Everything you need to know about travelling to New Zealand during the Covid-19 pandemic

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International students may feel far from home but Australia has proven to be one of the greatest corners of the earth to ride out the Covid-19 pandemic.

Although a European summer may be off the cards, we’re incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to travel across the ditch. 

The trans-Tasman bubble opened on April 18 and allows those already based in Australia and New Zealand to travel freely between the sister countries. But with Covid-19 travel restrictions changing everyday, it can prove difficult to keep up!

That’s why the Study Online Australia team has done the hard work for you. We’re staying on top of the latest travel alerts, quarantine rules and all things bubble related so you don’t get caught out on your next trip. 
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Below, find out everything you need to know about travel between Australia and New Zealand during the Covid-19 pandemic.

What is the trans-Tasman bubble?

The trans-Tasman bubble allows travellers to travel freely between Australia and New Zealand without having to quarantine on arrival or departure. 

When is the best time to travel to New Zealand?

A large number of travellers flock from around the world to visit New Zealand throughout the year but the trans-Tasman bubble is perfect timing for those seeking a winter getaway. Renowned for its mountainous landscape, skiing is one of the country’s most beloved sports with Queenstown and Wanaka stealing the top spot with the most famous ski resorts including: The Remarkables, Coronet Peak Cardrona and Treble Cone. 

There’s plenty to do when you’re not tumbling down the slopes too. Famed for being adrenalin junkies, surfing, kayaking, bungee jumping and hikes are also on offer in this magic corner of the hemisphere.  

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When can I fly from New Zealand to Australia?

Now! The Trans-Tasman Bubble is finally open which means international students are free to travel between the two countries quarantine free. You do not need to apply for a travel exemption in order to do so but must meet the below requirements.

To travel from Australia to New Zealand:

• You must have been in Australia for the last 14 days
• You must not have cold or flu symptoms 
• You must not have had a positive Covid-19 test during the 14 days before travel
• You must not be awaiting the results of a Covid-19 test that was undergone during the 14-day period
• You must complete a pre-departure health declaration
• You must meet New Zealand immigration requirements as per your travel itineraries

Despite the excitement of being able to travel once more, it is highly recommended that you do so with caution. Covid-19 outbreaks can occur at any time and quarantine free travel arrangements can be paused at any time without notice. So make sure to be prepared for the possibility of an extended stay or disruption to your travel plans.  

At the time of writing this (June 1), there is currently a travel pause from Victoria to New Zealand. If you were in Victoria from 7.59pm on May 25 then you cannot travel to New Zealand from anywhere in Australia until further notice. We will update this once further information has been announced.

Further information on travelling to New Zealand can be found on the official Australian Government website.  

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Can I travel to Australia right now?

Yes, you can travel from New Zealand to Australia if you have been in the country for 14 days or more.  

To travel from New Zealand to Australia:

• You must have been in New Zealand for the last 14 days
• You must not have cold or flu symptoms 
• You must not have had a positive Covid-19 test during the 14 days before travel
• You must not be awaiting the results of a Covid-19 test that was undergone during the 14-day period
• You must complete a pre-departure health declaration
• You must meet Australian immigration requirements as per your travel itineraries

You can find further information on travelling to Australia from New Zealand on the official government website. 

Returning to New Zealand from Australia

You do not need to quarantine after travelling to Australia unless you have visited a listed hotspot or travel restrictions change so make sure to keep up to date with the latest announcements while visiting Australia.

Image by Photoholgic via Unsplash

What are the Australia and New Zealand travel bubble rules?

There are strict rules in which travellers must follow when travelling between Australia and New Zealand:

• You must wear a face covering in all airports and during your flight.
• You do not need a negative Covid-19 test in order to travel between Australia and New Zealand. ​

Will the trans-Tasman travel bubble include other nations soon?

Hopefully. There have been talks that destinations such as Singapore, Fiji and Tonga will eventually become a part of the bubble. New Zealand and Cook Islands formed a travel bubble on May 17 but those visiting from Australia must travel through New Zealand in order to get there.

Handy Covid-19 travel apps to download before you fly

It’s important to stay informed whilst travelling during this time. So we recommend downloading the COVIDSafe App and the Coronavirus Australia App to check into venues and keep up to date with government advice.

If you have any questions about travelling between Australia and New Zealand, please don’t hesitate to reach out for free advice. You can also find further information on student visa Covid-19 restrictions on our website.