New Zealand is an isolated island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean with a population of just over five million. It’s relatively homogeneous community has coped well with the pandemic by restricting international movement, and maintaining internal controls. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced New Zealand plans to re-enter the world on February 3, 2022. We explore that this means in practice.
The Abundance of Caution that Worked, Continues
New Zealand logged 16,630 confirmed cases since the pandemic began, plus a further 375 probable ones. However, there were only 53 direct deaths, representing a mortality rate of 0.31%. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced the wind-down of tough border controls. However, in terms of this New Zealand plans to re-enter the world progressively.
New Zealand’s Five-Stage Plan to Re-Enter the World
1… First, fully-vaccinated New Zealand citizens, residents and ‘other eligible travelers’ may start returning from Australia on February 28. They need not quarantine, but they must self-isolate in ‘suitable accommodation’. However, unvaccinated arrivals and others that do not meet requirements must enter government quarantine facilities.
2… Then fully vaccinated people may start arriving from anywhere in the world on March 14, 2022, and isolate on arrival. However, they need to be in one of these categories:
a… New Zealand citizens and residents.
b… Other eligible travelers under prevailing rules.
c… Skilled workers earning at least 1.5 times median wage.
d… Travelers on working holiday schemes.
e… Qualifying partners and children of citizens and residents.
However, unvaccinated arrivals in those categories will still need to enter quarantine.
3… From April 13 onward, fully vaccinated temporary visa holders with a valid visa who can still meet their entry requirements may enter, and self-isolate. This category also includes 5,000 international students for Semester 2.
4… But the door will open wider in July, 2022 when all fully-vaccinated travelers may also enter and isolate in these categories:
a… All arrivals from Australia.
b… Visitors from countries not requiring visas
c… Travelers in accredited employer work visa categories.
5… Finally, all visa categories including visitor and student will reopen in October 2022.
New Zealand Self-Isolation and Other Health Rules
However, all travelers to New Zealand must still also meet that country’s health regulations. Please follow the link to the New Zealand official announcement for critical information before you begin your journey.
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