New Zealand speeds up reopening its borders

Jacinda Ardern made it clear Australians have been vaccinated Travel into the country without being quarantined can be done from April, instead of July as originally planned.

Travelers from countries that have visa waiver agreements with New Zealand, including European Union countries, the United States and Canada, will be allowed to do the same from May 1. New Zealand welcomed 3.9 million international tourists in 2019, generating more than NZ$16 billion (€9.86 billion) annually.

strict controls

For most of the pandemic, all international arrivals have had to undergo a two-week quarantine in government-run hotels guarded by the military. These strict border controls have been a key component of success in the fight against the coronavirus in New Zealand, which has recorded just 117 deaths since the start of the pandemic for a population of five million.

However, Omicron has spread across the country in recent weeks, with more than 21,000 new cases recorded on Tuesday. More than 95% of the population received two doses of the vaccine. “We are now known around the world for being not only clean and green, but also safe,” said Jacinda Ardern. “We are a safe place to visit and New Zealand will be ready with open arms,” ​​she added.