Like all other countries, New Zealand also had closed its systems for the majority of the immigration and related visa processes from the inception of the pandemic. Since this closure, only the ones who were qualified for border exception criteria were allowed to enter the country other than NZ citizens. Though there is a hope that the country might soon start processing offshore visa processes, but to address the current situation the government has extended the suspension of Temporary visa applications from outside New Zealand or a quarantine-free travel zone until 5 August 2022. The suspension can be lifted if the border restrictions change.[2]
Earlier this year the government has taken actions that broadened its criteria for border exceptions such as including International student exceptions and opening pathways for families to join their New Zealand residing members. People who have been granted residence while outside New Zealand, and would be travelling to New Zealand for the first time as resident visa holders, need to satisfy qualifications to be exempt from border restrictions before they can travel to New Zealand.
Fully vaccinated NZ citizens and other eligible travellers can travel to NZ from Australia without staying in MIQ from January 2022 and the same category of people can travel to NZ from any other country from February 2022. All fully vaccinated individuals will be able to travel to NZ from April 2022 onwards, with the re-opening staged over time.[2]
