New Zealand Set to Welcome All Travelers by July

The New Zealand government announced on Wednesday that it will reopen its borders to tourists from every country by July.

When COVID-19 first emerged over two years ago, New Zealand implemented some of the strictest border controls in the world. This strategy helped the country of 5 million successfully eliminate multiple virus outbreaks and achieve high vaccination rates before the Omicron variant surged this year.

New Zealand's coronavirus death toll has remained significantly lower than that of nearly all other developed nations. However, as the pandemic continues, the country’s border restrictions have started to seem outdated, especially as many other nations have begun to reopen.

New Zealand has been gradually reopening its borders, first to Australians last month, and then to tourists from the U.S., the U.K., and over 50 other nations earlier this month. The latest announcement allows visitors from China, India, and additional countries to enter starting July 31.

The government announced plans to eliminate the requirement for pre-departure COVID-19 tests by the end of July.

In a reflection of ongoing disruptions caused by the virus, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern did not attend a scheduled business lunch in Auckland but delivered her remarks through a video call from her home in Wellington, where she is currently isolating.

Clarke Gayford, Ardern’s fiancé, tested positive for the virus on Sunday. Ardern, who has tested negative and is symptom-free, must follow New Zealand's health guidelines, which mandate that household members of infected individuals isolate for seven days.

Ardern announced via video link that New Zealand will fully reopen to the world by July 31, finishing the reconnection process two months earlier than expected.

She mentioned that new immigration policies will facilitate the entry of skilled workers starting in July, featuring a 'green list' of 56 in-demand professions, which includes doctors, nurses, engineers, plumbers, teachers, and tech specialists.

Ardern stated, "This initiative aims to tackle the critical skills shortages exacerbated by COVID, while also establishing a more sustainable framework for our immigration policies."

Prior to the pandemic, New Zealand attracted over 3 million tourists annually, contributing to 20 percent of the nation's foreign revenue and over 5 percent of its overall economy.

The announcement received a positive response from business leaders and representatives from the tourism sector.

Debbie Summers, chairperson of the New Zealand Cruise Association, remarked, "After two challenging years, numerous Kiwi suppliers and tourism operators can finally begin the process of rebuilding their businesses."

Ardern has been indicating the country’s reopening strategy through international trips, including a recent visit to Singapore and Japan, along with an upcoming journey to the U.S.

This article was initially published on March 16, 2022, and has since been updated with the latest information.