On 3 February 2022, the New Zealand Government announced a plan to reopen its border progressively over nine months. A further announcement took place on 15 March 2022, where new changes to Steps 3 – 5 were introduced.
During this phase, vaccinated New Zealanders and eligible travellers from Australia were able to enter New Zealand without the need to enter Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ). Vaccinated travellers were still required to self-isolate on arrival.
Unvaccinated travellers were still required to enter MIQ on arrival.
Currently, vaccinated New Zealanders and eligible travellers from anywhere in the world can enter New Zealand without the need to enter MIQ.
From 13 March, New Zealand started accepting applications for working holiday visas. In addition, the application process for the ‘other critical worker’ border exception has been simplified. Skilled workers who earn at least 1.5 times the median wage will not need to demonstrate that their skills are not readily obtainable in New Zealand.
The border will re-open to the following vaccinated people:
From 23:59 on 1 May 2022
The border will re-open to vaccinated visitors from visa-waiver countries, and vaccinated temporary visitor visa holders who are outside of New Zealand.
The border will re-open to holders of the Accredited Employer Work Visa who are vaccinated.
New Zealand’s border is expected to fully reopen to all visitors and accordingly, applications for all New Zealand visa categories will re-open (unless the visa is closed or paused).
During the announcement on 15 March 2022, the Government indicated that it is likely it will bring the dates for Steps 4 and 5 forward in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information about foreign workers
