International travel options

Quarantine-free flights are available to some people travelling to New Zealand, or returning to New Zealand.

If you aren't eligible for a quarantine-free flight, or there isn't one available, you'll need to quarantine on arrival. 

If you are transiting New Zealand, there are some things you'll need to know and prepare for.

If you are returning to New Zealand following a short visit away, there are some things you'll need to know and prepare for.

Quarantine-free travel

If your eligibility allows, you can travel quarantine-free in to New Zealand from the following countries. To check your eligibility to book 'quarantine-free' flights please use the below links:

• Australia
• Cook Islands (Rarotonga)
• Niue

Local immigration requirements still apply.

Flying quarantine-free

• Before you travel to New Zealand, you will need to complete the online New Zealand Travel Declaration. 
• You will be required to complete a health declaration at check-in. If you have any pre-existing conditions you'll also need to provide a medical certificate for check-in, to avoid the potential of being denied boarding.
• You need to spend the 14 days before you depart in either New Zealand, Australia or the Cook Islands. Note that you are able to visit each country for any length of time and are not required to stay for 14 days.
• Some passengers arriving on quarantine-free flights will need to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result before departure. For up to date information on who requires a test, please visit the New Zealand Government official website.
• You have not had a positive COVID-19 test in the 14 days before you depart.
• You must not be waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test taken in the past 14 days.
• You are not experiencing any of the following symptoms with or without a fever:
  • new or worsening cough
  • sore throat
  • shortness of breath
  • runny nose
  • loss of sense of smell
  • fever
• For additional information regarding quarantine-free travel, please refer to the New Zealand Government official website.

Travel requiring quarantine

If you are not on a quarantine-free flight, or are not eligible to travel without quarantine, the below applies to you:

Pre-departure test requirements

• Most passengers travelling to New Zealand must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result before departure.
• For detailed information about pre-departure test requirements, including who needs to be tested, please see the New Zealand Government COVID-19 website.

Managed Isolation Accommodation (MIQ)

• Some passengers arriving into New Zealand must register for managed isolation accommodation before they can be permitted to board their flight.
• We highly recommend registering for managed isolation before booking your flight ticket, to ensure accommodation is available for when you wish to travel.
• Once you have registered for MIQ, a Managed Isolation Allocation System Voucher will be issued to you, and you will need to present this at check-in.
• All of the information about registering for MIQ, including the registration process itself, is on the NZ Government MIQ website.

Transit via New Zealand

• The New Zealand government is continually reviewing their transit restrictions and we strongly recommend that you check their website for information on whether you can transit or not.
• You may be required to seek advance transit approval from the relevant government. Please ensure this is done before you progress with a booking.
• Customers transiting through New Zealand from the United Kingdom and the United States must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result before departure.

Return journey

• If your trip starts and returns in New Zealand, the entry requirements noted above also apply to you, including for quarantine-free flights. For example, you may need to complete a travel declaration form on return from a visit to Australia on a quarantine-free flight.

Further resources

New Zealand Government Quarantine-free travel with Australia
New Zealand Government COVID-19 pre-travel testing information
New Zealand Government COVID-19 travel restrictions
Managed isolation and quarantine in New Zealand

Quarantine-free flights are available to some people travelling to Australia, or returning to Australia.

If you aren't eligible for quarantine-free flight, or there isn't one available, you'll need to quarantine on arrival.

If you are transiting Australia, there are some things you'll need to know and prepare for.

If you are returning to Australia following a short visit away, there are some things you'll need to know and prepare for.

Quarantine-free travel

• You can travel and book quarantine-free flights between New Zealand and Australia.
• Before you travel to Australia, you must complete the online Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before your departure for Australia. You will be asked to present your completed declaration before you can check-in at the Airport.
• For full entry requirements please visit the Australia Government Department of Home Affairs.
• Some states have additional conditions of entry and declarations for you to complete. Refer to the Australian Government Department of Health for the most up to date information, and view the state-level information via the links below:
  • New South Wales  
  • Queensland 
  • South Australia 
  • Tasmania 
  • Victoria 
  • Western Australia
• If you plan to return to New Zealand, please check you meet all New Zealand Government requirements for your return journey. 
• Local immigration requirements still apply.

