Almost all travellers to need tests

WELLINGTON: Almost every traveller coming to New Zealand will need to produce a negative Covid19 test before they board a plane.

The new rules will come into force at 11.59pm on Monday, January 25. This is in a bid to minimise disruption for those passengers with imminent departures.

These rules were signalled last week by Covid19 Minister Chris Hipkins.

Previously, only travellers from the UK and the US needed to produce a negative test to come to New Zealand.

But from Monday, that has been extended to every inbound traveller, with the exception of Australia, the Antarctic and most Pacific Island countries.

But not all Pacific Island countries are exempt.

Papua New Guinea, which has close to 1000 confirmed Covid19 cases, is not on the list.

Nor is French Polynesia, where 17,000 cases have been confirmed and 126 people have died from Covid19

‘‘Given the high rates of infection in many countries, most global air routes are of critical concern for the foreseeable future,’’ Mr Hipkins said yesterday.

New Zealand is currently in a good position, with no community cases, but we continue to take action with very specific steps to further strengthen our borders in response to what we’re seeing overseas.’’

From February 8, all passengers arriving in New Zealand — except those from exempted countries — without evidence of a negative approved test or medical certificate would incur an infringement offence fee or a fine of up to $1000.

As well as the new predeparture requirements, the Government has also changed the rules concerning Covid19 testing in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities in New Zealand.

From now on, travellers coming to New Zealand will be required to have a test upon arrival — again, with the exception of Australia, the Antarctic and most Pacific Island countries.

They will still be required to stay in quarantine for 14 days, and to have routine tests on days 3 and day 12.

Mr Hipkins said the changes would strengthen the border. More measures could be added.

He said the primary obligation was on the traveller to comply with the rules, but airlines would also be expected to play a role in checking if passengers have evidence of a negative test.

So far, there has been a ‘‘high level of compliance’’ from travellers coming to New Zealand from the UK and the US.

‘‘It’s great to see people doing the right thing for their fellow passengers, airline staff and the New Zealand public.’’