Border closed to most foreign nationals

IMPACT – HIGH

As of 11:59 p.m., March 19, New Zealand has closed its borders to foreign nationals to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

• Most foreign nationals can no longer enter New Zealand.
• The entry ban does not apply to New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, residents with valid travel conditions and their immediate family members (partner or spouse, legal guardian, children under 24). Immediate family must have a valid visa or NZeTA and travel with the New Zealand citizen or resident family member on the same flight to New Zealand.
• Australian citizens and permanent residents who normally reside in New Zealand are also exempt from the entry ban.
• Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members (partner or spouse, legal guardian, children under 24) may transit through New Zealand to Australia.
• All travelers returning to New Zealand must self-isolate for 14 days.

Additional information: Affected travelers must have boarded their flight by 11:59 p.m., March 19. Immigration New Zealand may make exceptions for humanitarian reasons, health and other essential workers, Samoan and Tongan citizens traveling for essential reasons, and visa holders who normally reside in New Zealand and are the partner or dependent of a temporary work or student visa holder.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is working with the Ministry of Health and other government agencies to manage the COVID-19 outbreak. These restrictions will be reviewed in 14 days.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate that the entry ban will significantly disrupt business activity and employee mobility. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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