When Do New Zealand’s Borders Open?
The New Zealand Government announced that the country’s borders will reopen on May 1 at 11:59 p.m. — so book trips from May 2 and on.
Starting May 2, the country is open to international visitors from the U.S. and other visa-waiver countries.
Vaccinated travelers with negative pre-departure COVID-19 tests do not need to self-isolate on arrival.
"We look forward to welcoming manuhiri [visitors], family and friends back in May,” said René de Monchy, chief executive of Tourism New Zealand. “New Zealand has plenty to offer international visitors from breathtaking landscapes, rare and remarkable wildlife to our rich culture and heritage; our people and places are what make us unique, and we look forward to sharing this with the world again.”
Do You Have to Be Vaccinated to Enter New Zealand?
Yes. International visitors to New Zealand must be fully vaccinated in line with the country’s requirements to gain entry.
Two doses of Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) meet New Zealand’s requirements for “fully vaccinated;” no booster is required at this time.
Can Unvaccinated Children Enter New Zealand?
Yes. Unvaccinated children ages 16 and under can visit New Zealand without self-isolation and quarantine if parents meet the vaccination requirements or if they are traveling alone.
Do You Have to Provide a Negative COVID-19 Test Upon Entry?
Yes. Vaccinated American travelers must provide one negative pre-departure test. Accepted tests include PCR tests taken within 48 hours of boarding a flight to New Zealand or LAMP or rapid antigen tests taken within 24 hours of boarding a flight to New Zealand.
Do You Have to Take Rapid Tests Upon Entry?
New Zealand will provide travelers with two complimentary rapid antigen tests upon arrival at Auckland Airport. The first test is to be self-administered after leaving the airport on the first day of arrival. The second test will be taken on day five or six after arrival and can be taken at home or at a hotel.
What Happens If You Test Positive for COVID-19 After Arrival in New Zealand?
Travelers who test positive either on their arrival day or upon their second test on day five or six are required to take a PCR test to confirm their results.
If a traveler tests positive, he or she will be asked to self-isolate in line with the requirements that apply to all community COVID-19 cases in New Zealand.
How Can Americans Get to New Zealand?
One of the best routes from the U.S. is from Los Angeles. Los Angeles to Auckland is a 12-hour nonstop overnight flight. Flights from San Francisco, Houston, Chicago and Honolulu are scheduled to return in 2022.
What About Australians?
Australians will be able to visit New Zealand starting April 12.
The Details
Tourism New Zealand
