Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins made the announcement today, including expanding one-way quarantine free travel with some Pacific nations in the first step in the Government’s phased plan to reconnect New Zealand with the world.
“We’re also expanding one-way quarantine free travel from Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu to include travellers from those countries and Tokelau who have the right to reside permanently in New Zealand and people covered by border exceptions, from 8 November.
“Travellers must be fully vaccinated, unless they are New Zealand citizens. RSE workers are currently required to have at least one dose, and will be required to be fully vaccinated from 1 January 2022,” adds Minister Hipkins.
The Minister says due to the low risk in these Pacific nations, travellers will not need to provide a negative test before leaving or isolate on arrival in New Zealand.
Standard QFT requirements will remain in place. The full list of requirements will be on the Unite Against COVID-19 website.
The existing quarantine free travel arrangements with the Cook Islands and Niue will be maintained.