New Zealand to reopen to foreign travellers from April 30
WELLINGTON: New Zealand will keep its borders closed to most
international travellers for a further five months, the government said on
Wednesday (Nov 24), outlining a cautious easing of border curbs that have been
in place since COVID-19 hit in March 2020.
Along with its geographic isolation, the South Pacific
country enforced some of the tightest pandemic restrictions among OECD nations,
limiting the spread of COVID-19 and helping its economy bounce back faster than
many of its peers.
But an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant
earlier this year has forced a shift in strategy, with the main city of
Auckland now only gradually opening up as vaccination rates climb.
Fully vaccinated international travellers will be allowed to
enter the country from Apr 30, 2022 onwards, with the reopening staged over
time, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins told a news conference.
Fully vaccinated New Zealanders and residence visa holders
in neighbouring Australia can travel to New Zealand from Jan 16, while
vaccinated New Zealanders and residence visa holders most from other countries
will be allowed in from Feb 13.
"A phased approach to reconnecting with the world is
the safest approach to ensure risk is carefully managed," Hipkins said.
"This reduces any potential impacts on vulnerable
communities and the New Zealand health system."
Travellers will no longer be required to stay at state
quarantine facilities, he said, but other measures will be put in place
including a negative pre-departure test, proof of being fully vaccinated, and a
COVID-19 test on arrival.
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