Leaving New Zealand

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

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Plan before you travel

Before travelling overseas all travellers should consult either:

  • the official website of the country they wish to enter or transit, or
  • that country's diplomatic representative in New Zealand.

Many countries require travellers to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival, or have a negative COVID-19 test result before they can travel.

Check the requirements of the country you are travelling to, by contacting their local High Commission, Embassy or Consulate in New Zealand. 

Travel advice for New Zealanders

Do not travel

New Zealanders are advised not to travel overseas at this time. The New Zealand Government has raised its travel advice to “do not travel” — the highest level — regardless of destination.

The New Zealand Government is also urging any New Zealanders currently travelling overseas to register with SafeTravel, in order to receive notification of any changes made to travel advice.

Register your details with SafeTravel (external link)

Travel advice for foreign nationals

There are many people in New Zealand who wish to return to their home country.

More information for foreign nationals in New Zealand

Pre-departure COVID-19 test

Some countries require you to have a negative COVID-19 test before you travel.

Steps to get a pre-departure test

  1. As soon as your travel plans are confirmed, contact Healthline or your general practice (GP).
  2. Find out when you can go in for a COVID-19 test. The test needs to be taken as close as possible to your date of travel — check the timing that applies to your country.
  3. You may need to pay for the test yourself, at the time.
  4. Your test will be sent to a local laboratory, which will provide a result to your GP or you directly. 
  5. A health provider will let you know the result of the test. It can take several days for test results to be available, so make sure you don’t leave it too late.
  6. Assuming the test is negative, you will be given a hard-copy document with the results to take to the airport. In the unlikely event the test is positive, your health provider will talk with you about what happens next.
  7. Take your negative test results with you to airport check-in. You may need to show your results to customs or immigration on arrival at your destination.

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)

Cruise ships

In line with the Government’s global travel advisory to not travel at this time, New Zealanders should avoid taking an overseas cruise at the time due to COVID-19. The virus can spread quickly on board cruises due to the close contact between passengers.

Some cruise ships have been put into quarantine, and countries have denied entry to ports, which can have significant consequences for travellers.

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