COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in New Zealand (22 April Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

  • Yes

  • Citizens and permanent residents can enter. Passengers with a resident visa issued by New Zealand with valid travel conditions may enter. The granting of new resident and temporary visas is now subject to specific visa conditions. Information can be found on this site.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

  • No with exceptions

  • The New Zealand borders are closed to almost all travellers. The travel ban applies to all arrivals into New Zealand whether by air or sea. The list of exemptions can be found at this link

  • From 11 April 2021, all travellers who have been in India in the previous 14 days cannot enter New Zealand, including New Zealand citizens and residents. The suspension will be in force until at least April 28. Details can be found in this link

Is transit allowed through the country?

  • Yes with exceptions

  • Transit rules may change with little notice. Updated information can be found here.

  • Transit passengers may only travel through Auckland International Airport, where they must stay in the transit area of the airport or onboard their aircraft. At this time, travellers' transit time in New Zealand must not exceed 24 hours. This limitation could change on short notice based on COVID-19 levels.

  • To transit New Zealand, travellers must be in one of the following categories or exceptions:

  • They do not require an NZeTA or transit visa, or

  • They hold an NZeTA that allows them to transit.

  • Travellers do not need a visa or NZeTA if they are in the following categories:

  • New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder

  • New Zealand temporary entry class visa holder with valid travel conditions

  • An Australian citizen

  • Meet one of the COVID-19 exceptions.

Is a test required on arrival?

  • Yes

  • Travellers to New Zealand are required to undergo a test on arrival or within 24 hours (day 1) after arrival (referred to as day 0/1 testing) at a managed isolation and quarantine facility. Travellers may also be subject to COVID-19 tests around day 1, day 3, and day 12 of their stay

  • Travellers from Australia, Antarctica, and most Pacific islands are exempt from testing on arrival or within 24 hours of arrival.

  • When arriving by air, passengers will be screened for cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms at the airport. If travellers have symptoms or are waiting for the results of a test, they will go to a quarantine facility. Otherwise, they will go to a managed isolation facility. Both types of facilities are in hotels.

Test certificate required?

  • Yes

  • Travellers are required to have a certificate for a negative COVID-19 test performed no more than 72 hours before the scheduled departure time of the first international departure. Travellers from Antarctica, Australia, the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna and those below the age of two are exempt from this requirement.

  • The Ministry of Health confirmed the following types of tests are accepted: PCR test (including RT-PCR), LAMP, or antigen tests (also referred to as viral antigen tests). All tests must be processed by an authorized laboratory recognized in the country of origin. Anyone who is unable to take a test for medical reasons is required to provide a medical certificate.

  • In case of flight cancellation, the requirement would remain that the traveller would need to have had a test with a negative result no more than 72 hours before the departure of the new flight. If the flight is delayed by 24 hours or less and the traveller has a negative result, they can still travel, even if the test taken is beyond 72 hours before the scheduled departure time of the first flight. Keep a record of the originally scheduled flight to present to airline staff and customs officers.

  • All travellers arriving in New Zealand without evidence of a negative approved test may incur an infringement offence fee or a fine not exceeding $1,000.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

  • Yes

  • Travellers entering New Zealand must stay in managed isolation or quarantine for at least 14 days and test negative for COVID-19 before they can enter the community. Before booking flights, the traveller should register on the Managed Isolation Allocation System to secure a place in a managed isolation facility. The Managed Isolation Allocation System is available here. Travellers should register early as spaces are extremely limited. Managed Isolation Allocation system vouchers confirming a place in a managed isolation facility are required before boarding a flight.

  • This measure does not apply to the airline crew. New Zealand and the Cook Islands will allow people to travel between these countries without quarantine.

  • When arriving by air, passengers will be screened for cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms at the airport. If travellers have symptoms or are waiting for the results of a test, they will go to a quarantine facility. Otherwise, they will go to a managed isolation facility. Both types of facilities are in hotels.

  • From 19 April, people in Australia can travel quarantine-free to New Zealand.

  • The details regarding all quarantine free travel can be found in this link

  • Based on the above restrictions, travellers must be prepared to spend between 0 and 14 days in quarantine depending on their origin of travel and other entry conditions.

Recommended Border App

Vaccination Required

  • No

  • A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

Insurance Required

  • No

  • Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Airline restrictions

  • Moderate

  • There are limited international passenger flights. Domestic flights are operating.

Border restrictions

  • Moderate

  • New Zealand borders are closed to almost all travellers.

  • Travellers must have a voucher for isolation/quarantine accommodations booked through the Managed Isolation Allocation System.

  • Cruise ships continue to be banned from entering New Zealand.

Curfew restrictions

  • Minimal

  • New Zealand is currently at Alert Level 1. Most restrictions throughout the country have been eased. The details regarding the corresponding restrictions in the regions can be found in this link.

Social distancing restrictions

  • Minimal

  • Most businesses and services are open with social distancing protocols.

  • Gatherings must maintain social distancing protocols.

Internal travel restrictions

  • Minimal

  • Travel within New Zealand is not restricted.

Non-essential shops open?

  • Yes

  • Most businesses and services are open with social distancing protocols.

Accommodations open?

  • Yes

  • Hotels and accommodations are open.

Restaurants open?

  • Yes

  • Restaurants are operating with social distancing measures in place.

Bars and cafes open?

  • Yes

  • Bars and cafes are open following public health guidelines and with social distancing measures in place.

Masks required in public?

  • Yes

  • Masks are mandatory on public transport, particularly to, from, or through Auckland. Drivers of taxis and ride-shares in Auckland must wear a face covering, and passengers are encouraged to wear face masks. Masks are required on domestic flights.

Advice For Travellers

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.