New Zealand will drop its final border ban in July - to let the rest of the world in
Sasha Brady
New Zealand will drop its remaining travel ban on July 31 © Shutterstock
After opening its borders to some 60 visa-waiver nations last Monday, New Zealand announced that it would drop its remaining border bans and open to the rest of the world on July 31, three months ahead of schedule.
The country had taken steps in recent months to relax border controls, like allowing in New Zealanders living abroad, as well as visitors from neighboring Australia. May 2 marked one of the biggest milestones in New Zealand's phased reopening plan yet when it pulled the doors open for international tourists from visa-waiver nations like the USA, the UK, Canada, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and others
But now the final countdown is on as the government announced this week that on July 31, at 11:59pm, it will take the last step in its reopening plan by allowing the rest of the world in, that is tourists from countries that don't have visa-free agreements with New Zealand.
New Zealand has been closed off to much of the world since March 2020 ©Rolf_52/Shutterstock
New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Arden said the decision was made to bring the reopening date forward from October to July 31 in order to boost the tourism industry now that vaccine rates are high and average daily infection rates are stabilizing.
"This will be welcome news for families, businesses and our migrant communities," she said of the early reopening plan. "It also provides certainty and good preparation time for airlines and cruise ship companies planning a return to New Zealand in the peak spring and summer seasons."
According to the tourism ministry international flight searches to New Zealand are running 19% higher than in pre-COVID times and several major airlines are restarting and adding routes to meet the predicted spike in demand over the coming months, including the first ever direct flight between New Zealand and New York City.
"Later this year major international airlines like Emirates, Air Canada, Malaysian Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, LATAM Airlines and Air Tahiti Nui are restarting routes," tourism minister Stuart Nash said. "Air NZ is also adding long haul routes from San Francisco, Honolulu, Houston, New York and Chicago."
New Zealand entry rules: tests and vaccination
Vaccinated arrivals no longer have to self-isolate on their arrival, but anyone over the age of two will continue to test for COVID-19.
Travelers need to take a pre-departure test. Upon landing in New Zealand, they'll be given three rapid antigen tests at the airport to take home. One for use on day one of their arrival, one for use on day five or six, with one extra, the third test, for backup.
Arrivals who return a positive result will be required to take a PCR test at a community testing station so that New Zealand can keep tabs on any emerging variants and isolate cases as needed.
Passengers and loved ones reunite at the arrivals hall in Auckland airport on February 28, 2022 © David Rowland / AFP / Getty Images
Those who are not fully vaccinated will be required to undergo mandatory quarantine at a government-run center.
To be considered fully vaccinated, arrivals must have completed the primary course of a vaccine schedule. That generally means they've received at least two doses, or in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, one dose. A booster is not required for entry at this stage.
Discover Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
The further phased opening up of New Zealand's borders will continue in October, when the country will fully reopen to visitors from anywhere in the world and normal visa processing will resume.
This article was first published August 2021 and updated May 2022
Buy New Zealand's Best Trips
Featuring 25 amazing road trips, plus up-to-date advice on the destinations you'll visit along the way, you can cruise Bay of Islands and Milford Sound, meander to sophisticated vineyard restaurants on Waiheke Island, and spot whales and dolphins off the Kaikoura Coast; all with your trusted travel companion.
Explore related stories
Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
Many travelers to Canada need a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization to visit. Here's a quick guide to the visa requirements for Canada.
10 things that make us happy to travel in 2023
Jan 3, 2023 • 3 min read
It's been a tough few years for travelers, which is why we're taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips.
2023 bucket-list trips you should start planning now
Want to start planning for the year ahead? Featuring sports events, natural phenomena and more, these are 20 amazing trips to consider taking in 2023.
🌍 Help Me, LP! How can I get tickets to the next World Cup?
After watching the World Cup over the past four weeks, I really want to go to a tournament. How do I go about getting tickets to the World Cup in 2026?
12 unforgettable hikes around the world
Hiking creates a connection to a place and its landscapes. Here are 12 incredible walks from around the world to inspire you.
9 stunning beaches that are perfect in winter
Nov 15, 2022 • 3 min read
You don't need sunshine to visit the beach. Explore these dramatic dunes, great surf and rugged shores this winter.
10 hikes to see New Zealand's stunning scenery up close
Nov 4, 2022 • 3 min read
New Zealand is famous for its stunning scenery and immersing yourself in nature is the best way to experience its remarkable landscapes up close.
Destination Practicalities
13 things to know before you go to Sydney: packing, safety and culture
Aug 29, 2022 • 3 min read
From what to pack to local culture and etiquette, here's what you need to know before you head to Sydney.
The best ways to get around in New Zealand: plan your travels with these top tips
Whether you want to explore the cities or escape into nature, here are some of the best ways to get around New Zealand.