New Zealand: New Entry Rules for Travelers Arriving From Australia

Last Updated on February 23, 2023

Key Points  

  • Eligible travelers allowed to enter New Zealand from Australia without certain requirements beginning 16 Jan. 2022 
  • Eligible travelers will be allowed to enter New Zealand from high-risk countries without undergoing certain requirements beginning 13 Feb. 2022 
  • Fully vaccinated foreign nationals, possibly based on visa category, will be able to enter New Zealand without undergoing certain requirements beginning 30 Apr. 2022 

Overview  

The government of New Zealand will allow fully vaccinated New Zealand citizens, residence-class visa holders and other eligible travelers to travel to New Zealand from Australia without staying in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities beginning 16 Jan. 2022. The government will release additional information regarding eligible travelers in Dec. 2021. New Zealand citizens exempt from MIQ will require: 

  • A negative pre-departure COVID test taken no more than 72 hours prior to the scheduled departure time;
  • Proof of being fully vaccinated;  
  • passenger declaration of travel history; 
  • A COVID test taken on the arrival day or 1 day after arrival; 
  • A requirement to self-isolate for 7 days; and  
  • A final negative test before entering the wider community in New Zealand 

Further information on how self-isolation will be implemented will be made available in Dec. 2021.  

What are the Changes? 

The government of New Zealand released plans to gradually allow vaccinated travelers to avoid MIQ beginning in Jan. 2022. This roll-out process will take place in three phases based on travelers' country of origin, visa category and travel country.  

Looking Ahead  

Vaccinated New Zealand citizens, approved residence-class visa holders and other eligible travelers will be eligible to enter New Zealand even from high-risk countries beginning 13 Feb. 2022. The country will also open to fully vaccinated foreign nationals, possibly based on visa category, beginning 30 Apr. 2022. Continue to check the government of New Zealand’s website and Envoy’s website for additional information and updates.  


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.