New Zealand Has Updated Its Rules for Incoming Travelers

Ahead of schedule, New Zealand has announced that COVID-19 predeparture testing is no longer required. This new policy took effect on June 21.

“The difficulties posed by predeparture tests for travelers no longer outweigh the public health advantages. Factors like test availability and costs are increasingly becoming obstacles for those looking to travel here, especially as other nations reduce testing requirements or availability upon entry,” the New Zealand government stated in a press release on its COVID-19 response website.

The country initially planned to eliminate the predeparture test requirement by July 31. “However, with case numbers continuing to fall despite over 387,000 arrivals since reopening, there is now evidence that this measure can be lifted,” the government declared.

Although New Zealand has lifted the testing requirement for entry, it is not completely reopening its borders just yet.

Entry Requirements for New Zealand Remain in Effect

Travelers aged 16 and older who wish to enter New Zealand must be fully vaccinated, although those merely transiting do not have this requirement. To qualify as fully vaccinated, travelers must have completed the original vaccine regimen. For U.S.-approved vaccines, this means two doses of Moderna or Pfizer, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson. Booster shots are not necessary for entry.

Upon arrival, travelers will be required to take two COVID-19 tests—one on the day they arrive and another on day five. These tests can be self-administered rapid antigen tests, and the results must be submitted to the government. If either test comes back positive, a PCR test will be required. This in-country testing aims to identify and monitor any new virus variants at the border. Those who test positive must self-isolate for seven days.

Before departing, travelers are still mandated to complete the New Zealand Traveler Declaration. This form requires passport details, vaccination proof, flight information, travel history from the last 14 days, and contact information.

New Zealand’s recent decision to eliminate its pretravel testing requirement follows just over a week after the United States rescinded its COVID-19 testing mandate for all international arrivals.