NZ Border Reopening: What You Need to Know

“We’re ready to welcome the world back,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced at a recent press conference.

The end of managed isolation in New Zealand is finally here! The NZ border is reopening throughout 2022, which means Kiwis living abroad can reunite with their loved one’s isolation-free, and international travellers will have the opportunity to visit our beautiful country once more.

Planning to study in New Zealand in 2022 or apply for an NZ temporary work visa? Find out who can enter New Zealand today and what the next phases are for the NZ border reopening in 2022.

Who Can Travel to New Zealand Today?

The NZ border is reopening in five phases, which began on February 27, 2022. As of now, the border is open to New Zealanders and eligible travellers coming from anywhere in the world. Eligible international travellers include people with a border exemption, Critical Purpose Visa holders, or those on a working holiday visa. People arriving in New Zealand are expected to self-test on arrival.

Neither managed isolation nor self-isolation is required for vaccinated travellers arriving in New Zealand. Non-New Zealand citizens must meet the vaccination requirements to enter the country unless exempt.

What are the Next Phases of the NZ Border Reopening?

There are currently three more phases to go in the NZ border reopening process. Keep in mind that the following dates could be subject to change, depending on what our health system looks like in the coming months. Predictions are the final phase in October reopening will happen earlier but we will keep you posted on these pages.

From 12 April 2022

From 11:59pm 12 April 2022, all vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents can enter New Zealand and self-test on arrival. People onshore holding a valid work or student visa can also leave and return, provided they meet their visa requirements. Up to 5,000 international students can apply to study in New Zealand at this phase.

On May 1, 2022 at 11.59pm, the border reopens to visa-waiver travellers and those holding a valid visitor visa (onshore and offshore).

From July 2022

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) opens to new applications. This visa replaces the Essential Skills work visa among others. From July, all AEWV holders are eligible to enter the country.

From October 2022

From October 2022, almost all border restrictions will be lifted. Applications for all visa categories will open, including visitor and student visas.

New Zealand Covid-19 Laws: What to Expect

If you’re visiting New Zealand for the first time since the pandemic began, you’ll need to know what to expect from the country’s Covid restrictions.

The traffic light system is New Zealand’s COVID-19 Protection Framework. The framework aims to minimise the impact of Covid-19 through three traffic light settings: green, orange, and red. We are currently at the red level setting at the time of going to print, which means there are still some restrictions to normal living. However, the Government has recently eased some of these restrictions, as explained below.

Changes to Vaccine Mandates and Restrictions

From March 25, 2022, at the red level traffic light setting, outdoor gathering limits are removed and indoor gatherings are increased from 100 to 200 in the hospitality sector. However, face masks are still required in most indoor settings. If you have Covid-19 or live with someone who does, you will still be required to self-isolate for 7 days.

From April 4, 2022, vaccine passes will no longer be required to enter public venues and attend public events. Vaccine mandates will also be lifted in some industries, including the police and defence workforce, education, and businesses operating vaccine passes. A review of the traffic light setting takes place on this date.

Read more about the traffic light system and find updates about Covid rules in NZ on the official NZ COVID-19 website.

Need an NZ Visa? Get in Touch with Malcolm Pacific Immigration Today

While visa applications are reopening, it doesn’t mean that every application will be accepted. No matter what visa you’re applying for, you’ll need to meet all the strict requirements that come with your application. Meeting these rules can be a challenge for many, so we recommend seeking advice early. As experienced immigration advisers in NZ, Malcolm Pacific Immigration are here to help with every step of the application process. Get in touch with our knowledgeable team today for assistance.