new zealand travel covid restrictions

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New Zealand Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to New Zealand

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces and enclosed environments.

New Zealand entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to New Zealand from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter New Zealand.

Can I travel to New Zealand if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter New Zealand without restrictions.

Can I travel to New Zealand without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter New Zealand without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter New Zealand?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering New Zealand.

Can I travel to New Zealand without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in New Zealand?

Mask usage in New Zealand is not required in public spaces and enclosed environments.

Are the restaurants and bars open in New Zealand?

Restaurants in New Zealand are open. Bars in New Zealand are .

New Zealand Traveller Declaration Whakapuakanga Tangata Haere ki Aotearoa

The New Zealand Traveller Declaration collects travel, customs, immigration and biosecurity information. It aims to improve the safety and security of New Zealand. It is available for travellers arriving into New Zealand.

What you need to know

• Completing your declaration is free. 
• Everyone entering New Zealand needs to submit a declaration.
• You can do it on the online form or the NZTD app, using your phone or computer.
• For air travellers, the earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before you start your trip to New Zealand. It needs to be submitted by the time you reach passport control in New Zealand.
• For sea travellers, the earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before departing the vessel’s last foreign port prior to arriving in New Zealand. It needs to be submitted by the time the vessel has berthed at its first port in New Zealand.
• Someone you trust can help you fill it in or do it on your behalf (with your permission).
• A declaration needs to be completed for each traveller, including babies and children.
• Your digital declaration is linked to your passport and is checked when you arrive at the eGate or by a border officer. There is no QR code issued and you don't need to print anything out.
• There is a paper declaration form available, for travellers who cannot complete it online.

Welcoming you to Aotearoa New Zealand

Kia ora, nau mai haere mai.  Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand.  We want to help you understand what you need to do to travel here.  Our home is precious – a taonga. Please help to keep our tangata and our whenua – our people and our land – safe.   We ask everyone travelling to, or returning to New Zealand, to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration.  You can do this on our website travellerdeclaration.govt.nz or by downloading the NZTD app.  You’ll be asked some questions about your trip and what’s in your bags. Some items can’t be brought into New Zealand. If in doubt, declare it for inspection. Please answer the questions honestly, otherwise you could be fined. We look forward to welcoming you to Aotearoa New Zealand.   Ka kite anō

Support and resources in other languages .

About the NZTD

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What you will need to complete your digital declaration

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Contact details in New Zealand

Travel history from the last 30 days

Travel details

Information about what you're bringing into New Zealand

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Travelling by sea

Travellers arriving by sea on any maritime vessel can complete a digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD):

• Small craft
• Diplomatically-cleared
• New Zealand Defence Force

COVID-19 information hub

Keeping you safe while travelling

The wellbeing of our customers and our people is important to us, and we're doing what we can to ensure every journey together is a safe and enjoyable one. Here's what we are doing to help you travel safely.

Before you travel

Avoid surprises — before you go, find and check your passport, pay your fines and check if there are any special travel requirements for the countries you’re visiting.

Documents you’ll need to leave NZ

You’ll need a passport. If your passport is damaged or close to expiring, you might not be allowed to enter some countries.

Check your passport is valid

The name in your passport must match your tickets and your officially registered name.

Before you travel, check if the country you’re visiting has special rules.

Check visa and entry requirements for your destination

Travel advisories

Travel advisories from the NZ government cover security and safety concerns in 137 places around the world.

The SafeTravel website has tips to help you stay safe overseas, what to do if things go wrong, and how the New Zealand government can or cannot help.

Register with SafeTravel

SafeTravel is the official registration facility for New Zealanders travelling or living overseas.

If you’re registered, SafeTravel can:

• contact you if there is a major incident overseas
• send you updates about emergencies, natural disasters or terrorist attacks.

Get travel insurance

You should get comprehensive travel insurance before heading away. You need to make sure it covers everywhere you’re going, and everything you plan to do.

If you do not have travel insurance, you’ll have to pay any overseas medical costs yourself, including the cost of returning to New Zealand.

Unpaid fines

If you have unpaid fines and try to leave or come into New Zealand, the police can stop you at the airport. You will be allowed to pay by credit card over the phone with a registrar.

If you’re travelling in the next 48 hours and you have fines or reparation you have not paid, call 0800 729 677 to pay with your credit card.

If you get a benefit

You must let Work and Income know your travel plans and your reasons for travel before you leave New Zealand. Partners travelling must also let them know. If you do not, your benefit might stop the day after you leave.

Going overseas to live

If you get NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension

You need to tell Seniors Services that you’re going overseas before you leave NZ.

• If you travel overseas
• Living overseas if you get NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension

If you have a student loan

If you do not meet your repayment obligations, you could be arrested when you return to NZ. Make sure you keep up your student loan payments while you’re overseas or you could be charged interest and penalties.

Going overseas when you have a student loan

If you pay tax

You might need to file a tax return (IR3) that covers the period up to the date you leave NZ. You may also need to file a tax return at a later time showing details of any income you’ve earned overseas or from an NZ source.

Find out if you should file a tax return

If you have tax debt, contact Inland Revenue to discuss the options for paying your debt. The Australian Tax Office can help recover tax debt owed by New Zealanders who move to Australia.

What to do if you have a tax debt

If you pay child support

You must contact IR.

Child support payments

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Last updated 15 October 2021

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Date printed 17 April 2024

Travelers eligible to visit New Zealand will need to be vaccinated from November

Oct 4, 2021 • 3 min read

New Zealand will tighten its entry rules in November ©Getty Images

New Zealand will require all eligible international arrivals to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering the country from November 1, as the government tests a new approach to maintaining the pandemic amid a surge in Delta-driven infections. New Zealand's borders are closed to non-essential travel so the policy applies to people who have been cleared to travel to New Zealand for essential purposes or those coming from an approved quarantine-free zone .

"Getting vaccinated is the most effective measure against the transmission of COVID-19, and the risk of serious illness or death," New Zealand's COVID-19 response minister, Chris Hipkins, said in a statement , as he announced New Zealand would tighten its strict entry requirements  even further.

"To further reduce the possibility of the virus getting through our border, we are introducing the requirement for air travellers aged 17 and over, who are not New Zealand citizens, to be fully vaccinated to enter New Zealand," he said.

