NEW ZEALAND. The New Zealand government has announced a five-step plan to reopen the country’s borders, beginning on 27 February.
New Zealand has had one of the world’s strictest border policies for the past two years. The rules have helped keep COVID-19 case numbers and deaths (53 to date) low but limited access for returning nationals and visitors.
The border will reopen to vaccinated New Zealand citizens and residents travelling from Australia on 27 February, and will open to New Zealand citizens and residents in the rest of the world on 13 March. Crucially, mandatory hotel quarantine will be replaced by a period of self-isolation and testing for most arrivals.
From 12 April up to 5,000 international students and offshore temporary visa holders can enter if they are fully vaccinated.
In July the scheme will extend to all travellers from Australia, non-citizens from visa-waiver states and travellers arriving under Accredited Employer Work Visa categories. This phase may be brought forward, the government said.
The country will fully reopen in October, with all visa categories permitted.
Prime Minister Jacinda Arden said: “By the end of February, 3,345,173 people will be eligible to be boosted, that’s 92% of the population over 18.
“With our community better protected we must then turn to the importance of reconnection. Families and friends need to reunite. Our businesses need skills to grow. Exporters need to travel to make new connections. It’s time to move again.”
