New Zealand Fully Reopens Entry to Tourists After 2 Years

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] New Zealand is fully reopening its borders to the world.

The New Zealand government announced that from 11:59 PM on the 31st (local time), tourists, workers, students, and others holding visas will also be allowed to enter the country.

With entry through ports permitted, cruise ship passengers will also be able to enter New Zealand from this point onward.

Stuart Nash, New Zealand's Minister of Tourism, stated, "This is welcome news for the tourism industry and will be beneficial to the national economy."

This border reopening completely lifts New Zealand's border closure policy related to COVID-19 prevention after more than two years.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, New Zealand had strictly controlled its borders to the extent of restricting even its own citizens from entering.

Since late February this year, New Zealand has been opening its borders in five stages, starting with "vaccinated citizens residing in Australia."