New Zealand lifts all restrictions: goodbye masks and doors open to the unvaccinated
After being largely closed to the rest of the world for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, [...]
After being largely closed to the rest of the world for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, in recent months New Zealand Has reopened its borders progressively. Initially allowed entry to fully vaccinated visitors from 60 visa-exempt countries, including Italy (in early May), Subsequently, pre-departure tests were eliminated.
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Now there is more good news for those headed to New Zealand, with perfect timing as the warm weather is on its way.
The situation to date
When I was in New Zealand, On the occasion of my world tour in July, I had to fill out, in addition to the NZpass, a statement about my health, prove that I had received at least 3 doses of vaccine, and most importantly I had to undergo a rapid swab within 24 hours of entering the country.
No more compulsory vaccination
From tomorrow, Sept. 13, to travel to New Zealand, you will no longer be required to show your vaccination status and consequently the doors will be open to unvaccinated travelers, unless you are a New Zealand citizen or an Australian citizen living in New Zealand.
So international travelers will no longer need proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand, regardless of their nationality or country of origin.
Most international visitors heading to New Zealand will still have to:
- obtain aElectronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)Â ;
- fill in a Health Declaration Before check-in.
The request for an NZeTA costs 9$nz via the mobile app or 12$nz if done via the online form. It is valid for a period of two years.
Tests on arrival "encouraged"
In July, I had been required to submit to a swab within 24 hours of arrival And a second by day 5. "Do-it-yourself" swabs with an obligation, however, to report the test result by email or phone. Now this obligation has been removed, but a generic invitation to test voluntarily remains. If I was already dubious about the home test, with possible reporting, let alone now that there is no longer an obligation, but a simple recommendation.
Goodbye masks
As part of the latter relaxations to covid restrictions, also New Zealand is removing the requirement to wear a face mask in all facilities nationwide, with the exception of health care facilities and elderly care facilities.
The first consequence will be the Removal of the requirement to wear them on board aircraft to or from New Zealand, as long as the obligation does not persist in the country of the flight's destination.
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