Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has set out a plan to start re-opening the borders, starting with a trial this year of home isolation or shorter MIQ stays for selected travellers
The news that the restrictions on vaccinated Kiwis travelling abroad could be eased at the beginning of 2022 has been met with enthusiasm, and many more questions.
You might be one of the many Kiwis who has received both doses of the vaccine, but how will you be able to prove this at the airport?
While New Zealanders are provided with vaccine record cards, these cannot be used for international travel.
Used to record doses – the record card carries only basic information and won’t get you through an airport.
Currently you have to request a confirmation letter from the Ministry of Health, for “proof of vaccination.” This can be done online, providing personal details and travel information.
This “written confirmation of your COVID-19 vaccination for international travel” will allow travellers to easily share the vital information. However, the Ministry of Health says: “We’re unable to guarantee that other countries will recognise your COVID-19 vaccination letter as formal proof of vaccination”. Some countries have already suggested they will not accept any overseas vaccine histories.
Israel for example will insist that travellers vaccinated overseas will be treated as unvaccinated until their records can be validated by “serologic tests” .
In order to apply for a proof of vaccination letter for travel, you’ll have to have your proof of vaccination cards, and dates of travel – as the letter requests are prioritised by departure date.
The current turnaround is estimated at 20 days – but could take longer. So you’ll have to apply well in advance.
The Department of Health’s website says they are working on digital health passports,…