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What You Need To Know About Visiting New Zealand From India during this COVID?

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Est Read Time: 3 mins Published On: 22nd Feb 2020

New Zealand's swift lockdown and strict border measures have enabled it to suppress the Covid-19 virus successfully over the past few months and have garnered praise from all over the world for the same. While this might make it an attractive travel destination for many, it might be a long time before the country opens its borders to tourists. After the country's first community case of the new South African strain of the virus was confirmed in late January, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that the country will be closed to International Visitors. However, travel arrangements with other Pacific nations such as Australia will continue. While this may be disappointing news to many travel enthusiasts, you can still make the most of this time to gather the essentials for your travel plans when restrictions are eased or post-pandemic. Read on to find out what you need to know before visiting New Zealand this year.

Who can travel to NZ during Covid-19?

While New Zealand currently is not allowing international travellers to visit, there are a few exceptions. Only New Zealand nationals, immediate family members of nationals, permanent residents and immediate family members of permanent residents can travel to the country. Any other travellers must have a critical purpose, and admission must be obtained first. 

What are the regulations

When the dates on which borders will reopen are announced, note the health screening regulations. Travellers from any country are subject to medical screening and quarantine for 14 days. However, this does not apply to passengers in transit and transits are only allowed in Auckland for 24 hours. Additionally, all arriving travellers need to book a place in a managed isolation and quarantine facility in advance and must present a voucher confirming their booking before boarding their flight.  

What do you need?

You'll need to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your intended departure date and have a valid New Zealand visa if needed. Indian citizens carrying a visitor visa are allowed to holiday in New Zealand for up to nine months. The easiest and quickest way to apply for a visitor visa is  online. 

What to keep in mind?

You will be required to fill out a Passenger Arrival Card before continuing to Customs Passport Control, after which you can collect your baggage and proceed through customs and biosecurity checks. Familiarise yourself with the guidelines and list of restricted or prohibited items well before you start packing. You may also be entitled to various concessions and duty-free entries on some goods. For detailed information, please visit  New Zealand Customs.

Where can you go?

You can make a list of New Zealand's top attractions while you wait to book your flight! Arthur's Pass National Park is considered perfect for a long hike, and Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach have beautiful sea views to offer from the tip of North Island. Road trips are also an option and make sure to engage with the land's indigenous Maori culture. Should regulations allow, you might even be able to take the Lord of the Rings tour later this year.

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Conclusion:

Due to how well the virus's impact has been contained in New Zealand, visitors are likely to find life in the country much as it was before the pandemic. However, this is thanks to the continued implementation of social distancing and limits on mass gatherings and contact tracing measures. It's of critical importance to acknowledge that the number of Covid-19 cases is still high worldwide. With the spread of new strains, it's imperative that all nations maintain strict regulations, including travel restriction. While it may seem tempting to travel to nations that seem safer and take a break from the boredom and exhaustion of pandemic life, the lives and health of others and your own are much more critical. Staying home and delaying travel plans is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the rest of the world. 

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