Fully vaccinated arrivals will still be required to quarantine for two weeks in a government-designated hotel upon arrival in New Zealand, unless they are coming from a quarantine-free zone. Officials are accepting a wide range of vaccines for entry, provided the vaccine is approved by a government or approval authority, though more guidance is expected to follow. Officials are also working on creating a traveller health declaration system, which will introduce the ability to digitally verify people's vaccination status at the border.

“Most people coming to New Zealand tell us they are already vaccinated. This requirement makes it formal and will provide an extra layer of protection at the border," Hipkins said.

Passengers—except for those coming from exempt locations—will also be required to present a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken no more than 72 hours of boarding their flight.

The announcement comes as prime minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed on Monday that New Zealand will no longer pursue a ' Zero COVID' approach to the pandemic. The approach saw New Zealand stop local transmission for a long period of time and more or less eliminate the virus from its territory, which kept citizens safe while allowing the economy to reopen quicker than most other countries. It worked so well that New Zealand's death toll was among the lowest in the world, with 27 COVID-related deaths recorded in a population of five million people.

However, the highly-transmissible Delta variant has led to a number of outbreaks that have been harder to control and Ardern acknowledged that the approach would now shift from the containment phase. A ramped-up vaccination drive is key to the new public health strategy, as she confirmed two million New Zealanders are now fully vaccinated to date.

"For this outbreak, it’s clear that long periods of heavy restrictions has not got us to zero cases,” Ardern said. "But that is OK. Elimination was important because we didn’t have vaccines. Now we do, so we can begin to change the way we do things.

"Vaccines were always going to change the way we manage COVID-19 into the future, but our strategy has worked and will remain—we want to control the virus, avoid cases and hospitalisations, enjoy our freedoms, and reconnect with the world."

A date on when international tourism will return to New Zealand has yet to be announced, though it's likely to be early next year when most of the population is fully vaccinated and the digital traveler declaration system is in place.

Air New Zealand, the national carrier, announced today that from February 2022, all passengers on board its aircraft, regardless of their destination, must be fully vaccinated when traveling internationally.

You might also like: Australia will enter first phase of return to international travel in November Argentina will open to international visitors from November - here's what tourists need to know More countries are adopting the EU's digital COVID-19 certificate - here's what you need to know

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As New Zealand relaxes restrictions, here’s what we can still do to limit COVID infections

Professor in Applied Mathematics, University of Canterbury

Project Lead - COVID Modeling Aotearoa; Senior Lecturer - Department of Physics, University of Auckland; Principal Investigator - Te Pūnaha Matatini, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

Principal Investigator, Te Pūnaha Matatini, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

Disclosure statement

Michael Plank is affiliated with the University of Canterbury and is funded by the New Zealand Government for mathematical modelling of Covid-19.

Dion O'Neale receives funding from the NZ Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet for providing modelling and analysis related to COVID-19 and from the NZ Health Research Council for research on modeling and equity impacts of COVID-19 in Aotearoa. He is affiliated with COVID Modelling Aotearoa, The University of Auckland, and Te Pūnaha Matatini.

Emily Harvey receives funding from the NZ Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet for providing modelling and analysis related to COVID-19 and from the NZ Health Research Council for research on modeling and equity impacts of COVID-19 in Aotearoa. She is affiliated with COVID-19 Modelling Aotearoa, ME Research, Te Pūnaha Matatini, and the University of Auckland.

University of Auckland and University of Canterbury provide funding as members of The Conversation AU.

University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau and University of Canterbury provide funding as members of The Conversation NZ.

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New Zealanders are about to enjoy cautiously relaxed COVID restrictions under the country’s COVID-19 Protection Framework , starting from this weekend.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the relaxations today, signalling the end “for now” of vaccine passes, QR codes and vaccine mandates in the education, police and defence sectors from April 4.

Mandates will still apply for health, aged-care, corrections and border control workers, pending more official advice. Settings within the traffic light system have also been revised, but the country remains at the red level and indoor mask use is still required.

New Zealand’s vaccine pass system was designed when we were in the middle of the vaccine rollout, only about one in 400 New Zealanders had had COVID-19, and nobody had even heard of Omicron.

At that time, unvaccinated people had a much higher risk of catching the virus and spreading it to others.

For this reason, vaccine passes were an important part of safely relaxing the Auckland lockdown. They helped us enjoy a summer with very low case numbers and minimal restrictions. Crucially, this meant we avoided the dual Delta-Omicron epidemic that significantly added to the health burden in places such as New South Wales .

The situation we face today is very different. Vaccines remain highly effective at preventing severe illness but aren’t as good at stopping people catching Omicron. And the protection they do provide against infection wanes fairly quickly.

At the same time, increasing numbers of people have some temporary immunity as a result of having had the virus. This means vaccine passes are far less effective as a public health intervention now than they were a few months ago.

But as vaccine passes are phased out, it is important to consider what measures we can use to reduce transmission.

Vaccines still work

Vaccines are still highly effective at preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19. Like New Zealand, Hong Kong is now experiencing a major Omicron wave after initially following an elimination strategy. But in the last two months, Hong Kong has had close to 4,000 deaths per five million people compared to New Zealand’s 130.

Why such a big difference? Vaccines. Hong Kong has much lower vaccine coverage in older groups than New Zealand does.

But it’s clear vaccines are less effective at preventing infection with Omicron. The UK Health Security Agency estimates the effectiveness of two doses of the Pfizer vaccine against symptomatic COVID-19 drops to just 10% after about 25 weeks following the second dose. This jumps to 65% after a booster but also wanes quite quickly to around 40% 15 weeks later.

The proportion of unvaccinated people testing positive is not that different from fully vaccinated people. So if you go to a cafe, a hairdressers or a bar, whether or not there are unvaccinated people there makes little difference to your risk of catching the virus.

Other risk factors are more important: are people wearing masks, is it crowded, is the venue well ventilated or outdoors, are people staying away if they have symptoms?

Read more: Most COVID patients in NZ's Omicron outbreak are vaccinated, but that's no reason to doubt vaccine benefits

We still need public health measures to mitigate COVID

The limitations the vaccine pass system has placed on people’s freedoms are much harder to justify now. But that doesn’t mean we can end all vaccination requirements or remove all public health measures.

