Travellers with a temporary visa due to expire between 1 April and 9 July 2020 will have their visas extended to late September. Confirmation of extensions will be emailed to all visa holders.
The New Zealand Government has made further travel restrictions to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. New Zealand's borders are closed to almost all travellers from 23:59 on Thursday 19 March 2020.
All affected travellers must have checked in for their flight to New Zealand by this time.
Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration New Zealand for:
No other foreign traveller can now enter New Zealand.
Returning residents and citizens must isolate themselves at home.
Read more about self-isolation
New Zealanders are advised not to travel overseas at this time. The New Zealand Government has raised its travel advice to “do not travel” – the highest level – regardless of destination.
It is also urging any New Zealanders currently travelling overseas to return home while commercial options remain available.
There are extensive border restrictions in place around the world and increasingly limited transport options.
New Zealanders are advised to register their details with SafeTravel, in order to receive notification of any changes made to travel advice.
Register your details at safetravel.govt.nz(external link)
All travellers should consult the official website of the country they wish to enter or transit, or that country's diplomatic representative in their country of departure, before travelling. They should also contact their travel insurance provider.
As the global situation changes, and more borders close, it will become harder to travel.
Visitors and tourists can still use international air services to travel home.
Do not go to the airport unless you have a ticket. If you do not have ticket contact a travel agent or airline directly. If you are unable to secure a ticket please contact your country embassy.
Read more on MBIE's website(external link)
We are sympathetic to individuals who are currently in New Zealand and are unable to return to their home at the moment.
Travellers with a temporary visa due to expire between 1 April and 9 July 2020 will have their visas extended to late September. Confirmation of extensions will be emailed to all visa holders.
If you now wish to work while in New Zealand because your situation has changed, please ensure you have the correct visa. You can apply for a new work visa while you are in New Zealand.
More information can be found on the Immigration New Zealand website(external link) or by calling 0508 558 855.
All international travellers must self-isolate for the duration of level 4.
The Government is providing temporary accommodation to those required to self-isolate who are unable to do so in their own homes or are travellers visiting New Zealand and do not already have suitable self-isolation accommodation arranged.
There is a cost for temporary accommodation and the Government will work with each individual or household who uses the service on how to meet this cost.
Read more on the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment website(external link)
If you require assistance, you can contact your embassy, high commission or consular representative.
Find information about embassies on the MFAT website(external link)