WELLINGTON, Aug 1 (Reuters) – New Zealand’s borders were fully reopened to visitors from around the world on Monday, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic closed them in March 2020.
New Zealand’s borders began to reopen to New Zealanders on the first of February and restrictions have been gradually eased.
The process of reopening the borders ended last night with visitors who need visas and those on student visas now also able to return to New Zealand. New Zealand now also allows foreign cruise ships and pleasure yachts to dock in its ports.
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Most visitors arriving in New Zealand still need to be vaccinated against COVID and have two tests for COVID upon arrival. However, there are no quarantine requirements.
FILE PHOTO: People prepare to go fishing from Orakei Pier as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions are eased in Auckland, New Zealand on November 10 2021. REUTERS/Fiona Goodall
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said during a speech at the China Business Summit in Auckland on Monday that the final opening of borders had been a huge moment.
“It’s been a staged and cautious process on our part since February as we, along with the rest of the world, continue to manage a very alive global pandemic while keeping our people safe.”
International students were a major contributor to New Zealand’s economy and education providers hope the reopening of borders will once again give a boost to schools and universities across the country.
New Zealand Tourism Minister Stuart Nash said the return of cruise ships would also provide a boost to local industries.
“Most cruise visits are during the warmer months of October to April, and summer is our bumper tourist season in general. That means it will be full steam ahead for the industry,” Nash said.
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Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Sandra Maler and Michael Perry
Our standards: the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.