Returning home? Here’s what you need to know

Updated 18 March 2022

New Zealand’s reconnection to the world will allow fully vaccinated travellers from Australia to enter New Zealand without the need for quarantine (MIQ) from 11.59 on April 12th. The same date that has already been set for the return of international students and temporary visa holders. Fully vaccinated travellers from visa-waiver countries will be able to enter the country from 11.59pm on May 1 without the need to self isolate.

All New Zealand citizens are now able to enter the country without needing to isolate.

About 60 countries and territories, including Canada and the United States, are on the visa waiver list.

Australian travellers will be able to enter in time for the Australian school holidays and the winter ski season. Non vaccinated travellers are unable to enter at this time.

The Government has signalled they will provide updates on vaccine passports, mask mandates and New Zealand’s Covid protection framework (traffic light settings) shortly.

Before you get to New Zealand:

All air travellers must fill out a New Zealand traveller declaration

Pre-departure testing requirements

 Vaccine certification requirements

The Ministry of Health requires all travellers to New Zealand to fill out this declaration before arrival

Remember all travellers need to have had their last vaccination at least 14 days before flying to New Zealand. Those without the required approved vaccinations must undertake isolation in an MIQ facility.

Your trip through the airport arrivals hall has changed due to Covid precautions. Make sure you breeze through biosecurity by reading our handy guide.

My Vaccine Pass – is the official record of your COVID-19 vaccination status for use within Aotearoa New Zealand. Please be aware that this is the only valid document that can be used to access events or venues that require proof of your vaccination status – passes that you have used overseas or examples of international vaccine status will not be accepted in New Zealand. There are some time delays within this process, we recommend that you go through this process prior to returning.

How to register your overseas vaccinations for My Vaccine Pass

The Covid tracer app

The NZ COVID Tracer app helps you protect yourself, your whānau, and your community by enabling faster contact tracing.  We recommended downloading before you return and use throughout your time in New Zealand, as you will be expected to either check in via this app or manually when visiting almost every non-residential place throughout New Zealand (e.g. retail, workplaces, hospitality). 

Staying safe and getting around New Zealand

Information about the traffic light system (New Zealand is currently at Orange)

What to do if you develop Covid symptoms  while in New Zealand.