Green zone travel from New Zealand resumes

The Chief Medical Officer and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) have continued to monitor the situation in New Zealand over recent days.

The Chief Medical Officer and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) have continued to monitor the situation in New Zealand over recent days. 

The AHPPC met on 20 February 2021 and

received a briefing from New Zealand Heath officials. 

Based on updated information from New Zealand health officials and the advice of the AHPPC, the CMO advised that Green Zone flights from New Zealand to Australia can RESUME as of 12:01am AEDT Sunday, 21 February 2021 with the following entry conditions:

All passengers travelling from New Zealand on a green zone flight, who have been in Auckland for any period (with exception of the airport for travel) over the last 14 days, will be required to provide evidence at check-in of a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours of the scheduled flight departure. Routine pre-departure and on arrival screening will continue.

Travellers intending to fly domestically in Australia are advised to check all existing restrictions in their state of final destination. 

These conditions will apply until 12:01am AEDT, 1 March 2021.

Professor Kelly said the situation in New Zealand, and their contact tracing efforts, showed the recent cases identified there posed a low risk of COVID-19 spreading in Australia.

“The AHPPC monitors the situation in many locations and will continue to advise on a range of decisions in the interest of the health of all Australians,” Professor Kelly said.

“These decisions are not easy and we do not take them lightly – and all AHPPC members appreciate the ongoing patience and flexibility of Australians and New Zealanders, including those in the tourism and travel industry.

“We will continue to move quickly to protect Australians as circumstances change, but we will always endeavor to move just as quickly when those situations are brought under control, or otherwise resolve.”

Prospective travellers are encouraged to visit Smartraveller for up-to-date travel information and to check with their state or territory health authority for local travel requirements.