It really is happening! New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern has officially announced that the country will be rolling out the green and gold carpet next month as it welcomes its Australian whānau back to Aotearoa.
It has been confirmed! New Zealand is officially reopening its borders to fully jabbed Australian travellers from April 13, without the need to quarantine or isolate on arrival.
“We are a safe place to visit and New Zealand will be ready with open arms,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Wednesday, promising there would be no backtracking on the timetable.
“We are reopening and I’m asking our Australian family and friends to book their tickets.”
After two years with tight border restrictions, New Zealand began to dismantle its hard borders earlier this month.
Kiwis abroad and critical workers were the first to be able to dodge a spell in hotel quarantine.
Next will come Australian travellers, allowed to do the same from 11.59 pm on April 12. Those from visa waiver countries and holding valid visitor visas will follow from 11.59 pm on May 1.
About 60 countries and territories, including the UK, Singapore, Canada, the United States are on the visa waiver list.
All travellers must be fully vaccinated, and abide by COVID-19 regulations.
The PM said travellers will receive a free of charge ‘goody bag’, including free rapid antigen tests, when they land in New Zealand.
Travellers will need to complete two subsequent tests on arrival and a negative supervised rapid antigen test on departure.
Anyone testing positive to COVID-19 in New Zealand must get a PCR test to confirm and then isolate – along with their household – for seven days, returning a negative test before leaving.
Ms Ardern said the testing regime struck a balance so tourists could still “experience the sights and sounds immediately”.
Tourism Minister Stuart Nash beamed at the announcement, calling it the best day for Kiwi tourism in two years.
“We are really rolling out the green and gold carpet and in time for the Australian school holidays,” he said.
“We have missed you.”
Source: AAP
