The Government of New Zealand has announced that it is removing the self-isolation requirements for vaccinated travelers arriving in the country. As per the government’s reconnecting plan, visitors from visa waiver countries (including the U.S. and Canada) are expected to be allowed to enter New Zealand starting no later than July this year.
All travelers entering New Zealand must be fully vaccinated in line with the updated entry requirements. A negative pre-departure test (PCR, LAMP or rapid antigen) is necessary for all travelers. There is no compulsory requirement for all arriving travelers to either self-isolate or enter a government-run isolation hotel. In other words, all forms of isolation for arriving travelers (including foreign nationals) have been removed at all border reopening steps except for unvaccinated New Zealand citizens and residents returning to the country.
All travelers will be provided with two free rapid antigen tests on arrival at the Auckland airport. Travelers will be asked to take the first test on the day of arrival and later, the second test on Day 5 after arrival. This can be after the travelers have left the airport, for example at home or hotels. Travelers who test positive via either of their tests (on Day 1 or Day 5) will be required to take PCR test to confirm positive status. If positive, they will then be asked to self-isolate in line with the guidelines that apply to all community COVID-19 cases in New Zealand.
Getting to New Zealand is easy. From Los Angeles, Auckland is a non-stop 12-hour overnight flight. Prior to the pandemic travelers could also fly to New Zealand non-stop from San Francisco, Vancouver, Houston, Chicago and Honolulu. These routes are scheduled to restart in 2022.
For more information, visit www.newzealand.com.
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