The New Zealand government has made an important announcement regarding the reopening of the country's borders. Starting from the end of February 2022, travelers will be allowed to enter the country once again.

Staggered 5-Stage System

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed this decision in late January. She explained that the reopening would be done using a staggered 5-stage system. This approach aims to balance the inflow of travelers, enabling people to reunite and address workforce shortages. At the same time, it ensures that the healthcare system can handle any potential increase in COVID-19 cases.

Delayed Due to Omicron Variant

Originally, the government had planned to reopen the borders at the beginning of January 2022. However, due to the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, the reopening was delayed. This cautious approach was taken to protect public health and prevent the further spread of the virus.

Positive Impact on New Zealanders and Travelers

The relaxation of border measures will be warmly welcomed by both New Zealanders and travelers from around the world. Friends and family who have been separated will finally have the opportunity to reunite. Additionally, foreign visitors will be able to once again explore the beauty and culture that New Zealand has to offer.

With this decision, the New Zealand government aims to strike a balance between reuniting loved ones and addressing workforce shortages, while also ensuring the healthcare system can effectively manage any potential increase in COVID-19 cases.

Stringent Border Measures in New Zealand

To combat the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand has implemented some of the strictest border restrictions worldwide. For the past two years, the country has completely closed its doors to foreigners, effectively preventing them from entering.

Limited Entry for New Zealand Citizens

While New Zealand citizens have been allowed to return, stringent rules have made it challenging for most individuals to come back. Presently, New Zealanders can only enter the country through two options: by securing an emergency spot at a government-operated quarantine facility or by participating in a controversial lottery system.

Successful Control of COVID-19 Spread

New Zealand's stringent entry measures have proven largely successful in curbing the transmission of the coronavirus within its borders. The country has experienced significantly fewer cases compared to many other nations, with approximately 17,000 cases reported among a population of 5 million. Throughout the pandemic, New Zealand has sadly recorded a total of only 53 deaths.

Defense of the Hotel Quarantine System (MIQ)

Although the hotel quarantine system (MIQ) has faced criticism for its impact on returning citizens, Prime Minister Ardern has defended the decision to implement it. She acknowledged the real anguish and heartbreak caused by MIQ but emphasized that its utilization undeniably saved lives.

Ardern stated, "MIQ meant not everyone could come home when they wanted to. But it also meant that COVID could not come in when it wanted to, either."

Continued Hotel Quarantine for High-Risk Travelers

The hotel quarantine facility will remain in operation but will be reserved exclusively for high-risk travelers, particularly those who are not vaccinated. This measure aims to maintain the effectiveness of border controls while allowing for the safe return of individuals who pose a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission.

A Comprehensive Five-Stage Plan for Reopening in New Zealand

New Zealand has introduced a comprehensive reopening plan consisting of five phases, scheduled to commence in late February and conclude by October 2022. This phased approach has been devised to manage the influx of travelers effectively, while also safeguarding the capacity of healthcare and border systems from becoming overwhelmed.

Under the new system, all individuals intending to travel must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, upon arrival, they will be required to undergo a period of self-isolation lasting 10 days in their own residences. This self-isolation measure will serve as a substitute for the previous practice of utilizing government-run quarantine facilities.

Phase 1: New Zealanders returning from Australia

New Zealand's reopening plan kicks off with the first stage on Sunday, 27 February, allowing New Zealanders in Australia to return home without undergoing hotel quarantine. This initial phase aims to facilitate the repatriation process.

Phase 2: New Zealand citizens around the world

Effective from March 13, New Zealand citizens traveling from various parts of the world will be permitted to enter the country. Additionally, some skilled workers and their families will also be allowed entry during this stage, contributing to the gradual reopening.

Phase 3: International students and qualified workers

Commencing on April 12, New Zealand will accommodate up to 5,000 foreign students and qualified workers, granting them entry into the country while bypassing the requirement for hotel quarantine. This step aims to support the education sector and address workforce needs.

Phase 4: Travelers with New Zealand visa exemptions

From July onwards, New Zealand will open its borders to citizens of visa-exempt countries, including Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This phase may be subject to adjustment based on evolving circumstances and considerations.

Phase 5: Back to normal for New Zealand's borders

Starting in October, New Zealand's borders will fully reopen to the rest of the world, and standard visa processing will resume. This final phase represents a return to normalcy and signals the complete reopening of New Zealand's borders.

New Zealand's reopening plan has been carefully structured in five distinct stages, enabling a controlled and measured approach to managing the influx of travelers. These phased steps aim to strike a balance between facilitating essential travel and safeguarding public health while ensuring that New Zealand's healthcare and border systems are not overwhelmed.

Extending a Warm Welcome to Tourists in New Zealand

July 2022: Visa-Exempt Tourists Permitted

In line with the government's efforts to revive the tourism industry while effectively managing the ongoing pandemic, New Zealand's reopening plan is set to enter its fourth stage.

• Stage 4, commencing in July 2022, will allow visa-exempt tourists to enter New Zealand.
• The aim is to gradually restore tourism while maintaining control over the spread of COVID-19.
• Visitors from visa-exempt countries will follow the pre-pandemic entry procedures.
• A valid New Zealand eTA Visa Waiver will still be required for entry.

October 2022: Opening to Rest of the World

By October 2022, New Zealand's reopening plan will advance to its final phase, welcoming travelers from the rest of the world.

• From October 2022, travelers from all countries will be eligible to visit New Zealand.
• The requirement for entry will be possessing the appropriate visa for travel.
• This milestone represents a significant step toward resuming international tourism.

Note: The reopening plan is subject to ongoing evaluation and may be adjusted based on prevailing circumstances and health considerations.