Quarantine-free travel has finally opened with our neighbours across the Tasman. And we’re ready! Here’s what you need to know.
The Bubble Explained
The travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand has now commenced and allows quarantine-free travel between the two countries.
This bubble is available to: Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents, family members of Australians and PRs, New Zealand Citizens and Residents, and Temporary Australian Visa holders.
Departing Australia
You can leave Australia without the need for a Travel Exemption granted by the Australian Border Force.
To be eligible, travellers will need to have spent at least 14 days in either of these safe travel zone countries and includes those who have travelled between the two countries and are returning within the 14-day period.
Arrival in New Zealand
There’s no need to quarantine if you arrive into NZ on a Green Zone Flight (more on this down below). You’ll also need to ensure you’re entitled to a visa on arrival or obtain an appropriate visa for your intended activities.
As COVID-19 breakouts can occur any time, be sure to stay across the NZ hotspots that would disqualify you from being able to board a green flight back home. The Australia Travel Declaration page has an up-to-date list of New Zealand locations.
If you’ve been to any of these locations, you’ll need to identify this on your Australia Travel Declaration, to be completed at least 72 hours before your departure for Australia.
Arrival in Australia
You’ll be able to re-enter Australia without a travel exemption and without needing to quarantine if you arrive on a green flight.
Green & Red Zone Flights
A green flight only carries passengers who have been in Australia or New Zealand in the past 14 days. The crew on these quarantine-free flights have also avoided any high-risk routes.
Red flight passengers include those coming in from countries outside of a quarantine-free travel arrangement or are coming from a quarantine-free area with passengers that don’t meet the eligibility criteria. Passengers on these flights need to quarantine.
Keep in mind...
This long-awaited quarantine-free travel arrangement with New Zealand could be placed on pause at any time, so a few reminders to:
* Check the fare conditions of any flights before booking
* Buy travel insurance
* Ensure you have sufficient length on your visa and passport prior to travelling
* Visa applicants will need to ensure they have a valid Bridging Visa B
* Be prepared for any disruptions in travel arrangements
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