New Zealand will begin easing COVID-19 restrictions that have been in place on its national borders since March 2020.
Chris Hipkins, minister in charge of New Zealand’s COVID-19 response, said that from November, travellers from Pacific countries such as Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu will no longer need to quarantine on arrival.
The 14-day hotel quarantine period will be shortened to seven days for fully vaccinated travellers from abroad, with a plan to move to a system of home isolation for fully vaccinated arrivals later in 2022.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about international travel
“It’s time we reopened to the world. We can’t remain shut behind the walls of Fortress New Zealand,” Mr Hipkins said at a news conference.
Data from Johns Hopkins University show that the country reported 96 new cases and no deaths on Thursday.
New Zealand was an early adopter of strict border restrictions in response to the pandemic, closing off leisure traffic to one of the most desirable destinations in the world.
READ MORE: Berejiklian doubles down on claims secret relationship was not ‘sufficient enough’ to declare
It tried a “travel bubble” with Australia but suspended that in July as the Delta variant spread.
Even with this announced easing, New Zealand is planning on strong efforts keep Covid-19 in check.
All foreign nationals entering New Zealand will need to be fully vaccinated starting November 1.
READ MORE: Rust armourer attorneys blame producers for ‘unsafe’ set
Air New Zealand, the country’s flag carrier airline, has said passengers on its international flights will need to be fully vaccinated.
It will start implementing the policy on February 1, 2022.
Co-design and a 'razzle dazzle boat' in fresh start for Kingston Arts Precinct
1 million women left the workforce to be a primary caregiver during COVID-19
Source of COVID-19 on Ruby Princess disputed in class action
WA to shut major COVID-19 vaccine clinics
Ruby Princess’s COVID-19 source disputed
Jacinda Ardern’s ‘fart tax’ plans rip the guts out of small-town New Zealand, argue angry farmers