New Zealand plans cautious reopening of borders for international travelers early next year

Saturday, August 14, 2021

New Zealand has completely got rid of the corona virus, and plans to cautiously reopen its borders for international travelers early next year.

Officials said that they would delay second shots of the Pfizer vaccine for accelerating first shots for shielding more people with the growing threat of the delta variant.

New Zealand’s success in erasing the corona virus has allowed life to go back to almost normal. The South Pacific nation of 5 million people has reported just 26 deaths since the pandemic began. That has been possible partly due to closing borders to those who aren’t residents or citizens. However, many have questioned whether it’s feasible for New Zealand to maintain a zero-tolerance approach to the virus once international travel resumes.

NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that the government planned to follow the advice of experts and maintain the elimination strategy.

“While the pandemic continues to rage overseas, and the virus continues to change and mutate, the best thing we can do is lock in the gains achieved to date while keeping our options open,” she said.

Ardern said that the borders would not reopen until after New Zealand’s vaccine rollout reaches completion at the end of the year. The rollout has been much slower than in most developed nations, although it is starting to pick up the pace.

Ardern said that from the first quarter of next year, New Zealand would start allowing travelers on a carefully managed basis. Fully vaccinated travelers from low-risk countries would not be required to quarantine, she said. Those arriving from medium-risk countries would need to complete some form of quarantine. Those arriving from high-risk countries, or who are unvaccinated, would need to stay 14 days in a quarantine hotel run by the military. About 29% of New Zealanders have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 17% are fully vaccinated.

« Back to Page

• New Zealand Gears Up for an Unforgettable Summer of Travel and Adventure

• Satopia Travel Reveals Premier New Zealand Luxury Trip for World Travelers

• Radisson RED unveils stylish accommodation options in New Zealand

• Sichuan Airlines revives direct flight route to New Zealand

• New Zealand tourism recovers with 2.96 million overseas visitor arrivals