Can I go to New Zealand?
Not right now, unless you are a New Zealander with a critical purpose for travel and are happy to endure a week-long quarantine in a government-run facility on arrival.
However, vaccinated travellers from Australia, New Zealand’s biggest source of tourists, can enter without the need to quarantine from April 13 rather than July as previously planned.
Vaccinated tourists from visa-waiver countries including the United States, Britain and Singapore will now able to visit from May 2.
The border is not scheduled to fully reopen until October, but this could also be brought forward according to the government.
A return to pre-Covid tourism levels remains a long way off. Chinese tourists, which made up around 11% of visitors previously, can’t visit until October, while the vaccine requirements and battery of testing are likely to put off many.
You need to have had the last dose of your vaccine at least 14 days before you arrive in New Zealand. New Zealand will accept the UK’s NHS COVID Pass as evidence. You should check that your first name and your surname on your passport match how they are displayed by your NHS COVID Pass at least two weeks before you travel. If the names are different, contact your GP practice to have your details updated.
Proof of recovery is not accepted as an alternative to vaccination.
What are the rules for unvaccinated children?
Those aged 16 years and under do not need to show evidence of vaccination if they are travelling with a fully vaccinated adult. They do, however, need to follow the same testing protocol outlined above unless they are under two years of age.
Are there Covid rules on the ground?
Yes. While the UK has largely ditched Covid restrictions, New Zealand retains strict rules.
A traffic light system (green, orange and red) is used to determine just how severe the restrictions are. Currently, the whole country is under red rules. This means you must wear a face mask on flights, public transport and in taxis, as well as in shops and other public venues. You must also show a vaccine pass to freely access restaurants and bars or attend gatherings and events. There are capacity limits and distancing requirements at some venues.
For domestic flights within New Zealand, you must either be fully vaccinated, or have a negative Covid test result from a test administered no more than 72 hours before your flight.
The New Zealand government also requires people to keep track of their movements and who they have seen to help with contact tracing. The NZ COVID-19 Tracer app is available to download for this purpose, with all shops and businesses displaying their QR codes for scanning.
Further information can be found at covid19.govt.nz
Are there any other entry requirements I should be aware of?
Yes. Visitors do not need a visa if they are staying for less than six months; however, they must get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) document before they travel. The NZeTA costs NZD $9 if applying via the dedicated mobile app, or NZD $12 if completed online. You will also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35 when you apply.
Are flights operating to New Zealand?
Carriers including Malaysia Airlines, United and Air New Zealand are selling tickets for departures in May, including stops in Kuala Lumpur or Los Angeles.
Will I need to quarantine when I arrive?
After May 1, no. You will, however, need to take a test upon arrival and another on day 5/6, and if you return a positive result you will need to quarantine.
Do I need to take a test to travel to New Zealand?
Yes. You will be required to take three Covid tests: one before departure (PCR, LAMP or rapid antigen), another rapid antigen test on arrival, and a third on day 5/6. You will also need to provide evidence that you are fully vaccinated to board a flight to the country.
What are the rules for returning to the UK?
From March 18, there are no restrictions on travellers returning to the UK, regardless of vaccination status.
