Already open to US travelers, New Zealand has more reopening plans for summer
Editor’s note: This is post has been updated with new information.
After spending the last two-plus years in virtual isolation from the rest of the world, New Zealand is once again open to travelers from the U.S. and numerous other countries. The country announced plans this week to reopen to the entire world earlier than expected — within the next couple of months.
Home to some of the world’s most stringent COVID-19 protocols during the pandemic, New Zealand sealed off its borders with practically ironclad entry restrictions. While the move kept the virus from running rampant in the country during a good portion of the pandemic, it also was devastating for New Zealand’s tourism sector.
Earlier this spring, though, the reopening began. After welcoming vaccinated Australian visitors, New Zealand took a major step at the start of May by allowing entry of vaccinated visitors traveling from visa-waiver countries, including the U.S.
While the COVID-19 entry requirements remained strict, it was still exciting to see some tourists booking trips to a country that is – for many – a bucket list destination.
This week, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the country will open up further this summer. Beginning July 31, New Zealand’s borders will open to the rest of the world – months earlier than expected. With this change, the government will also simplify some of its immigration procedures, particularly for workers, because New Zealand businesses have found skilled labor to be a “major constraint” as the country reopens, Ardern said.
Related: How to get to (and stay in) New Zealand on points and miles
The impact of the two-year border closure and the staffing challenges amid reopening appeared to be front of mind as Ardern announced the summer measures this week. She noted the measures are intended “to address the immediate skill shortages in New Zealand and speed up the economic recovery from COVID-19.”
New Zealand health officials did not announce any changes to its strict health restrictions like vaccination and testing, so if you’re planning or preparing to travel to the country, anticipate that you’ll have to follow the protocols.
As tourists again plan trips to New Zealand and airlines reinstate long-haul flights, there remain some important protocols you’ll need to follow.
Uploading information
In order to travel to New Zealand, you’ll have to fill out a Traveller Declaration, which is the country’s online portal for sharing personal information and health data.
The screenshot below shows some of the information you’ll want to have handy as you fill out the form. The data includes your passport information, emergency contact and flight details as well as pandemic-era provisions like your testing, vaccination and recent travel history.
In order to travel to New Zealand at this point, you must be fully vaccinated.
Predeparture testing
As you head to New Zealand, you’ll have to go through a series of three different tests. The first test is a predeparture test.
This can include a PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure, or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours.
Again, you’ll upload your results as part of the Traveller Declaration form online.
Post-arrival testing
Upon arrival in New Zealand, you’ll be given a “welcome pack” after going through customs. This pack will include two rapid antigen tests for you to take during your first few days in the country.
New Zealand health officials will require you to report the results, even if they’re negative.
The expectation is that you’ll take the first test on the day you arrive, or on your first full day in the country. The second of the two tests should be taken on your fifth or sixth day in the country.
Tourism fee
Since it was a moot point over the last couple years, tourists may have forgotten that several months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand became the latest country to implement a sort of "tourist tax," which the country calls its International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.
Under the levy, visitors from most other countries will have to pay 35 New Zealand dollars (about $24) to enter.
It’s important to note that the country’s top tourism official spoke earlier this year about the likelihood that officials will raise that fee in the future.
So, if you’re planning travel to New Zealand a few months or a year down the road, expect a potential increase in cost.
Current CDC health status
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently ranks New Zealand at Level 3 on its Travel Health Notices, indicating "high" levels of COVID-19 spread.
Keep in mind, though, that the agency ranks many of the world’s most populous countries at Level 3, including virtually all of Europe as well as the U.S.
Related: My dream trip to New Zealand on points and miles
Bottom line
Closed off for most of the last two years, New Zealand is continuing on its reopening trajectory. After taking a major step forward this month by allowing travelers in from visa-waiver countries like the U.S., the country is planning to open its borders to the rest of the world by midsummer.
As you plan to travel, keep a close eye on the country’s COVID-19 protocols, including the specifics of its testing protocols, since New Zealand continues to operate under a strict, three-test series.
At the same time, tourists who have long hoped to make it to New Zealand can celebrate the fact that travel to one of the world’s most beautiful countries is back.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.