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<\/p>\nThe Government has officially made it mandatory for almost every traveller coming to New Zealand to produce a negative Covid-19 test before they board a plane.<\/p>\n
The new rules will come into force at 11.59pm on Monday, January 25 \u2013 this is in a bid to minimise disruption for those passengers with imminent departures.<\/p>\n
These rules were signalled last week by Covid-19 Minister Chris Hipkins. Previously, only travellers from the UK and the US needed to produce a negative test to come to New Zealand.<\/p>\n
But from January 25, that has been extended to every inbound traveller, with the exception of Australia, Antarctica and most Pacific Island countries.<\/p>\n
But not all Pacific Island countries are exempt \u2013 Papua New Guinea, which has close to 1000 confirmed Covid-19 cases, is not on the list.<\/p>\n
Nor is French Polynesia, where 17,000 cases have been confirmed and 126 people have died from Covid-19<\/p>\n
“Given the high rates of infection in many countries, most global air routes are of critical concern for the foreseeable future,” Hipkins said this morning.<\/p>\n
“New Zealand is currently in a good position, with no community cases, but we continue to take action with very specific steps to further strengthen our borders in response to what we’re seeing overseas.”<\/p>\n
From February 8, all passengers arriving in New Zealand – except those from exempted countries – without evidence of a negative approved test or medical certificate would incur an infringement offence fee or a fine of up to $1000.<\/p>\n
As well as the new pre-departure requirements, the Government has also changed the rules around Covid-19 testing in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
From now on, travellers coming to New Zealand will be required to have a test upon arrival \u2013 again, with the exception of Australia, Antarctica and most Pacific Island countries.<\/p>\n
They will still be required to stay in quarantine for 14 days, and to have routine tests on day 3 and day 12.<\/p>\n
“New Zealand already has some of the most stringent border protection measures in the world.<\/p>\n
“Today’s amendments further strengthen that position in line with the Government’s overall elimination strategy, and more measures can be added as necessary.”<\/p>\n
Hipkins said the primary obligation in on the traveller to comply with the rules \u2013 but airlines will also be expected to play a role in checking if passengers have evidence of a negative test.<\/p>\n
So far, there has been a “high level of compliance” from travellers coming to New Zealand from the UK and the US when it comes to producing proof of a negative test result.<\/p>\n
“It’s great to see people doing the right thing for their fellow passengers, airline staff and the New Zealand public.”<\/p>\n