New Zealand Border closures and exceptions

Source: New Zealand Immigration

The New Zealand border is currently closed to almost all travellers to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The travel ban applies to all arrivals into New Zealand whether it is by air or sea.

Superyacht and pleasure craft crew

Crew (including Australian citizens not resident in New Zealand) travelling on superyachts and pleasure craft are not exempt from the closure of New Zealand’s border, and current immigration instructions state they must be refused entry permission unless they meet one of the exceptions.

New Zealand citizens and residents returning to New Zealand may travel to New Zealand and do not need any formal exemption. If the New Zealand resident visa was granted outside of New Zealand and the holder is travelling to New Zealand for the first time on that visa, or the resident visa has expired travel conditions, the travel ban is applicable.

There are a limited number of exceptions for other travellers who should seek approval from Immigration New Zealand before travelling.

The starting point for consideration is that the New Zealand border is closed for all but critical travel, and that protecting public health in New Zealand is paramount.

Who may travel to New Zealand without first seeking approval

New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and residents with valid travel conditions (excluding people granted a resident visa outside New Zealand and who are travelling to New Zealand on that resident visa for the first time) may travel to and enter New Zealand. They do not need to use the exceptions process below.

While a partner, dependent child or legal guardian travelling on the same flight as the New Zealand citizen or resident does not need to seek approval in advance, Immigration New Zealand recommends they use the process below to provide certainty of travel to New Zealand rather than risk being denied boarding.

Who should seek approval before travelling to New Zealand

There are a small number of additional, limited exceptions to the ban on travelling to and entering New Zealand. This applies to people who already hold a temporary New Zealand visa as well as to people who don’t have a New Zealand visa.

People seeking to travel to New Zealand because they meet one of these limited exceptions should first request consideration using the online exceptions request form below. If travel is considered likely to be justified, despite the travel ban, then they may be asked to provide further information so a special visa or variation to their current visa can be granted. The starting point for consideration is that the New Zealand border is closed for all but critical travel, and that protecting public health in New Zealand is paramount.

Travel to and from the Pacific Islands

New Zealand citizens from Tokelau, Cook Islands and Niue travelling to New Zealand must isolate themselves for 14 days upon arrival.

Travellers must also obey COVID-19 Alert Level 2 restrictions - stay in your accommodation.

Travellers must meet the entry requirements of the country they are travelling to. Check flight availability and entry requirements before starting your journey. Health Officers are screening travellers from New Zealand to Pacific Islands. Airlines will not allow any passenger with COVID-19 symptoms to board.