Entry to New Zealand
There are travel zone agreements in effect between Australia and New Zealand. If any country experiences a COVID-19 epidemic, the arrangements may be delayed or suspended at any time. For more information, please see our ‘Travel Zone Status’ page.
If you are transiting through New Zealand to another location, you must obtain an exemption from the Australian Border Force to travel to your final destination. In addition, you must meet or complete the entrance criteria of your final abroad destination. For further information on transit laws, visit the New Zealand Immigration website. There are only a few flights available for continued travel.
Some countries have restrictions on travel to New Zealand. Additional safeguards are in place if you fit the criteria for entry into New Zealand from a high-risk country.
Arrangements for quarantine
For visitors to New Zealand, a Managed Isolation Allocation System is in effect. As the first step toward securing your spot in controlled isolation, you’ll need to register on the system. After completing your registration, you will be given a voucher that you must present at the airport. If you don’t have a voucher, you won’t be able to board your flight.
On arrival, you may be required to contribute to the expense of your managed isolation. Those who must pay the managed isolation charge will be billed at the conclusion of their stay. Unless you’re living in New Zealand for a shorter term, you’ll usually have 90 days to pay. A waiver may be granted in some cases. To request a waiver, go to the Managed Isolation and Quarantine webpage.
If you’re coming to New Zealand from somewhere other than Antarctica or some Pacific Islands, you’ll need to show documented proof of a negative COVID-19 test done within 72 hours of your departure.
Fiji, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Tuvalu, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, Nauru, and Palau are among the Pacific islands free from pre-departure testing.
If you’re going to be in a nation that isn’t on the exempt list for more than 96 hours, you’ll need to take a test before you leave.
Pre-departure testing is not mandatory in all cases. A pre-departure exam is not required for children under the age of two (24 months). If you are unable to take a test due to medical reasons, you must present a medical certificate indicating this and that you are not experiencing any symptoms. See NZ COVID-19 for more details.
You may face an infringement infraction fee or a fine of up to NZD1,000 if you do not provide documentation of a negative COVID-19 test or a medical certificate.
Maritime boundary
Foreign vessels are currently barred from entering New Zealand’s maritime boundaries. Any foreign vessels or vessels with foreign personnel must be permitted for entry into New Zealand via an exemption process authorised by the Ministry of Health. Exceptions continue to be made for cargo ships, fishing vessels, and those arriving in New Zealand for humanitarian or other compelling reasons.
If you go by boat or small craft, you are not exempt from New Zealand border closures and may be refused entry unless one of the exclusions applies. Before travelling to New Zealand, exemptions must be obtained. More information is available on the website of the Ministry of Health’s Maritime Sector.
Choosing to stay in New Zealand
Except for the Auckland and Upper Hauraki districts, the entire country is on COVID-19 Alert Level 2. The alert level in the Auckland and Upper Hauraki regions is 3.
When not at work or school, those on Alert Level 3 are required to remain in their household bubble. The bubble can be enlarged to include close family members, carers, or persons who are isolated. Travel between regions is prohibited, and gatherings of up to ten individuals are permitted solely for weddings and funerals.
There are no restrictions on who can be included in your household bubble under Alert Level 2. Social gatherings, events, and some enterprises, notably hospitality, are subject to restrictions.
The New Zealand Government advises carrying a face covering when out and about and where social distance is not practicable. The NZ Government COVID-19 website has more information on face coverings.
Everyone over the age of 12 is required to keep a record of the places they have visited. This can be accomplished by using the NZ COVID Tracer app, supplying your information to the location, or utilising the location’s current record keeping details.
To keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve been near, download the NZ COVID Tracer App, remember to scan QR codes, and turn on Bluetooth tracking.
