After more than two years, New Zealand will reopen its borders to Australians starting April 12 and international tourists from visa-waiver countries from May 1.
The move is part of efforts to accelerate economic recovery, according to a statement from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Arrivals from Australia will be able to enter without having to quarantine. Two and a half weeks later, vaccinated tourists from visa-waiver countries and those with valid visitor visas will also be able to enter quarantine-free.
Citizens from the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, South Korea, the United States and Singapore are able to visit New Zealand without a visa.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, international tourism contributed almost $11.5 billion to New Zealand’s GDP, while tourism industry employees comprised 8% of the national workforce.
