If you get COVID-19 while travelling

You may get COVID-19 while you are away from home. If you test positive while travelling, here is what you need to know.

Who this information is for

This page is for people who live in New Zealand and are travelling domestically.

What to do if you test positive while visiting New Zealand from another country

Be prepared

You could get COVID-19 or find out you are a Household Contact while you are away from home on holiday or for work. Have a plan for what you need to do.

  • Plan how to get home safely to isolate — you can only return home if you or someone you are travelling with can drive there.
  • Talk through the plan with your travelling companions.
  • If you cannot drive home, it is likely you will need to stay where you are for your isolation period.

If you test positive for COVID-19

If you get symptoms, get tested immediately

If you get cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms while away from home, get tested immediately. Do not wait until you get home.

Order a rapid antigen test (RAT) online and pick up from your nearest collection point.

COVID-19 symptoms

Tell your accommodation provider

You should tell your accommodation provider if you have tested positive. They can make sure the property is safe for the next booking.

More advice around temporary accommodation can be found on the Ministry of Health website:

Guidance for isolating in temporary or holiday accommodation | health.govt.nz (external link)

If you are unable to get home

If you test positive or you are a Household Contact, you cannot:

  • take a commercial flight home
  • do any long-distance road travel that requires an overnight stay
  • take an interisland ferry or public transport.

If you are away for work, accommodation can be arranged by you or your employer. You do not need to seek permission to do this.

If you have to self-isolate where you are, you will still have support available to isolate as part of the Care in the Community programme.

Care in the Community

Getting help if you are self-isolating

Check the COVID-19 Health Hub for advice.

COVID-19 Health Hub (external link)

Plan:

  • who can look after your house if necessary
  • who can care for your pets
  • what things to take with you to help with boredom while isolating
  • to have enough money to cover an extended time away from home, for example accommodation costs
  • a list of medical information — include names, ages, NHI numbers, any medical conditions, and medication or medical supplies each person with you needs.

You will need to follow the self-isolation guidelines.

How to self-isolate

If it is safe for you to return home

If you or your travelling companions can drive home in a private or work vehicle, then you can do so.

You will need to make as few stops as possible, so you need to plan:

  • your route home
  • how you would get fuel — you should only stop at a contactless petrol station
  • supplies for the journey home to reduce the number of stops you make.

You must not use public transport or do any long-distance road travel that requires an overnight stay or interisland travel.

Remember to keep up healthy habits

If you are borrowing or renting a car, tell the car owner or rental service so they can clean the vehicle afterwards.

Once you are home, follow the self-isolation guidance.

How to self-isolate

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