Nov 24, 2021:

New Zealand will keep its borders closed to most international travelers for another five months, the government said on Wednesday, outlining a cautious easing of border restrictions since the March 2020 exposure to COVID-19.

In addition to its geographical isolation, the South Pacific nation imposed some of the strictest pandemic restrictions among OECD countries, limiting the spread of COVID-19 and boosting its economy compared to many of its peers.

But the outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variety earlier this year has forced a change of strategy, with Auckland’s main city now only slowly opening up with an increase in vaccination rates.

COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins told a news conference that fully vaccinated international travelers would be allowed to enter the country from April 30, 2022, after which they would reopen over time. Fully vaccinated New Zealanders and resident visa holders in neighboring Australia can travel to New Zealand from 16 January, while vaccinated New Zealanders and resident visa holders from other countries are allowed to enter from 13 February.

“A step-by-step approach to reconnecting with the world is the safest way to ensure that risk is carefully managed,” Hipkins said. “It minimizes any potential impact on vulnerable communities and the New Zealand health system.”

He said passengers would no longer be required to stay in state quarantine facilities, but other measures would be taken, including a negative test before departure, proof of complete vaccination, and COVID-19 test upon arrival.

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