Reconnecting New Zealanders to the World

Reconnecting New Zealanders to the World is the Government's plan to safely re-open our borders and develop new ways for people to travel to and from Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our border is reopening in stages from 27 February 2022

  • Our border reopened to vaccinated New Zealanders from Australia at 11.59pm 27 February 2022.
  • We reopened to New Zealanders in the rest of the world on 4 March 2022.
  • We have removed MIQ for most travellers, replaced by self-testing after they arrive.
  • MIQ is now only used in limited circumstances — for example, maritime and international air crew. 
  • Five-step plan prioritises returning New Zealanders and brings forward the reopening of key visa categories to address worker shortages. 
  • Further visa categories reopen throughout the year to help accelerate economic recovery.

When New Zealand borders open

Our guiding objectives

  • Maintaining our minimisation and protection strategy to stamp out the virus and keep our options open.
  • Ensuring every eligible New Zealander is offered the opportunity to be vaccinated as soon as possible.
  • Reducing the need for further lockdowns as much as possible by continuing to strengthen our health and contact tracing systems.
  • Maintaining strong public health tools.
  • Developing new ways to enable people to travel safely to and from New Zealand.

International Travel Vaccination Certificates

Vaccination status and verification will be an important part of supporting New Zealanders to travel internationally.

Anyone 5 years and over who has had any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine administered in New Zealand can now request an International Travel Vaccination Certificate.

Requesting your certificate takes just 1 to 2 minutes and will be emailed to you within 24 hours.  The quickest way to get your pass is through your My Covid Record, but if you cannot access this service you can call 0800 222 478 — have your NHI number ready.

How to use My Covid Record

How to use My Covid Record to get an International Travel Vaccination Certificate [PDF, 260 KB]

Sign in to My Covid Record (external link)

Traveller Health Declaration System

Everyone travelling to New Zealand by air must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) prior to check-in at the airport.

The information collected, which includes COVID-19 vaccination status and test results, is used to let travellers know what they need to do when they arrive in New Zealand: such as self-test on arrival or enter quarantine-free.

Travellers need to complete an NZTD and be issued with a Traveller Pass to board their flight to New Zealand, and must show their pass on arrival in New Zealand.

The complexity of digital and operational systems that the NZTD needs mean that it is being developed in stages. The first version came into effect in March 2022.

The New Zealand Customs Service is administering this project.

 

Reconnecting New Zealanders to the World forum

The forum started with a presentation from Sir David Skegg, with an overview of the Strategic COVID-19 Public Health Advisory Group’s advice on reconnecting New Zealand. 

It was followed by a discussion MC’d by the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Dame Juliet Gerrard. The experts bring a range of backgrounds and perspectives to a discussion about vaccination, safe borders, safe travel and public health habits.

The event also featured a speech from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and opening remarks from Dr Ayesha Verrall, Associate Minister of Health. 

Panel experts included Sir David Skegg, Sir Brian Roche, Dr Maia Brewerton, Dr Api Talemaitoga, Mr Rob Fyfe, Professor Michael Baker, and Dr Ashley Bloomfield.

The event was held on Thursday 12 August 2021.

Watch the Reconnecting New Zealand forum

Watch the Reconnecting New Zealand forum

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