Essential Information Regarding Entry to New Zealand Due to Covid-19

To prevent and control the spread of Covid-19, entry to New Zealand from all countries is strictly regulated. If you want to travel to New Zealand, then being aware of the following rules might help you.

Pre-departure Covid-19 Test:  

A negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours of the first scheduled international flight is required for most travellers to board for New Zealand, except travellers from Antarctica, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, etc. & children under two years. Still, it would be worthwhile if the latest travel advisory is checked on the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website before planning travel.

 You will still need to take a test if you have received a Covid-19 vaccine. A fit-to-fly certificate will also be accepted as proof of pre-departure testing documentation if consistent with Covid-19 Public Health Response (Air Border) order requirements & the subsequent Gazetted requirements regarding the pre-departure test.

About Visa Processing:  

You are encouraged to apply online for eligible visas as paper applications can take longer to process due to this pandemic situation. Relationship-based visas for partners & dependent children of New Zealand citizens & residents are now processing. It does not include General Visitor Visa applications made based on a relationship that does not meet immigration partnership requirements. 

Citizens of visa waiver countries who are partners of New Zealand citizens & residents might grant an exception to travel to New Zealand. Applications for most temporary visas from people outside of New Zealand are suspended. You can contact immigration advisers and lawyers in Auckland to get more information.

Managed Isolation & Quarantine :  

The managed isolation allocation system voucher is an online portal & mandatory for anyone travelling to New Zealand before they board their flight to secure their place in this facility. The government recovers the cost of managed isolation by temporary visa holders to provide a robust system for both the New Zealand public & those who leave & enter the country. All arrivals except exempt locations are required to complete 14 days in managed isolation. A managed isolation allocation system voucher is not a visa. You can also reach Immigration Advisers New Zealand for more details.

Eligibility for Coming to New Zealand :  

 Those who are permitted to come to New Zealand without first requesting to travel are:

• Citizens & permanent resident visa holders in New Zealand 
• A New Zealand citizen or permanent resident's wife or minor child & your visa is based on this relationship 
• A diplomat who holds a post in New Zealand 
• Australian citizens or permanent residents who usually live in New Zealand 
• Eligible travellers from the Cook Islands 

Some terms & conditions are also applicable in all of the above cases, which you have to fulfil to make yourself eligible to go to New Zealand. Anyone else coming to New Zealand must be coming for a critical purpose & they must request approval first. If you are an 'other critical worker,' your employer needs to complete an 'employer request for critical worker exception' form & be invited to apply for a visa.

You can always consult Immigration Advisers New Zealand for detailed info.

Real time info - https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19/border-closures-and-exceptions/critical-purpose-reasons-you-can-travel-to-new-zealand 

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