New Zealand to Reopen Its Borders from 30 April

New Zealand unveiled its plans, on Wednesday, to reopen borders and allow foreigners to enter next year.

Fully vaccinated visitors can enter from 30 April and will have to self-isolate for seven days upon the arrival.

This decision eases strict curbs that have locked out many citizens and tourists since borders were slammed shut at the start of the Covid pandemic.

On his part, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins outlined the staged re-opening plans, calling it "the safest approach to ensure risk is carefully managed".

"This (phased approach) reduces any potential impacts on vulnerable communities and the New Zealand health system," Hipkins said.

In the first phase of the re-opening, fully vaccinated citizens and residents who are currently in Australia will be allowed to return from 16 January onwards.

In addition, New Zealanders who are in all other countries will be allowed to enter from 13 February, and the foreign travellers will be the last group to be granted entry into the country, from 30 April.

Meantime, only citizens and permanent residents of New Zealand are allowed to enter the country, and they must stay for seven days in government-managed quarantine hotels.