Pre-departure tests to enter New Zealand

Most travellers must have a negative COVID-19 test to enter New Zealand. Find out more about New Zealand's pre-departure testing requirements.

Check if you need to get a pre-departure test

Latest update

Pre-departure testing requirements apply until 31 July 2022

Even if you are self-testing on arrival in New Zealand you still must get a pre-departure test. There are very few exceptions to this. 

New Zealand citizens are also required to get a pre-departure test. 

Exemptions for pre-departure testing (external link)

Check if you need a pre-departure test

Pre-departure testing requirements

Most travellers entering New Zealand must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 result from one of these tests:

  • supervised rapid antigen test (RAT) administered no more than 24 hours before the scheduled departure of your first international flight to New Zealand, or
  • a supervised loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test administered no more than 24 hours before the scheduled departure of your first international flight to New Zealand.
  • a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test administered no more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure of your first international flight to New Zealand, or

You still need a test even if you have been vaccinated for COVID-19, or you are self-testing on arrival.

You are responsible for checking your chosen testing provider can provide you with acceptable pre-departure documentation to the specified standard required by the New Zealand Government. Tests from free community testing stations may not be acceptable for travel clearance, so check before your test.

Medical exemptions

If you cannot take a test due to medical reasons, you must provide a medical certificate. You will need to get this 72 hours before your flight. You will need to present this as part of your check-in documentation.

If you have recently recovered from COVID-19

If you have recently recovered from COVID-19, you still need to provide a current valid pre-departure test. Your test may show a positive result, so you will need to see a medical practitioner who will examine you for current symptoms of COVID-19. 

If they are confident you do not currently have a COVID-19 infection, you will need them to provide:

  • a medical certificate with the date of your previous positive test, within 48 hours of your first international flight and
  • documentation stating that they consider you as no longer being infectious with COVID-19.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 3 months, we recommend you book your medical examination in advance of receiving your test results.   

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