New Zealand will keep its borders closed to most foreign travelers for another five months, the government announced today.
Border restrictions have been in place since March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the country.
In parallel with its geographical isolation, the said South Pacific country has implemented some of the toughest pandemic restrictions between the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, limiting the spread of the pandemic and helping the economy recover. comparison with the other members of the said organization.
However, the outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant earlier in the year forced a change in this strategy, with the largest city, Auckland, now gradually opening its operations as vaccination rates rise.
Fully vaccinated foreign travelers will be allowed to enter the country from April 30, 2022 onwards, with the process of easing restrictions being redefined over time, according to Chris Hippins, the pandemic minister in duration of the press conference.
Fully vaccinated New Zealanders and those with a residence visa in neighboring Australia can travel to New Zealand from 16 January, while vaccinated New Zealanders and those with a residence visa originating from other countries will be able to travel to the 13 countries mentioned.
“A step-by-step approach to our reunion with the world is the safest approach to ensuring careful risk management,” Hipkins said.
“It reduces the potential impact on vulnerable communities, but also on New Zealand’s healthcare system.
Travelers will no longer be required to remain in state quarantine facilities, according to Hipkins, but other measures will apply, including a negative pre-departure test, proof of vaccination completion, and a COVID-19 diagnostic test with the arrival.
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