the country without being required to complete a Traveler Declaration online form.  

What are the Changes?  

Beginning 6 May 2022, the government of New Zealand will allow unvaccinated residence visa class holders to enter the country, despite COVID-19 entry restrictions applicable to others. Unvaccinated residence class holders have been prohibited from entering New Zealand since November 2021. 

Looking Ahead  

Continue to check the government of New Zealand’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.  


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This article was published on 10 May 2022 and may not be the most recent update concerning COVID-19 entrance restrictions, testing requirements and quarantine measurers. For the most recent updates be sure to check our Global Mobility Resource Center.

Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative.