New Zealand to reopen borders sooner than planned

When do New Zealand's borders open?

Dig out your passports, everyone! This week, New Zealand's prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, has announced the country is "ready to welcome the world back" months ahead of schedule. It's been two years since New Zealand's first outbreak of Covid-19 cases in 2020, resulting in Arden's decision to impose strict border controls and isolate the country, measures that successfully helped curb the spread of the virus.

Earlier this year, the government finally opened its gates to Kiwis trapped overseas, many of whom had spent months or even years locked out of their home nation due to the lack of spaces and expense of the country's quarantine hotels. Then it was revealed that from Monday 14th March, skilled and essential workers, like those employed in medicine or constriction, would be invited back.

But, after vaccinating the vast majority of adults quicker than expected — 95% of over 12's have been double-jabbed, and 72% have had a booster shot — the prime minister has agreed vaccinated tourists can also come in and enjoy the South Pacific island's stunning scenery and fantastic vinos.

Here are the important dates for you to add to your calendar:

• 13th April: vaccinated Australians can enter the country without an isolation period.
• 2nd May: vaccinated tourists from visa-waiver countries, including the United States, Britain, Germany, Singapore, and Canada, are in the next stage.
• October: although there isn't a set date yet, visitors from countries without visa waivers, such as China and India, should be granted entry towards the end of the year.

While it's no longer necessary for tourists to quarantine on arrival, you must have had the Covid-19 vaccination and be able to show a negative pre-departure test.