Border restrictions
On this page
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 it is by air or sea.
To help stop the spread of COVID-19, people who do arrive in New Zealand are required to undergo either managed isolation or quarantine for at least 14 days.
Managed isolation and quarantine
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.
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 must to get approval from Immigration NZ before travelling to New Zealand.
List of exceptions from Immigration New Zealand (external link)
Leaving New Zealand
Many borders around the world are closed to people who are not citizens and permanent residents of that country.
Transiting through New Zealand
The New Zealand Government has entered into transit arrangements with a range of countries to make it easier for each other’s citizens to get home.
Transit agreements that detail who may transit New Zealand are published by Immigration NZ.
Current transit arrangements from Immigration NZ (external link)
Last modified: