This was published 3 years ago
No exemption required: Australia ban on international travel to NZ lifted ahead of Trans-Tasman bubble
By Lorna Thornber
Australians previously required to apply for an exemption to leave the country.
Australia has lifted its ban on international travel to New Zealand, paving the way for a two-way trans-Tasman bubble.
Health Minister Greg Hunt amended the country's emergency biosecurity laws so that anyone who has been in Australia for at least 14 days can travel "directly to New Zealand".
Australians were previously required to apply for an exemption to leave the country. At this stage, they will be required to quarantine in New Zealand upon arrival.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed on Monday that she would announce a start date for the long-awaited trans-Tasman bubble on April 6.
The safe travel zone would allow people from Australia to come to New Zealand without a two-week stay in a managed isolation hotel.
Ardern said the decision would depend on several criteria being met, including processes being created for an outbreak in either country and for contact tracing across the borders, technical issues being ironed out, and an up-to-date assessment on the risk from Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
Australia, which usually sends about 6000 people to New Zealand a day, has mostly eradicated Covid-19 save for sporadic outbreaks – much like New Zealand.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has repeatedly blamed New Zealand for the hold-up, as Kiwis can currently go to some states in Australia without quarantining.
Ardern said opening up the bubble was a "priority" but she knew many New Zealanders were "nervous" about opening up.
She spoke of each country developing its own "individual armour" with mass vaccinations.
Ardern said there would be a "flyer beware" system as those in Australia could risk being trapped there in the event of an outbreak.
"We want to keep it moving – but we also want to keep both sides safe. So there may be a time where we take precautionary approaches and for short periods of time travel ceases," Ardern said.
As things currently stand, Kiwis who travel to Australia when the quarantine-free trans-Tasman bubble opens will not be covered by travel insurance policies if an outbreak in either country leaves them stranded.
The Australian government advises its citizens to "exercise a high degree of caution" when travelling to and around New Zealand.
"While the Covid-19 risk to you may be considered low, outbreaks can occur and authorities could implement measures at short notice, which may impact your ability to move freely," advice on the Smarttraveller website reads. "Be prepared for the possibility of an extended stay or disruption to your travel.
Airlines are hoping a trans-Tasman bubble will open in April and are "95 per cent ready" to fly quarantine-free flights, a group representing the industry says.
See also: Trans-Tasman bubble expected to start by mid-April
See also: Twenty things that will surprise first-time visitors to NZ
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