As you already know New Zealand is a country that has adopted a different approach, in the sense that only visitors traveling from safe zones in Australia will not be required to enter managed isolation or quarantine on arrival in New Zealand.
The first quarantine-free travel destination in these pandemic times will be available for travel-starved people from 19 April 2021. This will allow more movement between New Zealand and safe zones in Australia. The government of New Zealand said it will open visitors’ movement between the country and from safe zones of its neighbor country, Australia.
It’s important to make a note that the border rules are subject to change so travelers must prepare for disruption to their plans keeping in mind the worst-case scenario.
All the immigration requirements are to be followed which includes that one should have spent a minimum of 14 days in either of the two countries.
Another good news for those who had COVID-19 tested positive, they can actually travel with a piece of written advice from their health practitioner declaring that they are no longer infectious.
However, the citizens of both countries are allowed to travel cross- borders!
Note: Quarantine – Free Travel is only permitted on commercial airlines. Border restrictions remain in place for private flights and maritime borders.
On the other hand, New Zealand’s Working Holiday Schemes allow visa holders to work in and explore our country.
In April 2020, the Government deferred the opening of capped Working Holiday Schemes, as part of New Zealand’s response to COVID-19.
On 6 April 2021, the Government decided to continue deferring the opening of all capped WHS until the New Zealand border settings are such that applications can be accepted and processed, visas can be granted, and visa holders can travel to New Zealand for the full entitlement of their WHS visa.
Uncapped Working Holiday Schemes remain open to people already in New Zealand. However, when New Zealand enters a Quarantine-Free Travel Zone with Australia, eligible applicants in Australia will also be able to apply for a visa under the uncapped schemes. This would apply if New Zealand enters Quarantine-Free Travel Zones with other countries as well.
INZ continues to work with temporary migrants and sectors affected by the COVID-19 border restrictions.
If you have any questions about the Quarantine – Free Travel, please email Immigration Advisers Nee Zealand Ltd. at contact@nzimmigration.info or call us on +64 09 3790219
Ref – immigration.govt.nz & covid19.govt.nz
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.