Health Alert: New Zealand, U.S. & UK Travelers Require Negative COVID Test for Entry Starting January 15

On January 3, 2021, the government of New Zealand announced that it will be requiring all travelers entering New Zealand from the United States or the United Kingdom to present a negative PCR test result for COVID-19 in order to be allowed into the country. The result must be presented to the airline on a written form and must be certified by a laboratory in the 72 hours prior to departure. This rule takes effect for all flights arriving in New Zealand after 11:59pm on January 15, 2021. The official announcement can be found here: https://covid19.govt.nz/updates-and-resources/latest-updates/pre-departure-covid-19-test-for-travellers-from-the-uk-from-15-january/  

Note that New Zealand is specifically requiring submission of a negative “PCR” test. Other types of tests, such as the rapid test, will likely not be accepted. The announcement above provides information about exemptions to this policy, which are handled by Immigration New Zealand. 

More questions about tests are answered here: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-information-specific-audiences/covid-19-advice-travellers#ukusa.  

Further information will be made available directly to the airlines and on various government of New Zealand websites, including: https://covid19.govt.nz/travel-and-the-border/travel-to-new-zealand/ 

As a reminder, most travelers are still prevented from entering New Zealand. The exceptions to this rule are limited and can be found on the NZ Immigration page here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19/border-closures-and-exceptions.  

Those that can enter must first stay in a 14-day managed isolation or quarantine facility upon arrival. These facilities must be booked in advance of arrival and spaces are very limited for the coming months. We do not recommend that U.S. citizens make travel plans until they can confirm space in one of these facilities. Visit https://allocation.miq.govt.nz/portal/ for more information. All U.S. travelers will be tested on the first day of arrival and must remain in their rooms in the managed isolation facility until the result of that test is complete. 

Travel requirements to the United States are currently under review due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to provide updates through this platform. You can also visit http://travel.state.gov for the latest travel guidance to the United States. 

Actions to Take 

Visit the Department of State Covid-19 crisis page for the latest information 

Visit the New Zealand Covid-19 website for the most up to date information in New Zealand 

Consult the CDC website for accurate, up to date information 

For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting or transmitting Covid-19, please read the CDC’s latest recommendations 

Consult your airline, cruise line, or other travel operator regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions 

Visit the United States Embassy in New Zealand website for updated information 

Visit the Department of Homeland Security website for the latest travel restrictions to the United States 

Visit the U.S. Department of State COVID-19 Answers Portal. 

Assistance 

U.S. Consulate General Auckland, Level 3, Citigroup Building, 23 Customs Street East, Auckland 1010 

Contact information: +64 09 303 2724, AucklandACS@state.gov  

State Department Consular Affairs: +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444 

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts 

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