Eleven months after the countries leaders first agreed to a trans-Tasman bubble, two-way quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand has been formally announced by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
From 11.59pm Wellington time on 18 April (9:59pm AEST), the NZ government will lift the requirement for Australian travellers to have to quarantine upon arrival. Up until today’s announcement, travel has been a one-way street, allowing New Zealanders to travel to Australia quarantine free but not the other way around.
The new policy will allow non-quarantined travel between the two countries, which have been low on covid cases in recent times. The policy does come with some restrictions and conditions.
Passengers will need to:
- Provide NZ authorities with information on how they can be contacted while in the country
- Wear a mask on the flight
- Download and use the NZ COVID Tracer app
Ms Ardern said passengers will not be able to travel if they have cold or flu symptoms.
Travellers are not required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Ms Ardern said officials would conduct random temperature checks on those touching down in the country “as an extra precaution”, and travellers from Australia would not have contact at airports with people arriving from other parts of the world.
Airlines participating in the two country bubble include Qantas, Air New Zealand and Jetstar. Virgin Australia has announced it wont commence travel until October 2021.
As usual, all travel is subject to change based on health restrictions and possible outbreaks of COVID. So keep an eye on you states health websites and airlines websites for up to date information.