New Zealand will open fully in July

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Wednesday, May 11 that the country will fully reopen its international borders from 11:59pm on July 31, with cruise ships also welcome at local ports on the same day.

The opening of the border, at the end of July, is two months ahead of the government’s previous timeframe and means visitors who need a visa can now come to New Zealand.

Speaking to a Business NZ luncheon in Auckland, Ardern said opening borders would help solve urgent skills shortages, open up tourism and make the immigration environment safer.

“We are building on our proven plan to secure New Zealand’s economic future,” Ardern said.

New Zealand photo via Adobe Stock