No Quarantine Travel Bubble between Australia and New Zealand

Residents from Australia can fly to New Zealand without having to go into quarantine, starting April 19, subject to certain conditions.

The announcement was made by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on April 6.

The travel bubble is expected to boost tourism among other things.

Australia had opened its states gradually to visitors from New Zealand without having to quarantine since October last year.

Passengers to New Zealand from Australia availing the quarantine free &lsquogreen zone flights&rsquo have to abide by rules laid down specifically for them, such as the passenger must have spent 14 days prior to their date of journey in Australia only, they must not have a COVID-19 positive test report in the past 14 days or not waiting for the result of a test, passengers must not have any symptom of cold or flu, etc.

Both countries had shut their border last March like most others to contain the spread of the pandemic, making it mandatory for returning nationals to go into quarantine.

Both have been able to contain the spread of virus since then with infection rates dwindling to near zero, according to media reports.

However, media reports quoted New Zealand PM as saying that the travel arrangement may be suspended if there is an outbreak.

Incidentally, Australia had to briefly halt travel between both nations twice since allowing the no-quarantine travel.