New Zealand entry requirements: Latest travel rules explained as all Covid restrictions are scrapped

Prime Minister Jacinda Arden is removing all but a few Covid-related rules with vaccination requirements axed for international travellers

Holidaymakers from anywhere in the world can now travel to New Zealand without proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test, as of 12.59pm GMT, 12 September.

The country that had some of the world’s strictest rules against Covid-19 has axed nearly all domestic and international Covid-19 restrictions. The only remaining Covid-related stipulation affecting travellers is that those who test positive for the virus must self-isolate for seven days.

Prime Minister Jacinda Arden told a news conference on Monday that requirements to wear face coverings would be ditched in all but health care settings and that New Zealand‘s traffic light system for risk of Covid-19 to the community would also be scrapped.

Arden said: “It’s time to safely turn the page on our Covid-19 management, and live without the extraordinary measures we have previously used.

“Finally, rather than feeling that Covid dictates what happens to us, our lives, and our futures, we take back control”.

Here are the latest rules.

What do I need for travel to New Zealand?

You no longer need to show proof of vaccination or show evidence of a negative Covid-19 test for travel to New Zealand (as of 11.59pm NZT on 12 September), regardless of age.

People arriving at New Zealand airports from overseas will be given free rapid test and will be encouraged to test on days one and six of their stay, but testing will not be required.

It is possible that travel operators, such as cruise lines or airlines, will retain vaccine mandates for customers. As such, you should check the rules of your provider before you travel.

auckland travel to new zealand entry requirements scrapped
Trips to New Zealand can now be free of Covid admin (Photo: Getty)

Are there any other entry rules?

UK travellers do not need a visa to enter New Zealand as a visitor for up to six months. However, most UK tourists will need to obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travel to the country.

Travellers are advised to allow up to 72 hours for the visa waiver to be processed, although it can take as little as 10 minutes.

It costs NZD $17 (£8.94) via the dedicated mobile app or NZD $23 (£12.10) if completed online.

You must also pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) at the same time as your NZeTA; this costs NZD $35 (£18.41).

To meet the criteria of visa-free entry to the country, you may need to show proof of an onward ticket and sufficient funds for your stay. See more information on the New Zealand immigration website.

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What are the domestic Covid rules?

Mask-wearing will no longer be compulsory in any public settings except for healthcare facilities.

Masks will still be recommended in confined places such as on public transport. Some sites or businesses could ask continue to ask that people wear a face covering.

New Zealand still requires people who test positive for Covid-19 to isolate for seven days.

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