Border restrictions

Border entry restrictions

The New Zealand borders are closed for all but critical travel — protecting public health in New Zealand is paramount. The travel ban applies to all arrivals into New Zealand whether by air or sea.

New Zealand citizens and residents

You have a legal right to come home if you are:

• a New Zealand citizen
• a New Zealand resident with valid travel conditions.

You do not need approval from Immigration New Zealand before travelling.

Advice if you are planning to travel to New Zealand (external link)

Limited exceptions

There are a small number of limited exceptions to the ban on travelling to and entering New Zealand. These exceptions apply to people who:

• already hold a temporary New Zealand visa
• don’t have a New Zealand visa.

If you’re not a New Zealand citizen or resident you legally must get approval from Immigration New Zealand before travelling to New Zealand.

List of exceptions from Immigration New Zealand (external link)

There are also exceptions for some vessels. These include cargo ships, fishing vessels unloading catch and ships coming from Antarctica.

Guidance for the maritime sector from the Ministry of Health (external link)

Managed isolation and quarantine

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, people who do arrive in New Zealand legally must complete at least 14 days of managed isolation or quarantine at an isolation facility. Returnees will also be tested for COVID-19 during their stay. 

About managed isolation and quarantine, and what to expect (external link)

Leaving New Zealand

Many borders around the world are closed to people who are not citizens and permanent residents of that country.

Advice if you are planning on leaving New Zealand 

Transiting through New Zealand

The New Zealand Government has transit arrangements with a number of countries to make it easier for each country’s citizens to get home. 

Transit agreements that say who may transit through New Zealand are published by Immigration New Zealand. 

We recommend you also check if you need to apply for a transit exemption from managed isolation.

Transit arrangements from Immigration New Zealand (external link)

Exemptions from managed isolation (external link)