After nearly two years since the country started to close its borders to the rest of the world, New Zealand’s borders fully re-opened on Monday 1st August.
New Zealand began the reopening process in February by initially accepting New Zealand citizens. On Sunday the remaining restrictions were lifted, with visitors requiring visas (including student visas) allowed to enter the country. Cruise ships are now allowed to dock in New Zealand ports.
Although quarantine requirements have been lifted, the majority of visitors still need to show proof of vaccination and take two COVID tests after arrival. This is despite New Zealand being in the top seven countries worldwide with daily confirmed Covid cases per 100,000 people.
New Zealand’s Tourism Minister Stuart Nash highlighted the importance of the return of cruise ships. “Most cruise visits are during the warmer months of October to April, and summer is our bumper tourism season overall. This means it will be full steam ahead for the industry,”