Pre-departure testing

Passengers travelling to or transiting through Australia must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result:

• PCR testing is required.
• The test must be performed within 72 hours of departure.
• Children 4 years old and under are exempt.
• Passengers arriving into Australia on a quarantine-free flight are currently exempt from pre-departure testing.

See the Australian Government Department of Health site for more information.

Documentation required

• Before you travel to Australia, you must complete the online Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before your departure for Australia. You will be asked to present your completed declaration before you can check-in at the Airport.
• Some states have additional conditions of entry and declarations for you to complete. Refer to the Australian Government Department of Health for the most up to date information.

Mandatory quarantine

If you are not on a quarantine-free flight, or are not eligible to travel without quarantine, the below applies to you: 

• Travellers are required to undertake 14 days mandatory quarantine on arrival in Australia unless on a qualifying 'Quarantine-free' flight.

Transit via Australia

• If you are transiting via Australia, you must provide a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding your inbound flight.
• The Australian government is continually reviewing their transit restrictions - see their website for up to date information.
• You may be required to seek advance transit approval so make sure to check before booking.

Return journey

• If you plan to return to Australia, the entry requirements also apply to you, including completing a travel declaration. Please check you meet all Australia Government requirements for your return journey.
• Australian Government Department of Health site.

Further resources

Quarantine-free travel with New Zealand
Advice for travellers
COVID-19 Health Alert
SmartTraveller website
Coming to Australia 

Travel to the Cook Islands

Travel to Niue

Travel to Samoa

Travel to Fiji

Travel to Tonga

Travelling or returning to the Cook Islands

All flights from New Zealand to Rarotonga are quarantine-free flights. To fly you must:

• Spend the 14 full days before your date of departure in either New Zealand or the Cook Islands. This means you can travel from day 15 onwards.
• During the 14-day period before travel, not have had a positive COVID-19 test (or if you have, you have written advice from a health practitioner that you are no longer infectious)
• Not be awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test that was undergone during the 14-day period.
• Complete the Cook Islands contact information form within 24 hours of departure. Once you have completed and submitted this form, you will receive a copy of it to the email you have provided. You must present this receipt at check-in, in order to board your flight. 
• Meet regular immigration requirements. This means that if you usually need a visa to enter the Cook Islands, then you will need one to travel quarantine-free. New Zealand citizens do not need a visa to travel to the Cook Islands.

To make your travel as seamless as possible, please add all passengers' passport details to your booking.

Please bring evidence of any pre-existing conditions when you check-in, to avoid being denied boarding. Please also check the terms and conditions of your travel insurance with regards to being denied boarding due to COVID-19.

Return journey

If you plan to return to the Cook Islands, the entry requirements also apply to you, including completing a travel declaration. Please check you meet all Cook Islands Government requirements for your return journey. 

Further resources

Cook Islands Government COVID-19 travel restrictions
New Zealand Government Ministry of Health website
Cook Islands Ministry of Health

Travel to Niue

Currently, quarantine-free travel is only available one way, from Niue to New Zealand.

Those wanting to return to Niue must meet local government entry requirements. A limit of 30 passengers are permitted to enter Niue per fortnight.

Travellers intending to travel to Niue must: 

• Meet conditions set by the Niuean Government, including having been in New Zealand for 14 days prior to entry into Niue.
• Register prior to departure for government approval to return to Niue.
• Provide negative COVID-19 test result within 4 working days of the scheduled departure.
• Complete the exit health clearance process at Auckland International Airport.
• Undergo supervised quarantine for 14 days at a government-appointed accommodation in Niue.

To find out if you can travel to Niue from New Zealand, email Niue.SecGov@mail.gov.nu

Further Resources

New Zealand Government COVID-19 Niue travel restrictions
New Zealand Government Ministry of Health website
www.safetravel.govt.nz

Travel to Samoa

The Samoan border remains open to all Samoan Citizens, Permanent and Temporary residents of Samoa, who are currently in New Zealand.

