On November 24, 2021, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins announced the second part of what will be the border opening plan for New Zealand.
In addition to share with you the details of this announcement, we want to make the specific distinction between what the opening of borders means and the possibility of applying for a visa to enter.
The border will be opened in three steps and all travellers who are not required to enter MIQ (Managed isolation and quarantine) will still need:
• A test prior to the negative output
• Proof of being fully vaccinated
• A statement from the passenger regarding travel history
• A 0/1 day test upon arrival
• A requirement of self-isolation for seven days, and
• A final negative test before entering the community
Key dates:
11:59 p.m. on January 16, 2022
Open for fully vaccinated New Zealanders and those resident visa holders and other travellers eligible under current border exceptions from Australia (provided they have been in Australia or New Zealand within the last 14 days)
11:59 p.m. from February 13
Open to fully vaccinated New Zealand citizens and residence class visa holders and other eligible travellers under current border exceptions, from all but very high risk countries.
April 30 onwards
Open to fully vaccinated foreign nationals (possibly organised by visa category)
Although for many it was great news, the Immigration website was recently updated specifying: The Government has extended the suspension of application to visas of people who are outside of NZ at least until August 5, 2022. Let us remember that these suspensions have been made consistently over 6-month periods for the last year and a half.
This means that it will not yet be possible for people who must apply for a visa to come to do so. We will surely hear news and more clarity about what will happen from April 30 onwards in the coming months.
If you dream of coming to New Zealand, remember that these restrictions will not be forever, hopefully 2022 is the year of good news, for now, we invite you to subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay informed about the latest updates.
