New Zealand Government Update as of  Nov. 24th: The announcement suggests that fully vaccinated visitors will be able to visit New Zealand without a stay in managed isolation from April 30 2022.  All travelers will need to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test and to prove they are double dose vaccinated along with completing a travel declaration form. However, there is a another catch – The NZ Minister for COVID-19 Response also outlining that all visitors will be required to self-isolate for seven days on arrival in New Zealand. 

New Zealand recently pronounced that beginning November 1st, 2021 foreign nationals (non-New Zealand citizens) will be required to be vaccinated against Covid-19 before entering the country. As of right now the borders to New Zealand are still closed to international travelers and will most likely not be reopening until at least April 2022. 

There are only 3 exceptions that will allow you to enter without evidence of vaccination

• You are a New Zealand citizen. New Zealand permanent residents and temporary visa holders are not New Zealand citizens. 
• You are aged under 17 years. 
• You cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. 

In conjunction with the country’s announcement, this week Air New Zealand also stated that starting on February 1st, 2022, they will only be welcoming vaccinated passengers onboard. To keep their employees and customers safe, they will be implementing a “No jab, no-fly” policy. It is not just customers that will need to follow this mandate, but employees as well. Everyone on board will need to meet the same health requirements and this includes all customers traveling anywhere on their international network. Air New Zealand Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ben Johnston answers some common questions regarding COVID-19 concerns in the video below:

Air New Zealand Current Credit Policy: 

Are you currently holding an Air New Zealand airfare credit with Esplanade? Please note the updated policy: 

For all travel with departure dates from April 1st, 2020 onwards: The new ticket needs to be reissued by June 30, 2022. The new travel date must be completed by June 30, 2023.  At the time of booking any additional collection and tax differences apply.

For all travel with departures on or before March 31st, 2020: One change permitted with change fee waived. No additional collection applies within the same cabin and same route on NZ-operated flights.

Click here to find more information on the airline’s care practices. Follow along with Esplanade as Air New Zealand implements these changes. We will continue to provide our clients with updates to give everyone enough time to ensure all requirements are met so that everyone can be ready to take off as soon as the borders reopen. As Air New Zealand continues to prioritizes the health and safety of its customers and employees, it is no wonder why they were voted one of Travel + Leisure’s Best International Airlines of 2021.