Is Tourism Allowed in New Zealand?

By Anna Duncan

New Zealand is a beautiful country that attracts millions of tourists every year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have imposed travel restrictions to help contain the virus.

So, is tourism allowed in New Zealand? Let’s dive into the details.

Travel Restrictions

New Zealand has implemented strict travel restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The country closed its borders to almost all non-residents and non-citizens in March 2020. Since then, only New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and a limited number of other individuals have been allowed entry into the country.

Quarantine Measures

All travelers entering New Zealand are required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine period in government-managed facilities. This measure helps to ensure that any potential cases of COVID-19 are detected and contained before they can spread within the community.

Exceptions

There are certain exceptions for travelers who can enter New Zealand without undergoing quarantine. These include:

  • People traveling from Australia (except for those who have been in designated hotspots)
  • People with critical purposes such as essential health workers or other essential workers
  • Citizens of Samoa and Tonga for certain reasons

However, even these exceptions require strict testing and monitoring measures.

Tourism in New Zealand

Currently, tourism in New Zealand is limited due to the border restrictions. Only domestic travelers or those who meet the exceptions mentioned above can visit the country at this time.

However, New Zealand has recently announced plans to establish travel bubbles with neighboring countries such as Australia and Pacific Island nations. These bubbles would allow for quarantine-free travel between countries with low rates of COVID-19 transmission.

The Bottom Line

While tourism is currently limited in New Zealand due to COVID-19 restrictions, the country is taking measures to gradually reopen its borders and establish travel bubbles with neighboring countries. It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest information and travel advisories before planning a trip to New Zealand.

Remember to always follow local guidelines and health protocols to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.