Govt releases rules for travellers to NZ ahead of border reopening

As country prepares for reconnecting with world and border reopening with Australia on 28 February, the government today announced the details of traveller requirements.

“From 28 February, travellers to New Zealand – starting with Kiwis and other current eligible travellers from Australia – will be able to enter without staying in MIQ as long as they are fully vaccinated, return a negative test before flying and spend seven days in self-isolation, taking two rapid antigen tests,” COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says.

Under the rules announced today, “before they fly, travellers will have the option of three types of pre departure tests: a PCR test within 48 hours of flying, or a supervised RAT or LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal amplification) test within 24 hours.”

Updated minimum vaccination requirements now apply to travellers aged 17 years or older.

“From the end of March, a New Zealand Traveller Declaration will require travellers to complete an online declaration prior to travel and upload evidence of vaccination and a negative pre departure test. Before then, they will be manually checked by airline staff at check-in and by Customs staff on arrival.”

On arrival, vaccinated travellers will need to download the NZ COVID Tracer app and will be given three RATs.

They will need to confirm their place of stay and cannot stay in a place with shared group facilities such as a backpackers or a hostel. They are also expected to travel “directly to their accommodation- avoiding visiting people and entering shops and businesses.”

Travellers will undergo a self-isolation “period of seven full days and reporting the results of two rapid antigen tests – one on day 0/1 and one on day 5/6. A positive result will need to be followed with a PCR test to monitor for any new COVID-19 variants.

“They can form a bubble with family or friends, who can continue to go to work or school, but must minimise contact with others as much as possible. No visitors are allowed.

“Travellers will be able to temporarily leave self-isolation in special circumstances, such as visiting terminally ill relatives, to access urgent healthcare or to attend court hearings, but will be encouraged to take a RAT if visiting a high risk location such as a hospital or aged care facility and need to follow public health measures.”

The full details for the traveller journey and self-isolation process for individuals and groups are available here.