2 minute read
International travel
COVID-19 Message Grid 28 February 2022
This contains the most up-to-date and approved messaging on key COVID-19 matters.
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Information that changes or is added between grids will be highlighted. Please ensure you are using the most up to date version. This version was current at 28/02/2022 6:41 pm.
In this edition:
Vaccinations..................................................................................................................5
COVID-19 Message Grid 19 October 2021
This contains the most up-to-date and approved messaging on key COVID-19 matters. Information that changes or is added between grids will be highlighted. Please ensure you are using the most up to date version. This version was current at 28/02/2022 6:41 pm
International travel
Topic Key message Supporting messages Notes
Reconnecting New Zealand to the World From 11:59pm, Wednesday 2 March all selfisolation requirements for fully vaccinated travellers entering New Zealand from Australia will be lifted. Cabinet has agreed that from 11.59pm Wednesday 2 March all fully vaccinated travellers from Australia entering New Zealand will no longer need to self-isolate for seven days.
Every traveller will still be required to undertake a rapid antigen tests on arrival and on Day 5/6. All positive RATs must be registered and followed up with a PCR test. PM’s stand-up, 28 Feb
This is different to the advice for those currently in the community who test positive with a RAT who don’t
Reconnecting New Zealand to the World Step 2 brought forward. need a PCR follow up. As our border will likely be the first place to see any new variants, we need to keep the ability to do whole genome sequencing to monitor if any new potential strains of the virus are entering the country.
All incoming travellers will still be required to undertake a pre-departure test before they get on a plane.
New Zealanders and eligible critical workers from the rest of the world in Step 2 will now be able to arrive from 11.59pm Friday March 4 and will not need to selfisolate. PM’s stand-up, 28 Feb
Due to immigration processes other non-New Zealanders who are part of Step 2 such as working holiday visa holders and RSE workers will still be eligible to arrive from 13 March and will not have to isolate.
Cabinet will review the timings of the remaining steps in the coming weeks.
Reconnecting New Zealand to the World Cabinet to review the timings of the remaining steps in the coming weeks. Cabinet will soon consider bringing other Reconnecting New Zealand steps forward.
The remaining steps include other visa holders in April, Australians and visitors from visa waiver countries by July, and all others from October.
Advice from experts is that getting over the peak of Omicron should be factored into this timing. PM’s stand-up, 28 Feb
MIQ update MIQ to remain in place for now. All unvaccinated travellers will still need to enter MIQ.
Advice is being sought on whether this requirement needs to remain going forward in the longer term.
While New Zealand continues to face a global pandemic, MIQ remains a useful tool to have available, even if it is not used at the scale in the past. PM’s stand-up, 28 Feb
