Temporary border restrictions

09 Mar 2020 / New Zealand

New Zealand has implemented temporary border measures to reduce the chances of COVID-19 spreading within New Zealand. People who have left or transited through mainland China, Iran and the Diamond Princess cruise ship (Category 1a countries) in the 14 days prior to boarding are denied entry into New Zealand. This includes transit passengers.

People who are exempt from the temporary restrictions are:

  • New Zealand citizens (including those from the three Countries of the Realm: Tokelau, Niue and the Cook Islands), permanent residents and their immediate family
  • Australian citizens and permanent residents whose primary place of established residence is New Zealand
  • Air crews who have been using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

People exempt from the temporary restrictions register with Healthline and self-isolate for 14 days after they return to New Zealand if they have been in, or transited through, mainland China, or Iran (excluding airport transfers), or have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Some people arriving in New Zealand may have only been in transit in a category 1 country. For transit passengers, the recommendation to self-isolate will take into account the traveler's chance of being exposed to a case. If the risk of exposure is assessed by health staff as low, they will be provided with the information on symptoms to watch out for and advice to seek medical attention early, but may not need to self-isolate.

Countries in Category 1b are northern Italy (specifically the provinces of Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna) and the Republic of Korea. People who have travelled in these countries in the past 14 days may enter New Zealand but are requested to undertake 14 days self-isolation and register with Healthline. A map of Northern Italy with more specific details is available on Ministry of Health website at https://www.health.govt.nz/sites/default/files/images/our-work/diseases-conditions/map-showing-specified-areas-of-italy.png

Category 2 countries are Hong Kong, southern Italy, Japan, Singapore and Thailand. People who have travelled from or via these countries in the past 14 days do not need to self-isolate but will be given advice about symptoms of concern (fever, cough or shortness of breath) and how to seek advice if they become unwell.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has increased the travel advisory to level 4: do not travel to any part of mainland China or Iran. For updated information, see https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/travel-advisories ...

(For information about operations in New Zealand, contact the GAC Singapore Hub Agency Centre at [email protected])

Source: Extract from New Zealand COVID-19 Border Advisory (10) dated 6 March 2020

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