To be permitted entry into Samoa, you must comply with all Samoan Government requirements. Please note that pre-departure testing and managed quarantine is required. Further information is available on the Samoan Ministry of Health's website.

To find out if you can travel to Samoa from New Zealand, email enquiries@health.gov.ws

Further Resources

Samoan Ministry of Health's website

Travel to Fiji

The Fijian border remains open to all Fijian Citizens and passport holders who are currently in New Zealand. All Non-Fijian citizens (those that do not hold a Fijian passport) require approval from the Office of the Prime Minister for entry into Fiji.

Travellers intending to travel to Fiji must: 

• Present written proof of a negative COVID-19 test, conducted within 72 hours before departure for Fiji.
• Complete supervised quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Fiji at a government-designated quarantine facility.

Please refer to the Fiji COVID-19 Government website for additional specific details.

Further Resources

www.mcttt.gov.fj
www.safetravel.govt.nz

Travel to Tonga

The Tongan Government have restricted travel for Tongan nationals and citizens who begin their travel from New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu, as well as the state of Queensland in Australia.

Travellers intending to travel to Tonga must: 

• Register prior to departure for government approval to return to Tonga.
• Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 4 working days prior to travel.
• Upon arrival to Tonga, all travellers will be required to undergo mandatory government quarantine at a designated location for 14 days.

For further COVID-19 related information for Tonga, please visit the Tongan Government website.

Further Resources

Tongan Government website

Resources

CDC: Testing and international air travel
Health attestation form
California Department of Public Health: COVID19
Los Angeles online form for inbound travellers

Pre-departure testing

All travellers will be required to have either a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test within 3 days of departure to the US, presenting a negative result. Children under the age of 2 are exempt from this testing requirement.

A US Government provided health attestation form must also be completed and presented at check-in, along with your negative test result.

Please keep in mind that you will be unable to begin your journey to the United States if you are not able to present a valid negative test result. For more information, please visit the United States CDC's website.

Travel to Los Angeles

All passengers arriving at LAX International Airport:

• from another state or country
• and who are over the age of 16,

will be required to complete an Online Form requesting contact information and acknowledging they have read and understood the State of California's travel advisory.

The online form requirement is applicable to passengers with Los Angeles as their final destination. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to USD $500. The form is not a requirement for those transiting Los Angeles to another state or country.

The State of California's travel advisory also recommends that 'all persons travelling for non-essential travel arriving into California from other states or countries, including returning Californian residents, should practice self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival'. 

Visit the California Department of Public Health site for COVID-19 updates.

Resources

Travel restrictions in Canada: Mandatory isolation or quarantine
Pre-departure testing: news release

Pre-departure testing

All travellers must present a negative PCR test result at check-in when flying to Canada.

• The test must be dated within 72 hours of departure.
• An antigen test will not be accepted.
• Children under the age of 5 are exempt.

You will be unable to begin your journey to Canada if you are unable to present a valid negative PCR test result upon check-in.

Mandatory quarantine or isolation

All travellers arriving in Canada will be required to:

• take a mandatory COVID-19 PCR test when they arrive in Canada before they can leave the airport.
• take an additional PCR test at the end of their 14-day quarantine period.
• reserve, prior to departure to Canada, a 3-night stay in a government authorized hotel.
• Submit travel and contact information, including a suitable quarantine plan, electronically via ArriveCAN before boarding a flight.

Everyone entering Canada must follow mandatory isolation or quarantine requirements. Not respecting these requirements is a serious offence with consequences and penalties.

Resources

COVID-19: Travel restrictions, exemptions and advice
www.iatatravelcentre.com
www.safetravel.govt.nz

Documentation required

All passengers must present a Green QR Health Code or signed Health Declaration Form at the airport as evidence they have met the health requirements for China. Failure to do so will result in denied boarding.

All passengers who have received a COVID-19 vaccination are required to upload their vaccine certificate as part of the QR Health Code process. This is in addition to the requirement to complete the pre-departure COVID-19 tests.