COVID-19 is an airborne disease but a comparison with diseases spread through contaminated water is useful. The spread of cholera from contaminated water is one of the earliest examples of an effective public health response to an infectious disease.

The first response was a “boil water” notice, the equivalent of mask wearing to prevent the spread of infections. Longer-term measures involve systemic changes, such as infrastructure for clean water or, in the case of COVID, infrastructure for clean air through ventilation and filtration.

Read more: No, catching Omicron is not 'inevitable' – here's why we should all still avoid the virus

The time to remove boil-water notices is not when case numbers are peaking, or even when they are back at half of their peak level. It is when there are sufficient systemic changes in place to keep people safe.

Similarly, isolation periods are intended to stop people from infecting others. For Omicron, studies suggest half of all cases were still infectious on day five and the infectious period may be as long as ten days. Given wider availability of rapid antigen tests, we could introduce a test-to-return policy to require a negative test before people leave isolation.

Some vaccine mandates remain

People working in specific high-risk situations, like healthcare and aged residential care, will still be required to be up to date with their vaccinations to protect the vulnerable people they work with.

We are currently in the middle of a major Omicron wave, with hospitalisations and deaths at record levels. At least as many people will get infected on the way down from the peak as on the way up.

Read more: Evidence supports mandatory COVID vaccination for aged-care workers. But we need to make it easier too

And even when this wave subsides, COVID-19 isn’t going to go away. It’s likely we will continue to see daily case numbers in the thousands for some time. Added to other respiratory illnesses like influenza and RSV, this could cause significant strain on healthcare over the winter months.

Altogether, this means we still need a set of sustainable mitigations to reduce transmission and the health impacts of the virus. This includes strategies to address vaccine inequity and increase booster uptake, mask use when cases are high, better ventilation and adequate financial support for people to take time off work when they are sick.

COVID vaccine passes have outlived their usefulness at least for now. But COVID-19 is going to be with us for the forseeable future.

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• Omicron wave

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New Zealand Just Changed Its Rules for Incoming Travelers

There is now one less hurdle when visiting this beautiful island country..

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It’s now easier to plan a trip for your summer (New Zealand’s winter).

Photo by Shutterstock

More than a month ahead of schedule, New Zealand has announced it is no longer requiring COVID-19 tests predeparture. The new measure went into effect on June 21.

“The challenges predeparture tests pose to visitors are now no longer outweighed by the public health benefits. Factors such as the availability of and cost of getting a test are increasingly becoming a barrier for people intending to travel here, especially as other countries wind back testing availability or the requirement for a test on entry themselves,” the New Zealand government said in a press release on its COVID-19 response site.

The country had originally intended to remove the requirement for travelers to have a predeparture test by July 31. “But with cases continuing to decline despite over 387,000 arrivals since borders reopened, there is evidence this measure can now be lifted,” the government stated.

While New Zealand has removed the testing hurdle for entry, it isn’t fully flinging open the doors just yet.

Requirements still in place to enter New Zealand

People age 16 and above seeking to travel to New Zealand are still required to be fully vaccinated (though those who are just transiting through do not). To be considered fully vaccinated, travelers must have had the original full course of doses. So for vaccines approved in the United States, that means two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Booster shots are not a requirement for entry.

Additionally, travelers will be asked to take two COVID-19 tests once they’ve landed in the country—one on the day of arrival and another on day five. Those tests can be self-administered rapid antigen tests, and the results must be reported to the government. If either is positive, travelers must then get a PCR test. The government notes that the in-country testing is meant to detect and understand any new strains of the virus arriving at the border. Those who test positive must self-isolate for seven days .

Travelers are also still required to fill out the New Zealand Traveler Declaration before departure. The questionnaire asks for passport information, proof of vaccinations, flight details, travel history (for the prior 14 days), and contact details.

New Zealand’s decision to drop its pretravel testing requirement comes a little more than one week after the United States lifted its COVID-19 testing requirement for all international arrivals.

>>Next: New York Is Getting Its First-Ever Direct Flight to New Zealand

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New Zealand Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from Canada to New Zealand

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces and enclosed environments.

Ready to travel?

Find flights to new zealand, find stays in new zealand, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, united arab emirates, united kingdom, united states, know when to go.

Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

Can I travel to New Zealand from Canada?

Most visitors from Canada, regardless of vaccination status, can enter New Zealand.

Can I travel to New Zealand if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from Canada can enter New Zealand without restrictions.

Can I travel to New Zealand without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from Canada can enter New Zealand without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter New Zealand?

Visitors from Canada are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering New Zealand.

Can I travel to New Zealand without quarantine?

Travellers from Canada are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in New Zealand?

Mask usage in New Zealand is not required in public spaces and enclosed environments.

Are the restaurants and bars open in New Zealand?

Restaurants in New Zealand are open. Bars in New Zealand are .

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Covid-19 restrictions dropped: what you need to know.

Explainer - The last remaining Covid-19 mandates have been dropped by the government.

It is no longer a legal requirement to self isolate for seven days if you test positive for Covid-19 and masks do not need to be worn in healthcare facilities.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced the changes on 14 August and they came into effect first thing on 15 August.

But what is expected of you if you test positive? What are your rights with taking sick leave? What do the experts think of the removal of the last remaining restrictions? How did we get here?

RNZ is here to clear it all up.

What did the government announce on 14 August?

In a post-Cabinet press conference, Hipkins and Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced all remaining Covid-19 restrictions would be scrapped .

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

That meant mandatory seven-day isolation and wearing a mask when visiting a healthcare of aged care facility were no longer required by law.

Hipkins said he wanted to "take a moment to acknowledge the significant milestone that we are recording today, the formal end of what was a uniquely challenging time for the country and of course for the world".

"Using the word 'was' in that sentence to describe our Covid-19 response in the past tense really does bring home what has been a very interesting and challenging time."

The restrictions had been removed because the public health risk was now considered low compared to other stages of the pandemic, he said.

Hipkins rejected the suggestion the announcement was related to the upcoming election .

The government now awaited the outcome of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the lessons learned, he said.

"It's been a phenomenal thing, it's probably been the biggest thing that any New Zealand government has grappled with, of this nature and of this scale, for a generation or more ... I certainly hope it is the last [Covid-19] press conference."

What do the experts think?

Otago University epidemiologist Michael Baker urged people to stay home when they were sick with Covid-19, despite all restrictions lifting.

