New Zealand will reopen to vaccinated tourists in April 2022

The country will adopt a phased approach, starting in January 2022

After almost two years of strict border controls, New Zealand will reopen its borders to fully vaccinated visitors from 30 April 2022.

Visitors will need to take a pre-departure Covid test, another test upon arrival in the country and then undergo self-isolation for seven days.

Fully vaccinated New Zealand citizens and residents currently in Australia will be able to return to the country from 16 January, while New Zealand nationals in most other countries can enter the country from 13 February.

The third phase will see the reopening of the country to fully vaccinated foreign nationals from 30 April.

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New Zealand Covid-19 response minister Chris Hipkins commented: “We are making this announcement today to give families, businesses, visitors and airline and airport companies certainty and time to prepare. It’s very encouraging that as a country we are now in a position to move towards greater normality.

“A phased approach to reconnecting with the world is the safest approach to ensure risk is carefully managed. This reduces any potential impacts on vulnerable communities and the New Zealand health system.”

Currently, New Zealand is only open to citizens and permanent residents of New Zealand who must undergo a seven-day isolation in government-managed quarantine hotels.

The country recently introduced a Covid-19 traffic-light alert system, classifying areas as green, orange or red with increasingly strict controls for each category. The system will come into effect on 3 December 2021.