The Return of International Visitors to New Zealand

This is an exciting time for our tourism sector, which has been working incredibly hard to hold tight throughout the COVID pandemic in the absence of international travellers to maintain all the amazing experiences we have to offer in Aotearoa. 

This is also a super exciting time for BeKiwi, as returning travellers are now more committed to getting the most out of their air miles, by giving back to the community and to the local environment.

The 5 Step Border Plan

There are 5 steps in the border plan with the final action to be implemented by October 2022.

Step 1 began on February 27th 2022 at 11:59pm when fully vaccinated New Zealand citizens or residents (or other eligible travellers under current border settings) could enter NZ from Australia and self-isolate upon arrival. 

Step 2 began on March 4th 2022 at 11:59pm when fully vaccinated New Zealand citizens or residents (or other eligible travellers under current border settings) could enter NZ from anywhere in the world.

Since March 13th 2022 at 11:59pm, travellers can apply for a working holiday visa and the ‘other critical worker’ border exception has been expanded.

Since March 18th 2022 at 11:59pm, unvaccinated New Zealand citizens (and those who are eligible to travel to New Zealand) are no longer are required to enter MIQ or to self-isolate. 

Step 3 comes into effect on April 12th 2022 at 11:59pm when people can enter NZ from anywhere in the world. These people include:

• Current temporary work and student visa holders with a valid visa who can still meet their visa requirements,
• Up to 5,000 international students for semester 2
• Australian citizens and permanent residents arriving from anywhere in the world.

From May 1st, the border will open to visa-waiver travellers and existing (onshore and offshore) holders of valid visitor visas.

Step 4 will be implemented in July 2022 when all Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders can enter NZ.

Step 5 will take place in October 2022 when all normal visa processing resumes for all categories, including visitor and student visas, unless the visa is closed or paused. Border exceptions will be phased out at this stage.