Professor Baker said Covid-19 had transitioned from a pandemic threat to an endemic infectious disease .

Otago University epidemiologist Michael Baker. Photo:

"Unfortunately that means it's there the whole time, it is still in New Zealand amongst the infectious diseases, the leading cause of death and hospitalisation and we know that those infections and reinfections are going to add to that burden of long Covid."

Baker said New Zealand would see new subvariants of the virus arrive that would better escape immunity.

The government needed to look at how to reinforce those behaviours that prevented Covid-19 from spreading now that the mandates had been removed, he said.

General Practice New Zealand chairperson Dr Bryan Betty said practices like mask wearing and self-isolation should be encouraged for all viruses, not just Covid-19.

He said people needed to continue with the lessons that were learnt from Covid-19 but which were applicable to all viruses that were spread from person-to-person such as influenza and RSV.

"Voluntarily staying at home if you do have a flu or a cold so you don't spread it, and I think masking in public areas of health facilities voluntarily is something we should still keep in play."

Health providers should consider ensuring masks were worn in places where sick people gathered such as hospitals or GPs' waiting areas, Betty said.

University of Otago epidemiologist and associate professor Amanda Kvalsvig said the decision to remove all protections was a concerning one.

"One of the reasons New Zealand's pandemic response was so effective in 2020 was that New Zealanders were highly motivated to keep themselves and others safe.

The government is now removing all Covid-19 protections, including in healthcare. This is a concerning decision with widespread implications, especially for disabled people, people with long-term health conditions, and those who care about them."

Kvalsvig said New Zealanders needed to continue keeping people safe even when the government policy was "no longer aligned with those values".

"We need to make sure that Aotearoa NZ continues to benefit from its hard-won pandemic experience. People with decision-making power, for example employers, can use that power to maintain workplace safety, ensuring that unwell workers are able to stay home and recover without infecting their co-workers.

"And all of us, however bullet-proof we might feel personally, can continue to make sure that any infection we have stops with us. We can never know who might be further down the chain of infections, and what an infection might mean for them."

University of Canterbury professor Michael Plank said the overall decision was "a reasonable one".

"The government took a relatively cautious approach in April to extend the isolation mandate because of the risk that a winter Covid wave could coincide with the flu season, putting severe strain on our healthcare system. Now, the worst of the flu season is probably behind us and Covid levels have remained low throughout winter.

"Over the longer term, Covid is not going away and there will certainly be further waves."

Are Kiwis in support of the restrictions being dropped?

Some people spoken to by RNZ in Wellington were concerned by the drop in the last remaining restrictions.

"I think it's a bad idea," said one, "I'm not sure that the risk of Covid being spread is low enough to justify dropping the seven day requirement," said another.

One woman said she did not believe it would have much of an impact.

"Covid feels like something that's happened in the past, it's not so relevant now," she said.

But another Wellington resident said: "Something like Covid, it's not going away and how many places actually have enough sick leave? I don't know. Personally, I think waiving it all is a little bit sudden."

And another said: "We saw a big collective movement, now the government's sort of saying 'you're on your own'."

What happens if I get Covid-19 now?

Despite the government dropping the seven day isolation mandate for a Covid-19 positive person, the Ministry of Health was still encouraging people to stay at home for five days if unwell or if you tested positive.

Verrall said mask wearing remained an "important way" to reduce the spread of any respiratory illness, including Covid-19, in health and disability care facilities.

According to the Unite Against Covid-19 website , if you have tested positive for Covid-19, it was recommended you stay home for five days - even if symptoms were mild.

"Day 0 is the day your symptoms started or when you tested positive, whichever came first. This means you should not go to work or school.

"If you do need to leave your home during your five day recommended isolation period, it is very important you take precautions to prevent spreading Covid-19 to others."

It was recommended you wear a mask when leaving the house and not visit a healthcare facility (unless needing medical care), visit an ages care facility, have contact with anyone at risk of getting very sick from Covid-19.

"You should discuss your return to work with your employer or your child's return to school with their school principal. Your employer or your school may require additional precautions."

For people who were already isolating because of a Covid-19 positive test when the mandates were dropped, it was still recommended that they continue to isolate for five days.

"If you have already been isolating for six or seven days, and are well, you can return to your normal activities."

Do I now have to use my own sick leave when I have Covid-19?

According to the Work and Income website , the Covid-19 Leave Support Scheme - which was set up to help employers pay employees who had to self-isolate because of Covid-19 - ended on 15 August.

"You can still apply if your employee was in self-isolation before 13 August."

From now on, this meant employees would need to use their regular sick leave if not able to work because of Covid-19.

Auckland Employers and Manufacturers Association chief executive Brett O'Riley said it would take some time to adjust to but believed Covid-19 had "fundamentally changed" how workplaces dealt with illness.

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Given how tight the labour market was and that employers were having to "bend over backwards" to retain staff, O'Riley said giving employees extra sick leave would be one of the easier things they had to deal with.

"I think giving staff a few extra sick leave days because they are unwell will be well and truly in the wheelhouse for most employers."

O'Riley said the majority of businesses had seen the impacts of sick staff coming to work and most made it clear to their employees that they should stay home if they were not well.

"I think the bigger challenge actually is for sole traders and people who are on their own. That's a situation where you are the employer and sometimes it's difficult to deal with."

O'Riley said while a lot of progress had been made in how workplaces deal with sickness, EMA was continuing its calls for revamping the health and safety legislation to make it much clearer what the expectations were across all work sites.

John Crocker of Unite Union said while the government was still urging people with the virus to stay home for five days it would be more difficult now that there was no Covid-19 leave support scheme.

"People will be going back to their 10 sick days a year. Now obviously that was good that the government put that through in the last couple of years but it was needed before Covid. Now, people are going to have to wind their Covid sicknesses into their standard sick days which is going to put pressure back on those."

He said registering Covid-19 tests online legitimised sick leave claims without clogging up the health system.

"Doctors hate it when workers come in 'I need a medical cert'. It's a burden on the primary healthcare system, it's a burden on the employees, now obviously employers have a right to police abuse of sick leave but that was a really neat short cut, and it would be good to have more of them."

Like O'Riley, Catherine Beard of Business NZ was confident the lessons learned during the pandemic would mean employers would not pressure staff to work when they were ill.

