Canadians are a step closer to be able to travel to New Zealand again after New Zealand’s government announced late last week that it is removing the self-isolation requirements for vaccinated travellers arriving in the country. Following the government’s re-connecting plan, visitors from visa waiver countries are now expected to be allowed to enter New Zealand starting no later than July.

“We are thrilled to be one step closer to being able to welcome back international visitors to New Zealand and showcasing the best New Zealand has to offer,” said Sarah Handley, GM for Americas & Europe for Tourism New Zealand, adding that the organization would keep industry partners “closely updated on New Zealand’s plan to re-connect with the world.”

In the short term, the government says the easing of border restriction will enable New Zealanders from around the world who were forbidden to return home during the pandemic to now do so.

The current summary of entry requirements for all travellers to New Zealand pertaining to COVID-19 is as follows:

• All travellers entering New Zealand must be fully vaccinated in line with New Zealand government entry requirements.

• A negative pre-departure test (PCR, LAMP or Rapid Antigen) in line with New Zealand government requirements is required for all travellers.

• No compulsory requirement for all arriving travellers to either self-isolate or enter a government managed isolation hotel, i.e. all forms of isolation for arriving travellers (including foreign nationals) are removed at all border reopening steps except for unvaccinated New Zealand citizens and residents returning to the country.

• All travellers will be provided with two rapid antigen tests at no charge on arrival at Auckland Airport which are self-administered after exit from the airport.

• Travellers will be asked to undertake the first test on day of arrival and then a second test on day 5 after arrival, this can be done once travellers have left the airport e.g.at home or hotel.

• Travellers who test positive via either of their arrival day or day 5 RAT test will be required to take PCR test to confirm positive status, if positive they will then be asked to self-isolate in line with the requirements that apply to all community COVID-19 cases in New Zealand.

Canadians can reach Auckland is a non-stop 14-hour overnight flight from Vancouver. Prior to the pandemic both Air Canada and Air New Zealand serviced the YVR – AKL route, with Air New Zealand having resumed its service in February.