Pre-departure testing

All passengers travelling to China from New Zealand (including transit passengers) will need to complete one COVID-19 nucleic acid (PCR) and one COVID-19 IgM test within 48 hours prior to departure.

Transiting in New Zealand

We are unable to accept passengers transiting through New Zealand to China as there are no testing facilities available at transit areas in any airports in New Zealand.

Next steps for affected customers:

• We will contact affected customers and place your fare in credit for use at a later date.
• If you booked your flights via a travel agent, please contact them directly for assistance.

Resources

Hong Kong government COVID-19 website

Limited entry

Entry and quarantine requirements into Hong Kong differ depending on the origin of travel. 

For travellers who have been in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Mainland China, Taiwan or Macau for the last 21 days are permitted to enter Hong Kong, provided passengers:

• Meet standard immigration requirements
• Have not transited via countries other than the ones listed above
• Must stay in Hong Kong for at least 20 days.

Pre-departure movement limitations

Passengers must have been in the country of embarkation for at least 21 days prior to travel. 

Documentation required

All passengers must complete a Health Declaration Form and present it to a Hong Kong Department of Health staff member on arrival in Hong Kong. Note: After submitting the online form, please save the result by clicking 'Save QR Code' or take a screenshot. Additional documents are required for travellers who have visited a high-risk destination.

Quarantine

• All passengers arriving in Hong Kong must complete mandatory 14-night quarantine at a Government approved hotel, starting on the day of arrival.
• Vaccinated passengers must complete mandatory 7-night quarantine at a Government approved hotel, starting on the day of arrival.
• Accommodation must be organised directly with the hotel before departure. The hotel confirmation must be presented at check-in or boarding may be denied.
• Passengers transiting through Hong Kong (up to 24 hours) are exempt.

Please visit the Hong Kong Government's Coronavirus website for more information on entry and quarantine requirements.

Resources

www.iatatravelcentre.com
www.safetravel.govt.nz

Pre-departure testing

All travellers arriving in Korea must carry a COVID-19 negative PCR test.

The negative PCR test result must be issued within 72 hours of departure. Those who do not carry a valid test result will be denied boarding.

Quarantine

Most travellers are required to quarantine for 14 days at a government-designated facility at their own expense. Travellers who are long-term visa holders or residents will be required to self-quarantine at their own residences.

Passengers transiting through Incheon International Airport to third countries will not face the new quarantine requirement but will receive a temperature screening and health questionnaire.

Special Entry Procedure

All inbound travellers will go through the Special Entry Procedure when arriving in Korea. This includes:

• Submitting to temperature screening.
• Completing the Health Questionnaire and Special Quarantine Declaration handed out inflight.
• Providing contact information and the address of their accommodation in Korea
• Installing and using either the Self-Quarantine Safety Protection App or Self Diagnosis App to monitor symptoms and submit daily health checks during their stay in Korea.

Resources

Republic of China (Taiwan) Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

www.iatatravelcentre.com

Pre-departure testing

All travellers arriving in Taiwan must carry a COVID-19 negative PCR test.

All passengers are required to present written proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, conducted within 3 days before departure for Taiwan.

Mandatory quarantine or isolation

All passengers must provide confirmation of where they will complete their mandatory 14 day quarantine (e.g. Government Central Quarantine facility, Quarantine Hotel, or Home Quarantine). Passengers who choose to self-quarantine at home must only have one person per household and complete an online affidavit.

The Taiwanese border remains open to all Taiwanese Citizens, Permanent Residents and spouse or minors of a Taiwan Citizen. For more information, including entry and quarantine requirements, please visit the Republic of China (Taiwan) Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Pre-departure testing

All passengers eligible to travel to Japan, including Japanese citizens are required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure.

Documentation required

The Japanese Government has announced very strict conditions regarding mandatory 'data elements' (i.e. passport number and nationality details) that must be sighted and verified on a COVID-19 test result before a passenger can be accepted for travel.

It is understood most testing clinics carrying out COVID-19 tests may not provide all of these types of data elements, therefore the Japanese Govt have a Certificate of Testing for COVID-19 form outlining the prescribed format and information clinics or medical institutions can use when recording a passenger's test results.