News:
Kiwis will be excited to be able to travel again after the New Zealand Government announced (external link)the next steps to reconnect New Zealanders to the world. This includes removal of the need for vaccinated New Zealanders to self-isolate on return from any country, and dropping the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s global “do not travel” advisory which has been in place since March 2020. But before they go, travellers will need to make sure they have thought through the complexity of the new travel environment.
“We want people to remember that we’re still in a pandemic and they need to take personal responsibility for their safety and well-being,” said Gabrielle Rush, Director of the Consular Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Consular Division provides advice to New Zealanders living and travelling overseas through www.SafeTravel.govt.nz(external link). Registering on the SafeTravel website will ensure travellers will receive updates and information in emergencies.
“Our top tip for COVID-era travellers is to do your research about where you’re planning to travel,” said Gabrielle Rush. “This includes checking the border requirements of the countries you’re planning to go to or transit through, and the COVID-19 testing and vaccine requirements of airlines and other transport providers.”
“There’s still risk that your travel plans might be disrupted if you get COVID-19 overseas or if a new variant emerges. We recommend that you make contingency plans in case disruptions mean you need to support yourself overseas for longer than you planned. Getting travel insurance will help you avoid the high costs of medical treatment and rearranging your travel.”