News

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Border update — New Zealand reopens to all visitors from 31 July

New Zealand’s border is reopening to all tourists and visa holders from 11:59pm 31 July 2022.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the full reopening of New Zealand’s borders today (11.05.22).

The 31 July date is two months earlier than had been previously announced.

  • New Zealand’s border is reopening to all tourists and visa holders from 11:59pm 31 July 2022.
  • Vaccinated travellers arriving under the Accredited Employer Work Visa category can apply to enter New Zealand from 4 July 2022.
  • All other visa categories — including those on visitor and student visas can apply to enter New Zealand from anywhere in the world from 31 July 2022.
  • Cruise ships can enter New Zealand from 31 July 2022, with the opening of the maritime border.

Travellers will still need to meet all health requirements to enter New Zealand, including vaccination requirements and providing proof of a negative pre-departure test.

For full details on who can travel to New Zealand, visit Immigration New Zealand(opens in new window).

Tourism Minister Stuart Nash said the decision to bring the final border opening date forward allowed New Zealand to fully reconnect to the world of international tourists and business travellers in time for the traditional peak visitor season.

“Our wider tourism sector is on the way to recovery. We will be fully open to the world in mid-winter, traditionally our quietest period for visitors. Bringing forward the date allows prospective travellers to apply for visitor visas well ahead of time before taking the next step to book a flight or a cruise for future travel,” Stuart Nash said.

“Today’s announcement means it’s full steam ahead for the industry who can plan with certainty for the rest of the year and beyond.”