Wellington (Web Desk): New Zealand on Monday fully re-opened its borders for visitors from around the world, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic closed them in March 2020.
New Zealand started reopening of its borders in February and restrictions progressively eased.
The process of reopening the borders ended last night with visitors who need visas and those on student visas now also allowed to return to New Zealand. New Zealand is now also letting cruise ships and foreign recreational yachts docks at its ports.
Most visitors arriving in New Zealand still need to be vaccinated against COVID and must take two COVID tests after arriving. However, there are no quarantine requirements.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday during a speech at the China Business Summit in Auckland that the final staged opening of the borders had been an enormous moment.
International students were a significant contributor to New Zealand's economy and educational providers are hoping the reopening of the borders will again provide a boost to schools and universities around the country.
New Zealand Tourism Minister Stuart Nash said the return of cruise ships will also be a boost for local industries.