Brady Collins
New Zealand has implemented various COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travellers entering the country. While the New Zealand government may not require vaccination, some airlines mandate it. Most travellers must meet COVID-19 vaccine requirements before travelling to New Zealand by air. Unvaccinated travellers cannot enter New Zealand unless they are exempt or have proof of medical exemption. The country accepts any vaccine approved by at least one government health authority or approval authority.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who must be vaccinated? | Non-New Zealand citizens, non-residents, and non-Australian citizens who live outside of New Zealand |
| Who is exempt? | New Zealand citizens, residents, and Australian citizens who live in New Zealand, children under 16, those with medical exemptions |
| What to upload | Proof of vaccination, proof of exemption, proof of negative COVID-19 test result |
| Where to upload | New Zealand Traveller Declaration |
| When to upload | Before arrival |
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What You'll Learn
- Non-citizens and non-residents must be vaccinated to enter New Zealand
- Exemptions are available for those from countries with limited vaccine access
- Proof of vaccination must be uploaded to the New Zealand Traveller Declaration
- Air New Zealand requires all passengers on international flights to be vaccinated
- Quarantine is not necessary for vaccinated travellers with negative post-arrival tests
Non-citizens and non-residents must be vaccinated to enter New Zealand
Non-citizens and non-residents must be fully vaccinated to enter New Zealand. This rule has been in place since November 2021, when New Zealand first opened its borders to Australian travellers. Since then, the country has gradually allowed vaccinated travellers from other countries, including the UK, to enter.
To be eligible to enter New Zealand, travellers must have had a full course of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. A full course of some of the approved vaccines is only one dose, while others require two doses. It is also possible to have a combination of different vaccines if that combination is an approved course in the country where they were administered.
There are some exemptions to the vaccination rule. Unvaccinated travellers may be able to enter New Zealand if they are travelling from a country with no or limited access to COVID-19 vaccines. In this case, they must apply to the Ministry of Health for an exemption and provide evidence of why they have not been vaccinated. The Director-General of Health will then decide whether they can be granted an exemption. Travellers under the age of 16 are also exempt from the vaccination requirement, as are those who can prove they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
In addition to being fully vaccinated, most travellers must also meet other COVID-19 entry requirements. This includes providing proof of vaccination, taking COVID-19 tests before and after arrival, and completing a travel questionnaire and the New Zealand Traveller Declaration. It is important to check the specific requirements for your country of origin and airline, as these may vary.
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Exemptions are available for those from countries with limited vaccine access
As of November 2021, most travellers must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination before entering New Zealand by air. However, exemptions are available for those from countries with limited or no access to COVID-19 vaccines.
To be eligible for an exemption, travellers must apply to the Ministry of Health and provide evidence of why they have not been vaccinated. The Director-General of Health will then decide whether the exemption can be granted. Travellers who have been granted an exemption must still meet all other applicable entry requirements for New Zealand.
It is important to note that some airlines may have different vaccination requirements. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your airline before travelling. Additionally, travellers who are exempt from vaccination requirements must still show proof of their exemption to Customs staff upon arrival in New Zealand. Failure to do so may result in an infringement or other enforcement action.
While New Zealand has strict vaccination requirements for travellers, the country has also experienced challenges with vaccine access and uptake. As of October 2021, about 79% of the population had received their first vaccine dose, while approximately 46% had received both doses. This situation highlights the global disparities in vaccine access and the importance of considering exemptions for travellers from countries with limited vaccine availability.
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Proof of vaccination must be uploaded to the New Zealand Traveller Declaration
Proof of vaccination is a requirement for most travellers to New Zealand. This applies to non-New Zealand citizens, residents, or Australian citizens who live in New Zealand. Travellers who are unable to provide proof of vaccination may be denied entry unless they have a valid exemption.
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration is a crucial step in the process of entering the country. Here is a detailed guide on what to expect and how to ensure a smooth journey:
Understanding the New Zealand Traveller Declaration
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration is an official process that collects essential information from travellers before they enter the country. It is a mandatory step for most visitors and requires the submission of various details and documents, including proof of vaccination. The declaration helps the New Zealand government manage border control and protect the health and safety of its citizens and visitors.
What You Need to Upload
When uploading your proof of vaccination to the New Zealand Traveller Declaration, ensure that you have the following:
- Vaccination Certificate: This is the official document that confirms you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. It should include your name, the type of vaccine you received, and the date(s) of your vaccination dose(s).
- Exemption Evidence (if applicable): If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons or are from a country with limited access to vaccines, you must provide supporting documentation. This could include a letter from a health professional or an exemption letter from the Director-General of Health.
