COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in New Zealand (30 November Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and permanent residents can enter (excluding people granted a resident visa outside New Zealand and who are travelling to New Zealand on that resident visa for the first time).

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• Citizens of Australia and permanent residents who normally live in New Zealand are permitted to enter.

• Diplomats who hold a post in New Zealand may enter.

• Travellers in the following categories may apply to enter under a limited exceptions process:

  • Partners and dependent children (aged 19 years or under if they hold a temporary visa or 24 and under if they hold a resident visa) of citizens or residents who hold a visa based on their relationship with a citizen or resident partner or parent;

  • Essential health workers;

  • Other essential workers who are specifically agreed to by the New Zealand Government

  • Samoan and Tongan citizens for essential travel;

  • Critical humanitarian travel;

  • Maritime crew.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes with exceptions

• To transit New Zealand, a passenger must:

• Meet one of the categories or exceptions that means they do not require an NZeTA or transit visa, or

• hold an NZeTA if a passenger is allowed to transit on an NZeTA, or

• hold a transit visa if a passenger is required to have a transit visa.

• Travellers do not need a visa or NZeTA if they are of the following categories:

• New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder

• New Zealand temporary entry class visa holder with valid travel conditions

• An Australian citizen

• If passengers are planning to transit through New Zealand to another country, they must request an NZeTA before travel if they:

• hold a passport from a country on the list of transit visa waiver countries, or

• a citizen of a country on the list of visa waiver countries and territories, or

• hold a current Australian permanent resident visa that allows you to return to Australia from overseas, or

• regardless of nationality, your immediate or final destination after transiting New Zealand is Australia, and hold a current visa issued by the government of Australia to enter Australia, or

• regardless of nationality, if travelling from Australia — including a person who began their journey outside Australia.

• Travellers holding a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority or a transit visa issued by New Zealand can transit. Transit is only allowed at the Auckland airport for a maximum of 24 hours. Transiting passengers are not subject to quarantine measures.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No

• While health screening measures are in place at the border, there is no mandatory test upon arrival.

Test certificate required?

• No

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• People entering New Zealand must stay in managed isolation or quarantine for at least 14 days and test negative for COVID-19 before they can enter the community. This measure does not apply to the airline crew or those in transit. Before booking flights, the traveller should register on the Managed Isolation Allocation System to secure a place in a managed isolation facility.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• A NZ COVID Tracer app is available to download for this purpose.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Air New Zealand has extended the suspension on booking inbound international flights until 14 December.

• Direct flights between Tasmania and New Zealand are likely to resume early 2021.

• There are limited international passenger flights. Domestic flights are operating.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Air and sea borders are closed to almost all travellers.

• Travellers must be able to produce a voucher that indicates they have accommodations secured for their isolation.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• All of New Zealand is at Alert Level 1, easing most restrictions throughout the country.

Social distancing restrictions

• Minimal

• Most businesses and services have reopened and resumed with social distancing protocols.

• Gatherings must maintain social distancing protocols.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Travel within New Zealand is not restricted.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Most businesses and services have reopened and resumed with social distancing protocols.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels and accommodations are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are operating with social distancing measures in place.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars and cafes are open following public health guidelines and with social distancing measures in place.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Masks will be mandatory on all public transport in Auckland and domestic flights across the country.

النصيحة

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.

To reduce the risk of infection by this virus if travelling in or from affected areas:

• Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.

• Wearing a mask (face covering) is recommended in public places and when social distancing is not possible.

• Wash hands frequently, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Travellers with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).

• Older travellers and those with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to affected areas with their healthcare provider.

• Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop after visiting affected areas where transmission is occurring