Leaving New Zealand

Plan before you travel

Before travelling overseas you should check the requirements of the country you are travelling to. Check:

• the official website of the country you 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.

Travel advice for New Zealanders

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

Register your details with SafeTravel (external link)

Cruise ships

You should avoid taking an overseas cruise 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.

Travel advice for foreign nationals

If you are a foreign national travelling in New Zealand, you should consider returning home as soon as you are able to.

Advice 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 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 do not 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.