"I think normal health and safety operating practices will kick in and they would have been in place anyway. So, yeah, it's really hard to see what the mandate was adding really."

Beard said it was now up to employers to protect their workers and encouraged them to take leave when they needed it.

But isn't there a new variant?

Microbiologist and infectious diseases expert Siouxsie Wiles had been dreading the end of the rules she said helped prevent the spread of the virus.

Microbiologist and infectious diseases expert Siouxsie Wiles. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook

"It's kind of ironic we're doing it at this stage where there's a new wave starting in other countries. There's a few new variants around that are more infectious. There are experts in other countries calling for a return to masking in healthcare, it's the very smallest thing that could be done and here we are removing it."

According to the BBC, the World Health Organisation has declared a new sub-variant of Covid-19 called EG.5 .

It had been unofficially named "Eris" and was a variant of interest with the WHO asking countries to monitor it as cases grew globally.

The WHO said it posed a low risk to public health, with no evidence that it caused more severe disease than other variants currently circulating.

EG.5 has become the dominant variant in the United States.

It has already been found in New Zealand, according to the Institute of Environmental Science and Research report released 4 August, which said it was "gradually increasing, but not at a rate that would cause a substantial surge in new cases".

XBB remains the most prominent variant in New Zealand.

What are our Covid-19 numbers like these days?

There were 5372 new cases of Covid-19 reported in New Zealand over the past week and 20 further deaths attributed to the virus .

The current death tally is at 3249, with the highest number of active cases in Canterbury, Waitematā and Waikato district health region.

In a statement, Verrall said while Covid-19 cases continue to fluctuate week-to-week, overall case numbers, wastewater levels and hospitalisations have trended downwards since the beginning of June.

In the past month, the number of cases hit their lowest since February 2022.

Verrall said the "dramatic peaks" seen last year had not been seen in 2023 and Covid-19 had put "considerably less" pressure on the health system this winter then planned for.

"This, paired with the population's immunity levels, means Cabinet and I consider we're positioned to safely remove the remaining Covid-19 requirements.

"We've only reached this point thanks to the hard work and care New Zealanders have taken over the course of the pandemic."

Verrall said Covid-19 accounted for just 2.2 percent of hospital admissions on the morning of 14 August and New Zealand had likely passed its winter peak of the flu.

How did we get here?

It has been more than three years since the Covid-19 pandemic began and changed the world as we knew it.

Here are some key dates from New Zealand's response and how we got to where we are now with no restrictions.

• 28 February 2020 - the first case of Covid-19 is reported in New Zealand
• 14 March 2020 - the government announces anyone coming into New Zealand - except those from the Pacific - must self-isolate for 14 days
• 21 March 2020 - the alert level system is announced - and the country continues to move through levels 1-4 as the risk lowers and becomes greater
• 2 December 2021 - a traffic light system replaces the alert level system
• 3 February 2022 - mask use is increased as New Zealand prepares for Omicron variant
• 11 March 2022 - isolation period drops from 10 to seven days
• 4 April 2022 - vaccine passes are no longer needed and vaccine mandates for government workers ends
• 12 September 2022 - the traffic light system ends, all mask wearing requirements removed, except in healthcare and aged care facilities, and only Covid-19 positive people need to isolate for seven days, not household contacts as well
• 26 September 2022- the last of the the vaccine mandates for workers ends
• 15 August 2023 - government removes need for people to self-isolate for seven days, wear masks in healthcare facilities

Copyright © 2023 , Radio New Zealand

• Full coverage

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New Zealand drops all covid travel restrictions

As of sept. 13, all travelers are welcome to new zealand without testing or vaccine requirements.

New Zealand has lifted all pandemic travel restrictions, including vaccination and testing requirements, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced this week.

Citing low case numbers and hospitalizations, expanded access to antiviral medicines and a “well vaccinated” population, New Zealand ended its COVID-19 Protection Framework that kept visitors away beginning in early 2020.

As of Sept. 13, travelers now have to complete only a New Zealand Traveler Declaration and be issued a travel pass before their flight, which they’ll present — either on paper on a mobile device — at their departure airport at check-in and at customs in New Zealand.

Your guide to planning fall travel, from leaf peeping to cheap flights

Travelers are still encouraged to continue coronavirus testing on the first day of arrival and five days into their trip, although it’s no longer mandatory.

Those who test positive during their visit “should report that result, seek a PCR test, and tell testing staff they have recently been overseas,” according to the Ministry of Health’s latest guidelines . Once their positive case is confirmed, they’ll will be required to undergo a seven-day isolation period.

Along with travel restrictions, New Zealand has dropped its universal mask mandate, with the exception of health-care settings. Visitors may still encounter mask requirements at special events, marae (sacred Maori meeting grounds) or businesses at the discretion of the host or owner.

“In short, we now move on to a simple two requirements system of masks in healthcare settings and 7 days isolation for positive cases only,” Ardern said in the announcement.

The news comes ahead of the country’s peak tourism season, December through February.

“For the first time in two years we can approach summer with the much needed certainty New Zealanders and business need, helping to drive greater economic activity critical to our economic recovery,” Ardern said.

New Zealand began its incremental reopening in February, and started allowing all tourists and visa holders to enter the country as of July 31 with proof of vaccination and testing requirements.

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

New Zealand removes final COVID-19 restrictions

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Visas and entry requirements

Visas, New Zealand

By Tourism New Zealand

Learn more about the available visa options and entry requirements into Aotearoa New Zealand, including the New Zealand Traveller Declaration.

Aotearoa New Zealand enjoys welcoming visitors (manuhiri) to our beautiful country.

Having a valid passport, the right visa and completing the entry requirements are key to a trouble-free entry into New Zealand.

Your passport has to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa .

On this page, you'll find helpful information on:

• Arriving in New Zealand
• Visitor visa for a holiday
• Working holiday visa
• Transit visa (through New Zealand or Australia)

New Zealand visa options

Visiting new zealand for a holiday.

You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are:

• A New Zealand citizen travelling on a New Zealand passport or on a foreign passport that has a New Zealand citizen endorsement
• An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport
• A foreign passport holder with a valid visa for New Zealand - including a Permanent Resident visa

If you plan to visit New Zealand for a short period, you need to request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (opens in new window) (NZeTA) before you travel if you are:

• A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver (opens in new window) agreement with New Zealand (you can stay up to three months)

If you don’t meet the above, then you’ll need a visitor visa. The fastest and easiest way to apply for a visitor visa (opens in new window) is online.

Before travelling to New Zealand, you need to make sure your passport is valid for at least three months longer than your expected departure date.

Be sure to request your NZeTA (opens in new window) , or apply for your visitor visa well in advance of travel to avoid delays, and only use the official NZeTA website to request your New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority.

For more information on cost and processing times, visit the official NZeTA website .

If you have a biometric ordinary passport (or electronic passport) and are over 12 years old, you may be able to use New Zealand Customs eGate service. This allows you to complete your Customs and Immigration checks faster so you can get on with enjoying your visit to New Zealand.

Essential travel information

Working holidays.

Working holiday visas (opens in new window) are available to young people, usually aged 18-30 (but 18-35 for a select few nationalities). They let you travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, or 23 months if you’re from the UK. To apply you’ll need to meet the visa requirements, and have:

• A return ticket, or enough money to pay for one; and 
• Be coming mainly to holiday, with work being a secondary intention.

Back to the top

Work visas and staying permanently

If you’re thinking of coming to New Zealand to work for a few years, or maybe even to settle, you’ll need a work or resident visa. To get that – you’re likely to need a job.

For information about working in New Zealand, including industry profiles, tips on job hunting, and a list of job sites to check out, visit New Zealand Now. (opens in new window)

Transiting through New Zealand or Australia

If you are travelling to New Zealand via an Australian airport, you may also need an Australian visa – consult your travel agent or airline if you are unsure.

Transit visas (opens in new window) will also be needed for all people travelling via New Zealand, unless they are specifically exempted by immigration policy.

More information about visas

The visa and immigration information on this page is just a summary. For everything you need to know about coming to New Zealand, visit Immigration New Zealand. (opens in new window)

Find out if you need a visa

Arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand

Everyone entering New Zealand needs to complete a  New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) (opens in new window)  including babies and children.

Traveller Declaration requirements (opens in new window)

It’s free and you can complete it on the NZTD website or by downloading the NZTD app ahead of your travel.

You can start your NZTD at a time that suits you. If arriving by plane, the earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before you start your trip to New Zealand. An NZTD needs to be submitted by the time you reach New Zealand passport control.

If arriving by boat (including cruise ships), the earliest you can submit your NZTD is 24 hours before departing the vessel’s last foreign port prior to arriving in New Zealand.

It needs to be submitted by the time the vessel has berthed at its first port in New Zealand. ​

If you apply for a visa or NZeTA, you still need to complete an NZTD (opens in new window) .

Here's how to complete your declaration online. 

The form is available in English and Te Reo Māori, as well as simplified and traditional Chinese Mandarin. 

From April 2024, the form will be in 12 more languages: Hindi, Samoan, Fijian, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Tagalog, Tamil, Tongan, and Portuguese.

Paper NZTD forms will be available for travellers who cannot complete it online.

Fill out your NZ Traveller Declaration

What you can bring into New Zealand

After you’ve cleared passport control, you should collect your baggage and proceed through customs and biosecurity checks. In order to protect New Zealand and its environment, certain items are not allowed to be brought into the country, have restrictions for entry or must be declared if they are deemed to present a biosecurity risk. These include food, plants, animal products and outdoor recreational equipment.

Your baggage may be sniffed by a detector dog and/or x-rayed, and it may be searched to identify any risk goods you might be carrying.

To avoid penalties it is best to familiarise yourself with these guidelines prior to travel. For a detailed list of prohibited, restricted or declarable items, please visit Ministry for Primary Industries (opens in new window) (biosecurity agency).

Allowances and duty free concessions

As a visitor to New Zealand you may be entitled to various concessions and duty free entries on some of your goods. If you are 17 years or older, you are entitled to allowances for alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco. For detailed information on allowances and duty free concessions, please visit New Zealand Customs (opens in new window) .

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New Zealand

Latest update.

Exercise normal safety precautions in New Zealand.

New Zealand (PDF 764.52 KB)

Pacific (PDF 1.22 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 111 or contact the nearest police station.

Call 105 or go online for Police non-emergencies.

Advice levels

• Crime rates are similar to those in Australia. Thieves often target vehicles. Don't leave valuables in your car or campervan.
• Earthquakes are a constant risk. Large, damaging quakes can happen at any time. Know what to do during and after an earthquake.
• All of New Zealand's coastline is at risk of a tsunami. Know the tsunami warning signs and move to high ground immediately. Don't wait for official alerts.
• New Zealand has several active volcanoes. Volcanic alert levels may rise quickly. You may be ordered to evacuate at short notice. Stay informed and follow the advice of local authorities. 
• Weather conditions can change quickly. Severe weather could leave you stranded or injured, especially in an isolated area. If you're climbing, hiking or in a remote area, register your trip with the Department of Conservation. Carry a personal locator beacon.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.

Medical facilities and services are of a similar standard to those in Australia.

• New Zealand and Australia have a reciprocal healthcare agreement. This lets Australians access public medical facilities and care. However, there are some things it doesn't cover. Ensure you get comprehensive travel insurance.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties may include fines and prison sentences, including for small amounts.
• Carry approved identification if you want to purchase alcohol or enter licensed premises. Approved ID includes your passport, a New Zealand driver's licence, an existing Hospitality NZ 18+ Card, or a Kiwi Access Card. An Australian driver's licence is not an approved form of ID under the NZ Sale and Supply of Alcohol Regulations.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

You must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration Form (NZTD) before passport control on arrival. You need to answer questions about your trip and what you’re bringing into the country. You can complete it  online  or by using the NZTD app, there's no cost. 

• Most Australian citizens don't need a visa to enter unless you have a criminal record or if you've been deported from any country. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You can contact the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate for the latest details.
• Before you travel, check Immigration New Zealand's website for current entry restrictions and requirements.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission’s social media accounts.

For consular help, contact the  Australian High Commission in Wellington , or the Australian Consulate-General in Auckland.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Petty crime.

Crime rates in New Zealand are similar to those in Australia.

Thieves often target valuables left in cars and campervans.

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards.

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations and protests.

Protests are generally peaceful. However, public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Follow the advice of local authorities.

