The New Zealand government says it will reopen its border after two years of isolation. But this will be a gradual and phased approach and countries whose residents require visas to enter are the last on the list.
Currently, the ruling is that anyone entering will have to have a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test but it is still not known whether this will be the expensive PCR test or a cheaper Antigen test.
The first visitors allowed will be vaccinated residents of Australia, who, from April 13 will be allowed into New Zealand without quarantine or isolation.
Then, from May 2, vaccinated arrivals from the other visa-waiver countries, including the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Japan, Singapore and others, will be allowed entry.
Said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern: “New Zealand will be ready with open arms.”
New Zealand successfully maintained a very low rate of infection during the two years of the pandemic and a very low death rate too of 115.
Some 95% of the population aged 12 and over are said to be double-vaccinated and 72% have had a booster shot.
Tourism was New Zealand’s biggest export before COVID, amounting to 5,8% of GDP.
It presently seems that tourists from countries without visa waivers, including South Africa, China and India will be excluded until October. The PM said the October date could be reviewed. “We are considering how we might be able to bring forward other visa categories as well.”
On Monday March 14, New Zealand opened its border to certain categories of workers.
