Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
The Government has created a new ‘very high risk’ country category that will significantly reduce the number of people with COVID-19 flying to New Zealand. For more information, see the Unite Against COVID-19 website.
From 11:59pm (NZT) on 28 April 2021, travellers to New Zealand from these countries will be subject to new restrictions.
The following countries currently meet the threshold of being very high risk:
- Brazil
- India
- Pakistan
- Papua New Guinea
Restrictions on who can travel directly from a very high risk country:
Travellers to New Zealand from very high risk countries will be temporarily restricted to:
- New Zealand citizens
- partners and dependent children of New Zealand citizens, or
- parents of dependent children who are New Zealand citizens.
Partners of New Zealand citizens can be a spouse, civil union partner or de facto partner.
If you’re a non-New Zealand citizen, you must hold a valid visa to enter New Zealand. For more information see reasons you can travel to New Zealand at Immigration NZ
All other travellers, including people holding residence class visas, must spend at least 14 days outside of very high risk countries before flying to New Zealand.
Travellers will still be permitted to airside transit through a ‘very high risk’ country on their way to New Zealand, as long as they have been in a place that is not ‘very high risk’ in the 14 days immediately prior to travel.
Pre-departure testing requirements:
All travellers from very high risk countries must have evidence of negative nasopharyngeal RT-PCR (PCR) test from an accredited laboratory. The test must be taken within 72 hours of departure.
For more information, including a list of accredited laboratories, see the Unite Against COVID-19 website.
Advice for people returning to New Zealand
In the 14 days before leaving there are things you can do to help reduce your risk of being exposed to COVID-19 and bringing it to New Zealand with you:
- Avoid going to high-risk events like parties, social gatherings or crowded places.
- Avoid contact with people who have COVID-19 or who are contacts of people with COVID-19.
- Stay home as much as possible to limit your contact with other people.
- Wash and dry your hands often, cough into your elbow and avoid touching your face.
- Keep your distance from people you do not know.
- Wear a face covering when you cannot keep your distance.
Associated Advisories:
Reviewed:28 Apr 2021, 15:12