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

• New Zealand police
• New Zealand Security Intelligence Service

Climate and natural disasters

New Zealand experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

• earthquakes
• volcanic activity
• flash flooding

To protect yourself in a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family

Monitor local media and other sources, including:

• Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• GetReady website  (New Zealand government)

Earthquakes

Earthquakes  are a constant risk in New Zealand.

Most quakes are too small or deep in the earth to feel. However, about 150 to 200 quakes are big enough to feel each year.

Large, damaging earthquakes have occurred and could happen again at any time. Aftershocks can continue for days or weeks.

When an earthquake happens, you're advised to drop, cover and hold. If an earthquake is long or strong, and you're near the coast or large body of water, you should go to higher ground immediately.

If you're indoors during an earthquake:

• move no more than a few steps to a heavy, solid object you can get underneath, and hold onto it
• don't try to run outside
• stay indoors until the shaking stops
• stay away from windows, chimneys, and shelves with heavy objects

If you're in bed:

• hold onto the bed and stay where you are
• protect your head and body with a pillow and blankets

If you're outdoors:

• move to the nearest clear spot
• keep away from buildings, trees, and power lines
• drop to the ground

If you're in a car:

• drive to a clear place away from buildings, trees, and power lines
• stay in the car with your seatbelt on until the shaking stops

If you're in a lift:

• stop at the nearest floor and get out

After the earthquake finishes:

• be aware of possible tsunami risks (see below)
• prepare for travel delays
• reconfirm your travel arrangements
• check your accommodation with travel agents and tour operators

Because of the region's earthquake risk, tsunamis could happen.

All of New Zealand's coastline is at risk of a tsunami. New Zealand is a member of the Pacific Tsunami Warning System.

The National Emergency Management Agency manages the National Tsunami Advisory and Warning Plan and issues tsunami alerts on its website. These are also broadcast by New Zealand media.

A tsunami could arrive within minutes. There may not be time for an official warning.

Move immediately to high ground, or as far inland as possible, if you're near the coast and you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings.

Walk or bike if possible because of potential road congestion.

New Zealand's active volcanoes can erupt at any time. Volcanic alert levels may rise quickly. You may be ordered to evacuate at short notice.

If there's volcanic activity:

• follow the instructions and advice of local authorities
• follow evacuation orders
• take official warnings seriously

If you plan to visit active volcanoes or surrounding areas:

• monitor the  GeoNet  website
• get local advice first

Visit  GeoNet  for information about volcanic activity at:

• Mt Tongariro
• White Island
• other active volcanic sites

Severe weather

Weather conditions can change quickly. Severe weather can occur.

Creeks and rivers can experience  flash flooding  after heavy rains.

Rapid weather changes could leave you stranded or injured, particularly if you're in a remote area.

Monitor weather conditions, forecasts and warnings from  Metservice .

Take extra care if you're climbing, hiking or in a remote area.

Parts of New Zealand experience  bushfires  in hot, dry conditions.

If there's a bushfire, follow local advice.

Adventure activities

Most people enjoy adventure activities safely in New Zealand. However, these activities carry risks.

Several serious accidents involving Australians and other travellers have occurred. People have died.

Some operators have been found to be negligent.

Safety standards can differ both between individual operators, and from standards in Australia.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• be aware of the risks of individual or group activities
• check the safety standards of operators
• check to see if operators meet industry standards

Safety risks can increase in severe weather and remote areas.

Before you do any adventure activities :

• make sure your  travel insurance  covers your planned activities
• understand what your travel and other insurance doesn't cover
• only book with operators with appropriate safety equipment and practices
• always use the safety equipment, even if others don't

If you're trekking or travelling in a remote area:

• get updates on local weather from the  Department of Conservation
• check conditions with the local DOC visitor centre
• register your trip with a DOC visitor centre
• tell your family and friends your plans
• carry a personal locator beacon
• avoid creeks and rivers after heavy rains

You can hire personal locator beacons throughout New Zealand.

When you return from a hike, check in with:

• the DOC visitor centre
• your family and friends
• anyone else who knew your plans
• AdventureSmart
• Mountain Safety Council

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy must cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered) 

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you need counselling services in New Zealand, contact:

• Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or free text HELP (4357)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
• Healthline – 0800 611 116
• Samaritans – 0800 726 666
• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in New Zealand. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use
• New Zealand Customs Service
• Medicare Australia

Health risks

Health risks are broadly similar to those in Australia.

Medical care

Medical facilities, reciprocal health care.

New Zealand and Australia have a  reciprocal health care agreement . This lets Australians access public medical facilities and care.

It doesn't:

• include ongoing treatment of existing health conditions
• cover extra accommodation costs or flights for family members
• cover flights to Australia
• replace the need for travel insurance.

To access services under the agreement:

• show your current Australian passport or evidence of permanent residency
• show your valid Medicare card.
• New Zealand Ministry of Health
• Reciprocal health care agreement (Services Australia)

Accident Compensation Corporation

If you're injured in an accident, the  Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)  covers the costs of hospital treatment.

The cover provided by ACC:

• offers injury cover on a 'no-fault' basis — this means accident victims don’t have a legal right to sue a third party
• ends once you've left New Zealand
• doesn't replace your need for  travel insurance .

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for possessing and using drugs may include fines and prison sentences.

• Carrying or using drugs

Alcohol laws

You'll need photo ID to buy alcohol or enter licensed premises.

You can't use your Australian driver's licence.

Approved IDs include:

• current passport
• current New Zealand driver's licence
• Kiwi Access Card
• Approved ID

Quarantine regulations

New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules.

If you don't declare items for quarantine, you'll get an instant fine.

If you make a false statement, you'll face heavy fines and prison sentences.

Customs requirements 

When you arrive, customs officers may check electronic devices they suspect are being used in criminal activity. Devices may include:

• mobile phones
• portable tablets
• hard drives
• digital cameras

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

New Zealand recognises dual nationality.

If you're an Australian-New Zealand dual citizen, use your  Australian passport  to enter and leave Australia.

• Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. Contact  NZ Immigration  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules. If you don't meet the conditions, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visa conditions 

Most Australian citizens don’t need a visa to enter unless you have a criminal record or if you've been deported from any country.

Australian permanent residents need to apply online for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to enter New Zealand. Australian citizens are exempt from this rule.

For more information refer to the NZ Government Immigration website .

If you've been:

• convicted of any crimes, or
• deported from any country

Contact a  New Zealand Visa Application Centre  for advice well before you travel.

New Zealand Visa Application Centre

Level 6 66 Hunter Street Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: +61 2 8278 4529 or 1800 388 718 Website:  www.immigration.govt.nz Email:  [email protected]

Border measures

If you are a New Zealand visa or NZeTA holder you still need to complete an NZTD.

For more information see the  NZTD website . 

Maritime border

New Zealand's maritime border is open to all vessels, including foreign flagged vessels, cruise ships, recreational vessels (such as yachts and small craft) and specialist vessels used in research and exploration. 

For more information see the  New Zealand Customs Service – Travelling to New Zealand webpage . 

• Travelling to New Zealand  (New Zealand Government)
• Information for visa holders  (New Zealand Immigration)

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

New Zealand Immigration requires you to have 3 months of validity on your passport after the date you plan to leave. If you're planning to travel to another destination after leaving New Zealand, you may need more than 3 months validity on your passport after your departure date.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

• NZ Immigration

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. 

New Zealand Immigration recognises gender 'X' on passports. If in doubt, contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information: 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The local currency is the New Zealand Dollar ($NZ).

Declare all amounts over $NZ10,000 or equivalent on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

ATM availability is similar to Australia.

You can use debit or credit cards in most places as you would in Australia.

Contact your bank to let them know you'll use your cards overseas.

Local travel

Driving permit.

You can drive for up to 12 months with your Australian driver's licence.

After that, you'll need to get a local licence.

• Driver licences

Road travel

Ice, snow, fog, high winds and roaming animals can cause hazardous conditions. Heavy rain can cause landslides across roads.

Outside major cities, there aren't many motorways. Overtaking opportunities are limited.

Prepare for longer travel times than in Australia.

Railway crossings don't always have barriers, particularly in country areas.

If you're driving in mountain areas or to ski fields, be aware that roads:

• are often narrow and unpaved
• may not have safety barriers
• may require you to use snow chains
• may only be accessible by 4WD

It’s illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, but there is an exemption for 111 calls in genuine emergencies. Hands-free devices and 2-way radio are permitted.

If you plan to drive in New Zealand:

• learn the  local road rules  before driving
• be careful if there's ice, snow, fog or high winds
• check for road closures and warnings with the  New Zealand Transport Agency
• equip yourself for current and possible weather conditions
• Driving or riding
• Driving in New Zealand

Motorcycles

Make sure your travel insurance covers using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis and rideshares are generally reliable. The standards are similar to Australia.

The  New Zealand Transport Authority  regulates taxis and rideshare apps.

Public transport

Buses, trains and ferries operate throughout New Zealand. State-run services are also regulated by the New Zealand Transport Authority.

Take care of your belongings on public transport.

• Transport and getting around safely

Several international cruise lines stopover in New Zealand. 

• Going on a cruise

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  New Zealand's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australian High Commission, Wellington

72-76 Hobson Street Thorndon Wellington, New Zealand

Phone: +64 4 473 6411 Fax: +64 4 498 7103 Website:  newzealand.highcommission.gov.au Facebook:  Australia in New Zealand Twitter:  @AusHCNZ

Australian Consulate-General

Level 7, HSBC Tower  186-194 Quay Street Auckland City, New Zealand

Phone: +64 9 921 8800 Fax: +64 9 921 8820

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to New Zealand?

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Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

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New Zealand Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from India to New Zealand

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces and enclosed environments.

Ready to travel?

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Can I travel to New Zealand from India?

Most visitors from India, regardless of vaccination status, can enter New Zealand.

Can I travel to New Zealand if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from India can enter New Zealand without restrictions.

Can I travel to New Zealand without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from India can enter New Zealand without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter New Zealand?

Visitors from India are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering New Zealand.

Can I travel to New Zealand without quarantine?

Travellers from India are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in New Zealand?

Mask usage in New Zealand is not required in public spaces and enclosed environments.

Are the restaurants and bars open in New Zealand?

Restaurants in New Zealand are open. Bars in New Zealand are .

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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New Zealand Travel Advisory

Travel advisory september 8, 2023, new zealand - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with removal of major event information.          

Exercise normal precautions in New Zealand.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to New Zealand.

If you decide to travel to New Zealand:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for New Zealand.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .  

Travel Advisory Levels

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New Zealand tightens visa rules to counter "unsustainable" immigration

N ew Zealand will tighten its visa rules for some migrants in a bid to reduce overall immigration numbers, as the island country's has in recent years have seen "unsustainable" levels of migration, according to Immigration Minister Erica Standford.

Stanford  announced changes on Sunday  to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program, the country's primary temporary work visa program, which she said would ensure that New Zealand can still attract the skilled workers it needs while also reducing the vulnerability of migrants to exploitation.

The AEWV was introduced in mid-2022 to help fill workforce shortages in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic .

In 2023, however, migration swelled to a near record of 173,000 new non-New Zealand citizens taking up residence. At the same time, New Zealanders have been moving out of the country. Last year, the country saw a record loss of 47,000 citizens.

"Getting our immigration settings right is critical to this government's plan to rebuild the economy," Stanford said, adding that while there were still skill shortages in some areas, the government had to "ensure that New Zealanders are put to the front of the line for jobs where there are no skill shortages."

"We had to make some changes now because we've got high migrant exploitation and unsustainable numbers coming into the country," Stanford said according to state broadcaster Radio New Zealand . "So there are some things that we needed to do immediately."

Changes to the visa program include the introduction of English language requirements for low-skilled jobs and setting a minimum skills and work experience threshold for most employer work visas. The maximum continuous stay for most low-skilled roles has also been reduced from five years to three years.

Officials also decided to axe earlier plans to add 11 roles, including welders, fitters and turners, to the list of occupations that would qualify for a fast track to residency.

Employers will need to ensure that migrants meet the requirements before hiring them, and they're required to ensure that no "suitable and available New Zealander" applied for the job before it was offered to a non-New Zealander.

Stanford said many of the changes were not actually new, but rather a "return to pre-pandemic settings that better balanced the needs of businesses with the wider interests of New Zealand."

Some roles in the transport and care sectors will be exempt from the requirements.