The COVID-19 Response Minister has announced that full vaccination will be required for all non-New Zealand citizens arriving into the country from 1 November 2021.
The new policy will affect travellers who have already booked their flights and Managed Isolation and Quarantine vouchers, and who will arrive on or after 1 November 2021.
Travellers will be required to declare their vaccination status when registering with the Managed Isolation Allocation System, as well as presenting proof of their vaccination status (or a relevant exemption) to their airline, and to New Zealand Customs officers once they land in the country. It is likely that the policy will required that the final vaccination dose must have been received at least 14 days before arrival.
Vaccinated travellers will still need to complete the 14 day period in Managed Isolation and Quarantine and provide evidence of negative COVID-19 test results. They will also need to comply with all the relevant pre-departure tests and other policy requirements.
The vaccination requirements will not apply to New Zealand citizens, children under the age of 17, and those who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons.