Border control measures for COVID-19 when entering New Zealand. This includes information on managed isolation and quarantine.
Last updated: 7 April 2022
On this page:
Who can enter New Zealand?
The New Zealand border is opening in 5 steps under Reconnecting New Zealanders to the world (RNZ). Information on who can enter New Zealand: Reopening the New Zealand border | Immigration New Zealand
In some cases, you can apply for an exemption e.g., as an essential worker or for medical reasons.
Apply to Immigration for an exemption to the border closure
For information on when various groups of travellers can enter New Zealand, refer to the RNZ plan: Reconnecting New Zealanders to the World | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz).
Requirements for international arrivals to New Zealand
New Zealand citizens can arrive in New Zealand by air from anywhere in the world, without needing to isolate on arrival, and are not required to be vaccinated to enter New Zealand.
Non-New Zealand citizens (including New Zealand permanent residents) are required to be vaccinated to enter New Zealand. Further information about meeting New Zealand’s vaccination requirements is here: Vaccination requirements for travel to New Zealand | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)
From 11:59pm on Thursday 31 March, all travellers flying into New Zealand must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration prior to check-in via the New Zealand Traveller Declaration website. Declarations made through the Nau Mai Rā website will continue to be accepted. However, it is recommended that travellers reapply for their travel pass through the New Zealand Traveller Declaration site. As part of the application process, travellers must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 pre-departure test.
Further information: COVID-19: Travellers
On arrival in New Zealand by air, travellers are required to undertake two Rapid Antigen Tests, on Day 0/1 and Day 5/6. Further information on testing requirements: Testing requirements after arriving in New Zealand | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)
The only exception to the testing requirement is for travellers arriving from the following Pacific countries and who have been in those countries for at least 14 days prior:
- Nauru
- Niue
- Tokelau
- Tuvalu
Managed isolation and quarantine
Travellers from the following groups may be able to enter a Managed Isolation and Quarantine Facility in certain circumstances:
- Evacuees from Afghanistan.
- Refugees, arriving in New Zealand for the first time.
- For a short time, people who were expecting to enter MIQ, and who are not able to make alternative accommodation arrangements
- International aircrew.
- Researchers and scientists recently arrived from Antarctica.
- Mariners.
- Arrivals from Ukraine entering under special visas.
Find out more: Managed Isolation and Quarantine website.