New Zealand Set To Reopen Borders On 2 May
Following the reopening of travel borders in Australia as well as many other countries after the world was turned upside down for two years, there has been a new reopening announcement that will delight Malaysians who've been craving a dreamy adventure far away from home.
Dotted with surreal landscapes, charming cities, beautiful national parks, and lots of exciting spots for skiing, skydiving, hiking, and camping, New Zealand is a land of mystery that's on the bucket list of many Malaysians.
Just this week, New Zealand announced that it will be reopening borders to travellers from countries that it has visa-free arrangements with (including Malaysia!) from May 2022, months ahead of its initial schedule. Here's what we know about travelling to New Zealand from Malaysia, as of March 2022.
Rules & Requirements For Malaysians Travelling To New Zealand
Who can travel to New Zealand?
New Zealand will be opening its travel borders to fully-vaccinated travellers from all visa-waiver countries including Malaysia from 11.59PM, 1 May 2022.
What about unvaccinated children, can they travel to New Zealand?
Unvaccinated children aged 0-16 can enter New Zealand while travelling with parents or guardians who meet the vaccination requirements!
Checklist of documents & tests required for travel:
- Proof of vaccination: travellers have to be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by New Zealand. Both electronic and paper versions are acceptable.
- Health declaration: complete the Nau Mai Rā Travel Declaration to obtain a Travel Pass prior to your arrival in New Zealand. You'll be requested to present your Travel Pass before boarding your flight.
- New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority: travellers under the visa-waiver scheme will have to apply for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority on the app or online prior to travel.
- Proof of negative COVID-19 test results: travellers have to take either a PCR test (no more than 48 hours before departure) or a supervised Rapid Antigen Test (no more than 24 hours before departure) in order to travel to New Zealand.
Will I need to quarantine upon arrival in New Zealand?
As long as you meet the above entry requirements and provide all documents required, you'll be free to begin your adventures as soon as you step out of the airport! No quarantine or isolation will be required for travellers from Malaysia starting May 2022.
What other tests do I need to take while in New Zealand?
Besides the pre-departure PCR or Rapid Antigen Test, you will also need to take 2 other self-administered Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT/ART) while in New Zealand, on day 0/1 and day 5/6.
Once you've completed your pre-departure Health Declaration, you'll receive an email with instructions on how to report your test results during your trip in New Zealand. Travellers will also be given a pack of Rapid Antigen Tests with instructions upon arrival at the airport, so don't worry, you don't have to bring your own!
Important: Do note that these are unprecedented times and travel restrictions may change from time to time - check out this website for the latest information on travel rules.
Will I need to quarantine after coming back to Malaysia?
Malaysians who travel overseas from 1 April 2022 will no longer need to quarantine upon entry/return to Malaysia. However, you will have to take a PCR swab test 2 days before departure, and an RTK test 24 hours upon arrival in Malaysia.
If you're travelling before 1 April 2022, you are subject to a self-quarantine upon return to Malaysia (5 days for boosted travellers, 7 days for double-vaccinated, and 10 days for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers).
Other Countries Malaysians Can Now Travel To
Not Ready To Travel Overseas Just Yet?
Still skeptical about hopping on an international flight? Go on a local Cuti-Cuti Malaysia adventure first before making bigger plans! Besides, there's more to explore close to home than you think. Click here to start planning your getaway within Malaysia with exclusive packages available on Klook.