New Zealand: Pre-Departure Tests Required for Entrance 

Last Updated on February 23, 2023

Key Points  

  • PCR or RTPCR test results taken within 48 hours of travel will be required for travelers authorized to enter New Zealand  
  • Travelers arriving from 105 specified countries and jurisdictions can alternatively supply a RAT or LAMP test taken within 24 hours of departure for New Zealand  

Overview  

The government of New Zealand will introduce new entrance requirements effective 7 Jan. 2022. Travelers, including the fully vaccinated, will be required to provide a negative PCR or RT-PCR test within 48 hours of departure for New Zealand. Travelers with medical exemptions who are traveling from a location that is exempt from pre-departure testing requirements will be required to present a medical exception certificate issued within 48 hours of departure.   

The government of New Zealand also provided alternative testing methods for travelers arriving from 105 specified countries and jurisdictions where PCR testing is difficult to obtain or not possible. Travelers from these locations will instead be required to provide evidence of a supervised negative rapid antigen test (RAT) or a supervised loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test taken within 24 hours of departure.  

What are the Changes? 

On 7 Jan. 2022, the government of New Zealand updated its testing entrance requirements. These measures have been taken with an aim to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and specifically the omicron variant.  

Looking Ahead 

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


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.