IMPACT – HIGH

The New Zealand government has announced that after Jan. 25 all travelers entering the country must have a pre-departure COVID-19 test, with some exceptions.

Key Points:

  • All travelers entering New Zealand after 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 25 must present a negative test certificate from a COVID-19 PCR test obtained 72 hours before boarding their flights, except for those traveling from Australia, Antarctica and most Pacific Islands.
  • Pre-departure COVID-19 PCR tests must be conducted in the traveler’s country of origin at an authorized or accredited laboratory. Those who have medical conditions exempting them from pre-departure COVID-19 testing must present a medical certificate.
  • Travelers who do not bring their negative COVID-19 test certificates or medical certificates to the airport before their flights to New Zealand run the risk of being denied entry to them and having to pay an infringement fine.
  • Travelers arriving in New Zealand must have a valid managed isolation voucher and enter managed self-isolation for a minimum of 14 days. During this period, they must be tested for COVID-19 within 24 hours of arriving in New Zealand and on the third and twelfth days.
  • Travelers transiting through New Zealand who do not leave the airport are not required to obtain a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test.

Analysis & Comments: The new testing and travel requirements will add to the time it takes to plan travel to New Zealand. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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