The New Zealand Government has announced that they will be expanding quarantine free travel for eligible one-way travellers from some Pacific nations including Samoa starting 8 November. 

The announcement was made by the New Zealand’s COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins in a statement issued on 28 October through the New Zealand Government website Beehive.govt.nz 

“The Government is starting a phased easing of border restrictions that will see the time spent in an MIQ facility halved for fully vaccinated overseas arrivals from 14 November and home isolation introduced in the first quarter of 2022 at the latest, Chris Hipkins said today,” he said.

New Zealand Government is also expanding one-way quarantine free travel with some Pacific nations in the first step in its phased plan to carefully reconnect New Zealand with the world. 

Mr. Hipkins also said that, “we’re also expanding one-way quarantine free travel from Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu to include travellers from those countries and Tokelau who have the right to reside permanently in New Zealand and people covered by border exceptions, from 8 November.”

“Travellers must be fully vaccinated, unless they are New Zealand citizens. RSE workers are currently required to have at least one dose, and will be required to be fully vaccinated from 1 January 2022.

“Due to the low risk in these countries, travellers will not need to provide a negative test before leaving or isolate on arrival in New Zealand.

“Standard QFT requirements will remain in place – that is, the requirement for passengers to confirm they meet health and eligibility requirements, and to complete Nau Mai Rā. The full list of requirements will be on the Unite Against COVID-19 website.”

Furthermore, he thanked the governments of these countries for their cooperation, which has led to New Zealand reaching what the Minister described as a "positive step in reconnecting our people, and the horticulture industry for the initial successful trial of QFT with Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu."

“The existing quarantine free travel arrangements with the Cook Islands and Niue will be maintained," he said.

“The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve rapidly, both here and abroad. We need to move quickly to make sure we’re minimising the risks we face in the best way possible. We will, as we always have, step through these changes carefully.

“In the meantime, my message to all New Zealanders, whether they are here or abroad, is a very simple one. Get vaccinated. This is what will ensure we can all get back to doing the things we love and seeing those we love.”