- Accurate Information: When entering your vaccination details, ensure that the information matches your vaccination certificate exactly. Providing false or misleading information can result in your declaration being declined and may lead to penalties.
- Other Entry Requirements: In addition to proof of vaccination, ensure that you meet all other applicable entry requirements for New Zealand. This may include having a valid passport, a negative COVID-19 test result, or any other specific requirements mandated by the New Zealand government or your airline.
Tips for a Smooth Process
To ensure a smooth experience when uploading your proof of vaccination and completing the New Zealand Traveller Declaration:
- Check Airline Requirements: Different airlines may have specific vaccination requirements. Before your trip, review the guidelines provided by your airline to ensure you comply with their mandates.
- Allow Sufficient Time: The process of uploading documents and completing the declaration can take time. Start the process early to avoid any last-minute delays or issues.
- Verify Document Accuracy: Double-check that the information on your vaccination certificate is correct and matches the details you provide in the declaration. Any discrepancies may cause delays or complications.
- Seek Official Information: For the most up-to-date and accurate guidelines, refer to official government websites and resources. The New Zealand government provides detailed information on the entry requirements, including proof of vaccination, on their websites.
By following these instructions and staying informed about the latest travel guidelines, you can confidently navigate the process of uploading your proof of vaccination to the New Zealand Traveller Declaration and begin your journey to this beautiful country.
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Air New Zealand requires all passengers on international flights to be vaccinated
As of February 2022, Air New Zealand requires all passengers on international flights to be vaccinated. This means that all travellers, except for New Zealand citizens, residents, and Australian citizens living in New Zealand, must be vaccinated to enter the country by air. Those who are unvaccinated and do not have an exemption will not be allowed entry into New Zealand.
To be eligible to enter New Zealand, travellers must have had a full course of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. A full course is typically two doses of the vaccines, such as Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca, or a single dose of a one-shot vaccine like Johnson & Johnson. It is important to note that booster doses are not required. Additionally, travellers must provide proof of vaccination by uploading their vaccination certificates to the New Zealand Traveller Declaration before their arrival.
The approved vaccines are those that have been authorized by at least one government health authority or approval authority. There are 35 vaccines that fall under this category. For travellers who have received a combination of different vaccines, the combination must be approved in the country where they received the doses.
It is worth noting that some travellers may be exempt from the vaccination requirement. Those travelling from countries with limited or no access to COVID-19 vaccines can apply for an exemption from the Ministry of Health. Additionally, children under the age of 16 are also exempt from the vaccination requirement.
Air New Zealand's decision to mandate vaccinations for international travellers aligns with the country's efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 and safely reopen its borders to international visitors. The airline's requirement complements the overall vaccination requirements for entry into New Zealand, ensuring the safety and well-being of both travellers and residents.
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Quarantine is not necessary for vaccinated travellers with negative post-arrival tests
As of 1 May 2022, fully vaccinated international travellers are allowed to enter New Zealand. However, children aged 16 and under are exempt from vaccination requirements, as are those who can provide proof of a medical exemption and New Zealand citizens.
To be considered fully vaccinated, travellers must have received a full course of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. This could mean two doses of the vaccines administered in the UK (Pfizer, Moderna, or Astrazeneca), or a single dose of a one-shot vaccine such as Johnson and Johnson. A combination of different vaccines is also accepted, provided the combination is approved in the country where they were administered.
Travellers to New Zealand are required to take three COVID-19 tests: one before departure, another upon entry, and a third five or six days after arrival. Quarantine is not necessary for vaccinated travellers with negative post-arrival tests. However, if a vaccinated traveller tests positive for COVID-19 after being in New Zealand for seven days or longer, they must isolate and follow the instructions provided by the New Zealand government.
It is important to note that individual airlines may have their own vaccination requirements for travel to New Zealand. Therefore, travellers are advised to check with their airline before departure to ensure they meet all the necessary requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most travellers must meet COVID-19 vaccine requirements before travelling to New Zealand. However, New Zealand citizens, residents, and Australian citizens living in New Zealand are exempt from this rule.
Travellers may be able to get an exemption if they are travelling to New Zealand from a country with no or limited access to COVID-19 vaccines. In this case, they must apply to the Ministry of Health for an exemption, along with evidence of why they need one.
Travellers from Australia do not need a test before entering New Zealand if they are coming from a non-COVID-19 outbreak area. However, they must have spent 14 days in Australia (outside of an outbreak location), not have had a positive COVID-19 test within these 14 days, and cannot have a pending COVID-19 test.
