New Zealand Drops Mandatory COVID-19 Tests on Arrival

The New Zealand government no longer requires international arrivals to prove their vaccination status or complete COVID-19 tests after arriving in the country. It comes as the nation also significantly relaxes its remaining domestic COVID-19 restrictions.

Until yesterday, international passengers arriving in New Zealand were given two rapid antigen tests on arrival and required to use them within a day of arrival, then again on days 5 or 6 after landing in New Zealand. Overseas visitors were also previously required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but this vaccination requirement has been removed entirely.

Passengers arriving in New Zealand will still be issued with free rapid antigen tests, but using these and reporting the result is now optional. New Zealand does not require pre-departure COVID-19 testing.

For the first time since July 2021, this means there are no longer any COVID-19 tests required for round-trip travel between Australia and New Zealand.

Travellers bound for New Zealand are still required to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration before departure. Upon completion of this form, a Traveller Pass will be issued which will be checked when your passport is scanned on arrival in New Zealand.

It’s been five months since New Zealand reopened its border to Australian tourists after the pandemic.

COVID-19 restrictions within New Zealand relaxed

Most remaining domestic COVID-19 restrictions in New Zealand have also been lifted, with the country phasing out its “traffic light” system. All of New Zealand was at the “orange” alert level in recent months, which meant certain restrictions were in place including the wearing of face masks in indoor settings.

Face masks still need to be worn in healthcare facilities, and are encouraged in crowded places but are no longer required by the New Zealand government on public transport.

In line with these changes, Air New Zealand today removed its requirement to wear a face covering on board its flights. Most Australian airlines already removed this requirement last week.

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 in New Zealand must still self-isolate for 7 days, but household contacts are no longer legally required to do so.

See the New Zealand government’s official Unite Against COVID-19 website for details.

Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: NZ Blocked to non-residents/NZ citizens, AU until Apr 13, others May 2 2022

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.