New Zealand is perhaps the only country that has successfully controlled the spread of the virus to an astonishingly low degree. Many people are thinking of visiting New Zealand in 2021 because of this reason and the country’s beauty. If you are also considering the same thing, you are in the right place.
Here is everything you need to know about visiting New Zealand in 2021. Keep in mind that these protocols are subject to change because everything worldwide is unpredictable during the pandemic.
Who Can Visit New Zealand?
The border of New Zealand is closed right now, and tourists are not allowed to enter. Once the situation goes back to normal, the New Zealand eTA will be required to enter the country according to natvisa.com. Currently, you can only enter the country if you have a critical reason to do so. Some of these reasons include:
1. Temporary Visa Or From A Quarantine-Free Travel Zone
If you are from a quarantine-free zone or a temporary visa holder, you can request to re-enter New Zealand. However, you can only do it for reasons of national significance after travelling overseas. Besides that, you also need to prove that you have approval for early access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
If you don’t have approval for the vaccine, Immigration of New Zealand will assess you to understand if you meet the criteria. Once you have this approval, you can quickly enter New Zealand. Keep in mind that any dependents or family will also be eligible for re-entry based on your relationship.
2. Resident Work Visa Holders
If you have a temporary work visa and have maintained a business or job in New Zealand for a long time, you will be eligible to enter. Keep in mind that you must have departed before December 2019 and October 2020 to re-enter New Zealand. If you have a job, you should be currently employed at the job to enter again.
It is also essential that you had lived in New Zealand for one or two years before you left for whatever reason. If you are an exception, you will have to request immigration, and it will take two weeks to process your request.
Travel Entry Protocols And Restrictions
New Zealand is one country that has placed the toughest restrictions ever since the virus started spreading. That is the reason they have successfully lowered the number of cases and the people contracting the virus. Even New Zealand residents have to do a fourteen-day mandatory quarantine and show a negative PCR test before entering.
Everyone arriving in the country should book their place in a quarantine facility or a managed isolation place before they intend to travel to New Zealand. The facility will provide you with a voucher, and you need to show that before boarding to ensure the authorities that your place has been booked. Keep in mind that the availability of these facilities is incredibly limited, so there are high chances you might not get a place.
If you are from the United States or the United Kingdom, you should show proof of a negative PCR test before boarding your flight to New Zealand. If you are from India, you can’t travel to New Zealand as currently, all travellers from there have been suspended from entering.
Once you enter New Zealand, you will have to show a negative PCR test and undertake the mandatory isolation in the facility. After that, you are free to roam the country. Of course, you will still have to wear a mask and follow all the safety protocols.
Keep in mind that there are two-way travel bubbles between New Zealand and the Cook Islands and New Zealand and Australia. The bubble allows people to move between the countries without the need for mandatory quarantine. However, the two-way bubble is also suspended right now.
Travel Restrictions Within New Zealand
As of now, the restrictions in New Zealand are at Alert Level 1. That means the restrictions are at their lowest than they have ever been. However, you need to keep your mask on in all spaces such as public transport, restaurants, domestic flights, and other such spaces.
You should also keep a safe distance of six feet when out and about from other people. Otherwise, everything is almost back to normal in New Zealand. The highest level of alerts in the country is Alert 4.
At this level, everyone is required to stay home, and all places are closed. Whenever you decide to travel to New Zealand, you should keep in check the Alert Level that is in place to plan accordingly. Once you do, you will have a safe and fun experience during your travel.
Always Be Prepared While Traveling
You should always be prepared while travelling to New Zealand. The border rules are subject to change at a moment’s notice, and you will have to prepare for any disruption to your plans. That is why you should check the official guidelines and rules before you decide to travel.
Keep in mind to always keep your documents with you, the managed isolation facility voucher, and your vaccine card if you have one. You will be required to show all of this to the authorities at the airport. Failure to prove any of these things might result in issues at the airport.
Once you show proof of all these things, you can quickly enter New Zealand and have a great experience exploring the country. Unfortunately, there is no sign as to when New Zealand will open its borders for tourists.
Final Words
That was your complete guide to visiting New Zealand in 2021. Follow these guidelines and only enter if you have a critical reason to do so. You should even prove everything and have the relevant documents to ensure a hassle-free process at the airport with the immigration authorities.
Once you do, you will enjoy your stay, and you can roam freely within New Zealand as the restrictions right now are incredibly low. Don’t forget to keep your mask and keep a safe distance when roaming out and about.
Source link
