As part of its response to managing the Covid-19 (also known as the novel coronavirus) outbreak the New Zealand Government has extended the travel restrictions for some foreign travellers to Tuesday 10 March 2020.
As part of its response to managing the Covid-19 outbreak the New Zealand Government has travel restrictions in place for some foreign travellers. This decision will be reviewed every 48 hours and the Government will decide on or before Tuesday 10 March 2020 whether the travel restrictions need to remain in place
These restrictions apply to any foreigners who:
- have been present in, or transited through, Iran or mainland China, 14 days prior to them departing for New Zealand. Mainland China includes all of China, but not Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR, and not Taiwan.
- were a passenger or crew on board the Diamond Princess Cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, within 14 days of disembarking from the cruise ship.
The decision to deny boarding or refuse entry to New Zealand does not apply to New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, residents with valid travel conditions and their immediate family, who will still be able to come to New Zealand. Australian citizens and permanent residents are also not subject to the travel restrictions if New Zealand is their primary place of established residence. However, if they have been present in, or transited through mainland China or Iran 14 days before departing for New Zealand, they will be required to self-isolate for 14 days from the time they arrive in New Zealand.
According to Ministry of Health guidance, you should self-isolate when arriving in New Zealand if you have been present in or transited through Iran or Mainland China. You may need to self-isolate if you have been present in Northern Italy or the Republic of Korea. Please refer to the Ministry of Health website for the most up to date information: https://www.health.govt.nz/
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is working with other government agencies to ensure a whole-of-government approach is being taken to manage this evolving situation.
INZ’s Beijing office remains temporarily closed. There will be an impact on visa processing times as a result. However, INZ remains committed to minimising the impact on processing times as much as possible.
News source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/coronavirus-update-inz-response: