Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, New Zealand borders will be reopened to international travellers for the very first time, with many slow progressions leading to this change.
Following the beginning of the Covid pandemic in 2020, New Zealand, much like Australia, has harboured strict guidelines for locals and travellers alike. The country has been in a state of lockdown for the majority of the pandemic, with some rules relaxing for returning residents over the course of the past year.
Previously, some rules had been relaxed in early 2022, but following the New Zealand borders reopening in August 2022, the country will now begin to accept all international visitors. This includes travellers from non-visa waiver countries and international students, who were previously not allowed entry into the destination.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, stated that this move to allow international travellers from all around the world back in was an “enormous moment” for New Zealand and their travellers alike.
This begins the final step in the New Zealand borders being opened to all arrivals, following a plan that was set out earlier in the pandemic to keep residents safe while gradually introducing travel again.
“This is great news to the tourism industry and economy as we approach spring and summer with people from the northern hemisphere booking their winter holidays,” New Zealand’s government said.
“We have heard optimistic messages from tourism operators who are ready to welcome back international visitors from all over the world.”
New Zealand borders have also been reopened to cruise ships in this announcement. However, passengers will still be asked for proof of vaccination status when they arrive on a cruise ship. Before the pandemic, cruise calls in New Zealand were worth over NZ$500 million a year.
“Most cruise visits are during the warmer months of October to April, and summer is our bumper tourism season overall,” the government said. “This means it will be full steam ahead for the industry who can plan with certainty for the rest of the year and beyond.”
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And if you’d like to learn more about your financial protection with PTS or how the Package Travel Regulations protect your holiday booking, check out our pages and Travel Advice.
