New Zealand is opening back up to fully vaccinated citizens from January 17 next year.
Fully vaccinated Kiwis may travel from Australia to New Zealand starting January 17th 2022. They will not need MIQ. Instead, they can go through seven days home isolation.
New Zealanders can now travel from almost any country, with the exception of those that are considered very high-risk, starting February 14th 2022. They also have to meet the requirements for isolation at home.
New Zealand’s doors will reopen for international tourists and foreign citizens in stages beginning April 30, 2022.
New Zealand’s government has allowed fully vaccinated New Zealanders to travel into the country from 17 January without quarantine (picture: Jacinda Ardern, NZ Prime Minister)
Chris Hipkins from Covid-19, the response minister confirmed that opening dates were set. Hipkins also said passengers will still require a negative Pre-Departure Test, proof of vaccination and a Travel History Declaration.
He said, “This is all about opening up the borders in an progressive and secure way.”
At the moment, New Zealanders from overseas must qualify for a quarantine lottery. There are only a few places. They will then spend 10 days isolated before being allowed to enter the community.
Many have been exiled from their country and thousands are separated.
There are no simple decisions when it comes COVID-19. He said that we’ve been often faced with making the best decision, and the border was clearly one of those cases.
Air New Zealand flight cancellations have affected around 20,000 people until January. Refunds are offered by the airline (pictured: Sydney Airport November)
After Air New Zealand cancelled 1,000 flights this week, the announcement gives some relief to anyone who wants to travel to New Zealand.
The airline cancelled all flight to or from Australia up until December 31.
About 20,000 people have already booked flights, with everyone anticipating that both countries would reopen by Christmas.
Jacinda Ardern, the government that made recent comments about not lifting travel restrictions until next year had caused this move. This has resulted in travel plans being ruined for both holidaymakers and families.
Leanne Geraghty, chief customer officer and sales officer at Air New Zealand said that the airline had no choice but cancel the flights. This was a blow to long-awaited reunion plans of thousands.
Ms Geraghty stated that this would be a particularly difficult news for friends and families who had been hoping to get together over Christmas.
“I am aware of how challenging this news will prove to be. However, until the restrictions at border are lifted and further clarification from New Zealand Government, our hands are tied.
Customers affected by the flight should either be eligible for a full refund or credit to their fare.
New Zealand’s travel ban was in place for the past seven months after Jacina Archern shut down Australia’s borders.