New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa, is a beautiful country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture, it’s no surprise that tourism is one of the country’s largest industries. However, with the ongoing pandemic situation around the world, many are wondering if New Zealand is open for tourism.
The Current Status of Tourism in New Zealand
As of September 2021, New Zealand has resumed its tourism operations to a certain extent. The borders are currently closed to most international visitors; however, there are some exceptions. Only those who have been granted a critical purpose visa and have received approval from Immigration New Zealand can travel to the country.
There are also some quarantine-free travel arrangements in place with Australia and the Cook Islands. These arrangements allow travelers from these countries to visit New Zealand without having to undergo mandatory quarantine upon arrival.
Furthermore, domestic tourism is fully operational within New Zealand. This means that locals can travel freely around their own country and enjoy all that it has to offer.
Travel Restrictions for International Visitors
As mentioned earlier, most international visitors are not currently allowed to enter New Zealand due to border restrictions. However, there are some exceptions to this rule:
- Those who hold a critical purpose visa and have received approval from Immigration New Zealand can enter the country.
- Residents of Australia or those who have been in Australia for at least 14 days before traveling can enter under quarantine-free travel arrangements.
- Residents of the Cook Islands can enter under quarantine-free travel arrangements.
It’s important to note that even if you meet one of these exceptions, you will still need to meet all other entry requirements such as pre-departure COVID-19 testing and mandatory managed isolation or quarantine upon arrival.
The Future of Tourism in New Zealand
New Zealand’s government is closely monitoring the situation around the world and making decisions regarding its tourism industry accordingly. As the pandemic situation improves, it’s likely that more travel arrangements will be put in place allowing for easier access to the country.
Furthermore, New Zealand has always been a popular destination for travelers and it’s likely that its tourism industry will continue to thrive once the borders are fully reopened.
In Conclusion
While New Zealand’s borders are currently closed to most international visitors, there are still some exceptions in place. Domestic tourism is fully operational within the country, allowing locals to explore all that their beautiful country has to offer. As the pandemic situation improves, it’s likely that more travel arrangements will be put in place, allowing for easier access to this stunning destination.