Visitors from Non-Visa Waiver Countries could be earlier than October
Venkat Raman
Auckland, March 16, 2022
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that the country’s borders will be open to vaccinated Australians from 11.59 pm on 12 April 2022 and that fully vaccinated travellers from visa-waiver countries will be welcome from midnight of 1 May 2022.
These are the next two stages of New Zealand’s way of reconnecting to the world.
New Zealanders from all over the world have been arriving from Monday, March 14, 2022.
Critical and skilled workers have also been allowed from that date.
Ms Ardern told a media conference that her government has been advised by health officials that it is safe to advance the date of opening of the border to tourists.
Businesses will recover slowly
Stating that New Zealand is now ready to welcome the world, she described New Zealand’s response to Covid-19 and the lowest death rate in the OECD as ‘an asset.’
“We are a safe place to visit and New Zealand will be ready with open arms. Trans-Tasman travellers have traditionally accounted for 40% of New Zealand’s tourist market and they will be able to travel in time for school holidays and boost our winter ski season,” she said.
According to Ms Ardern, Tourism claimed 5.5% of GDP before Covid-19, in addition to generating more than $11 billion indirectly. Tourism also benefits other industries including accommodation, adventure, entertainment, arts and culture.
Tourism accounted for 8% of the national workforce, she said.
Ms Ardern acknowledged two facts: that the decision to open the border came at a time when New Zealand is experiencing a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases and that it will take a long time for tourism numbers to rise.
While those arriving in New Zealand need not go into isolation, all travellers must provide a pre-departure (negative) test and take two Rapid Antigen Test (RATs) on the first and fifth or sixth day of arrival.
“During my international trips planned for this year, I will be encouraging people to buy New Zealand-made and also to come and see us for themselves,” Ms Ardern said.
Tourism Minister Stuart Nash, who appeared through a video link said that Tourism New Zealand has launched a marketing campaign in Australia. Persuading Australians to behold ‘our unique landscapes, hospitality and the friendliness.’
“Our 100% pure New Zealand brand remains a very compelling driver for tourists and we cannot wait to see them again. While more than 71% of skiers who come to New Zealand are Australians, it will take at least five years to rebuild tourism,” he said.
Revisiting mandates
Ms Ardern said that the government will revisit the Covid-19 Protection Framework, Vaccine Passes and Mandates after the current wave of the pandemic subsides.
“The government will also be reviewing whether it can bring forward the dates for non-visa waiver countries. This is not a question of safety but a question of the ability to process new visas without delays. We are already dealing with a large number of people who are now being made residents through recent decisions,” she said.
While the current plan is to allow people from Non-Visa Waiver countries from October 2022, the possibility of allowing early arrivals under this category is being considered.
“People who are not vaccinated will also be allowed eventually, although no decision has been taken to this effect. We want gold standard surveillance at the border,” she said.
She says there are 570 current holders of a valid visitor visa offshore.
Ardern says if New Zealand is still using vaccine passes when tourists can enter, a workable solution will be provided for proof of vaccination.
