When Will New Zealand Open for Tourism?

By Anna Duncan

Are you eagerly waiting for a trip to New Zealand? The pandemic has put a halt on travel plans for many of us, but the good news is that New Zealand is preparing to welcome tourists soon.

With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that New Zealand is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. So, when will New Zealand open for tourism? Let’s find out.

Current Travel Restrictions in New Zealand

Currently, New Zealand has strict border controls in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Only citizens and residents of New Zealand are allowed to enter the country at this time. However, there are some exceptions such as critical workers who have been granted permission to enter the country under certain conditions.

When Will Tourists be Allowed to Enter?

The New Zealand government has not yet announced a specific date for when tourists will be allowed to enter the country. However, they have indicated that they are working on a plan to reopen borders in a safe and controlled way.

The Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble

One possibility being considered is the creation of a “trans-Tasman travel bubble” with Australia. This would allow citizens and residents of both countries to travel between them without having to quarantine upon arrival. The governments of both countries have expressed their desire for this arrangement to be put in place as soon as it is safe to do so.

Vaccination Passports

Another possibility being considered is the use of vaccination passports. This would allow travelers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the country without having to quarantine upon arrival. The New Zealand government has indicated that they are exploring this option but have not yet made any official announcements.

What Can Tourists Expect When They Visit?

When tourists are eventually allowed to enter New Zealand, they can expect to encounter some changes due to the pandemic. For example, they may be required to undergo COVID-19 testing before and/or after their arrival, and may be subject to quarantine or isolation requirements depending on their country of origin.

Safe Travel Zone

The New Zealand government has also announced the creation of a “safe travel zone” which will allow travelers from certain countries to enter New Zealand without having to quarantine upon arrival. The specific details of this arrangement have not yet been announced.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while we don’t yet know exactly when tourists will be allowed to visit New Zealand again, there are promising signs that it will happen soon. The government is working on plans to reopen borders in a safe and controlled way, and there are several possibilities being considered such as the trans-Tasman travel bubble and vaccination passports. When tourists do eventually arrive, they can expect some changes due to the pandemic but can still look forward to experiencing all that this beautiful country has to offer.