New Zealand Fully Re-Opened Borders For All International Visitors From Aug 01

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic closed in March 2020, New Zealand’s borders have fully reopened to travellers from around the world on Monday, August 01, 2022.

In February, the island country reopened its borders to its citizens, and in May, tourists from more than 50 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, returned.

Tourists from non-visa waiver countries, international students, and cruise ships were allowed to enter the country after the final border restrictions were lifted at midnight on Sunday.

However, most visitors will still need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and undergo two PCR tests upon their arrival, but they will not be quarantined.

During a speech at the China Business Summit in Auckland on Monday, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that the final staged opening of the borders had been an enormous moment.

“It’s been a staged and cautious process on our part since February as we, alongside the rest of the world continue to manage a very live global pandemic, while keeping our people safe.”

International students were a significant contributor to the New Zealand economy, and educational providers are hoping that the reopening of the borders will help schools and universities across the country.

The return of cruise ships, according to New Zealand Tourism Minister Stuart Nash, will also benefit local industries.

“Most cruise visits are during the warmer months of October to April, and summer is our bumper tourism season overall. This means it will be full steam ahead for the industry,” said Nash.