New Zealand Finally Reopens Its Borders To International Travelers

Back in March 2020, like the rest of the world, New Zealand firmly shut its air and sea borders to travelers. This led to huge losses in the country’s tourism industry. Now, more than two years have gone by during the pandemic, but finally, the country is welcoming travelers again. Read on to find out more about New Zealand and what finally prompted the country to reopen its borders.

New Zealand is open to visitors again

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, New Zealand followed the rest of the world in firmly closing its borders. Soon after the border closure, the country appeared to be handling the pandemic well, with few infections, but of course, this had to change. Meanwhile, like the rest of the world, the tourism industry in New Zealand has suffered during the pandemic.

Finally, immigration authorities will start to accept visitors with visas, or student visas, again. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called it an “enormous moment,” but said this is part of a “cautious process.” In fact, New Zealand isn’t completely back to normal, as most visitors are still required to be fully vaccinated to enter the country. They must also undergo two COVID tests on arrival, but no quarantine is required.

In a speech at the China Business Summit in Auckland, Ardern said the final, staged reopening of borders had been an enormous moment. She added:

It’s been a staged and cautious process on our part since February as we, alongside the rest of the world continue to manage a very live global pandemic, while keeping our people safe.

But keeping people safe extends to incomes and wellbeing too.

Meanwhile, international students have been a significant contributor to the country’s economy. Following the reopening, educational providers hope this will again provide a boost to schools and universities in New Zealand.

Cruise ships to return to New Zealand

New Zealand Tourism Minister Stuart Nash applauded the move, saying that the return of cruise ships will also be a major boost for local industries. He said:

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.

According to RTE, with cruise ships and international recreational yachts being able to dock again, this can only give a major boost to the tourism industry.

Back in February 2022, New Zealand announced its phased reopening plan, allowing vaccinated citizens to return home from Australia that month. In March, New Zealanders situated elsewhere were also able to head home. May 2022 saw New Zealand welcoming international travelers from more than 50 countries on a visa waiver list.

Economy hit during the pandemic

The closure of the country during the pandemic hit many businesses, with tourism one of the industries hardest hit. At end March 2021, tourism’s contribution to the GDP dropped to 2.9 percent, from 5.5 percent the previous year. Meanwhile, international tourism took a huge hit, plunging 91.5 percent, or NZ$16.2bn ($10.2bn), according to official data.

Meanwhile, jobs were also badly hit during the pandemic. In fact, the number of those directly employed in tourism fell by more than 72,000 over the pandemic. Hopefully, with the borders fully opening, the tourism industry can gradually return to normal.