New Zealand's borders reopening, what it means for doctors.

New Zealand’s closed border has been one of our strongest lines of defense throughout the pandemic, giving us time as a nation to be protected from the worst of the impacts of the coronavirus while vaccines and treatments were developed. But, a lot has changed since March 2020 and we’re now thrilled that New Zealand is reopening to the world!

At Medrecruit, we have been lucky to continue assisting doctors to move to New Zealand throughout the pandemic, navigating all the challenges of visa changes, MIQ allocations and flight cancellations. It’s certainly not been the easiest of ride, but we’re proud to have been a part of continuing to strengthen New Zealand’s healthcare system throughout the last two years.

The border reopening is being completed in stages but we are already able to welcome, citizens, residents, work visa holders, working holiday visa holders, and critical purpose visa holders. From this weekend, this opens further to allow visa-waiver travellers who are those holding passports that don’t require them to apply for a visitor visa before travelling to New Zealand. There is no requirement any longer to complete a period of self-isolation or to enter into Managed Isolation.

All travellers, aside from citizens, will be required to show proof of vaccination and a negative pre-departure test. After arrival, everyone will be issued with two Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) to be taken on the day of arrival and five days later.

What does this mean for you? Well, if you’re now keen to make the move, it means that you can look forward to:

• More visa options opening-up
• No requirement for isolation or quarantine on arrival in New Zealand
• Easy travel in and out of New Zealand whether that’s for a visit home or for a holiday perhaps to the pacific islands or Australia
• Friends and family will be able to visit you while you’re working in New Zealand (when exactly visitors can travel depends on the passport they hold)

And, if you are able to arrive before 31 July 2022, you still have the opportunity to apply for the 2021 Residence Visa, giving you that smooth and streamlined opportunity to gain the right to live in this gorgeous country for as long as you like!

Get in touch with us today to chat about how the move to New Zealand might fit in with your plans.