Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble Guide

Planning for travel in a post-pandemic era can be stressful. The team at Expedia has prepared this guide to help with all the questions you may have on the Australia and New Zealand Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble.

Note: The information provided below has been prepared to give travellers guidance on the arrangements to date. We encourage travellers to refer to the most up to date travel advisory on the Department of Home Affairs and New Zealand’s Covid19.govt.nz website ahead of planning your travel. Expedia advises potential travellers to carefully study travel advisories and research both destination and home entry restrictions, which may include changes for non-essential travel. This article is correct at time of publication and the facts contained herein are subject to change without notice. 

Last updated: 20 September 2021

Note: On 17 September 2021, the quarantine-free travel suspension between Australia and New Zealand was extended for a further 8 weeks. For more information, visit Covid19.govt.nz

1. What is the Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble?
The Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble will allow Australians and New Zealanders to travel between the two countries for leisure and with no need for quarantine upon entry.

2. What are the requirements to be eligible to travel?
To travel on a quarantine-free flight into Australia or New Zealand, travellers must meet the following criteria:

• Must be in Australia/New Zealand for at least 14 days before your departing flight. This means travellers can travel from day 15 onwards.
• Not have had a positive COVID-19 test in the 14 days before you depart
• Not waiting for results from a COVID-19 test from a test taken in the 14 days before your departure.
• Must be on a green flight
• Must not have any cold or flu symptoms. Random temperate checks will be conducted.

Travellers should also be aware that normal immigration rules will still apply. For more details on visa and entry requirements, visit:

• Australian Government Department of Home Affairs
• New Zealand Immigration

3. What are red and green flights?
Green and red zones have been established to separate passengers arriving on quarantine-free flights from travellers who need to serve quarantine. Red flights may have passengers who don’t meet the quarantine-free travel requirements or are flights from countries outside a quarantine-free travel arrangement.

Ensure you confirm with your airline or travel agent whether your flight is a red or green flight prior to booking. Travellers who travel on a red flight will be required to quarantine, even if they’re travelling from a quarantine-free travel destination.

4. Will I need to wear a mask on the flight?
Yes, travellers will need to wear a mask in the airport and in the flight, even if you’re on a green flight.

5. Will I need a pre-departure COVID-19 test done?
Travellers are required to do a pre-departure COVID-19 before travelling to New Zealand. Travellers need to have both their test and results returned no more than 72 hours before the scheduled departure time of their flight. For more information, visit Covid19.govt.nz 

6. What happens if the COVID-19 situation changes while I am on a flight?
The government of the country the plane lands in will decide what happens to travellers in this situation. Travellers may be required to stay where they land or enter managed isolation (at their own expense) until they are given permission to continue their journey. Travellers must be prepared for this possibility.

Travel from Australia to New Zealand

1. Where can I travel to in New Zealand?
There are no restrictions to where Australians can travel to in and around in New Zealand.

2. Do I need to complete any documents before departing?
Travellers planning to travel to New Zealand need to complete the Nau Mai Rā travel declaration before departing. This declaration mainly asks about your travel plans and contact details. Access the travel declaration here. (Note: Internet Browser does not work with this form, please use Google Chrome or another browser)

Travellers will also be required to complete a pre-departure health declaration. Questions about your health will be asked at the check-in kiosk. For more information visit Covid19.govt.nz.

3. How is the COVID-19 situation in New Zealand?
Travellers are encouraged to stay up to date with the latest restrictions and guidelines. New Zealand has a 4-tier COVID-19 Alert Level system, travellers are encouraged to stay up to date on what each Alert Level means. Learn about the Alert Level system here.

Face masks are required on public transport including buses, trains and most ferries and jet boats. It is also encouraged to wear one in places where physical distancing is not possible.

4. Do I need to download the contact tracing app in New Zealand?
It’s recommended to use the NZ COVID Tracer app to help keep track of the places you’ve visited. There will be a QR code at the airport that you can scan to get the app.

If you do not want to download the app, ensure you keep a record of where you’ve been, when you travelled there (date and time) and who you met.

5. What should I do if I come down with COVID-19 symptoms in New Zealand?
If travellers start to feel unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms, stay in your accommodation and call Healthline for free on 0800 611 116 for advice.

6. Where can I get the latest information about New Zealand’s COVID-19 status and quarantine-free travel?
The Covid19.govt.nz and Unite against COVID-19 social media channels will announce changes to New Zealand or Australia’s COVID-19 situation and to quarantine-free travel. Check them regularly for updates that may affect you. Travellers can also check SmartTraveller for information about travelling safely and what to do if you need help while in New Zealand.

Travel from New Zealand to Australia

1. Can I travel to all Australian states and territories?
As part of the Trans-Tasman travel bubble, travellers can enter all Australian states and territories, without having to quarantine.

2. Do I need to complete any documents before departing?
Travellers planning to travel to Australia should complete an Australian Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before their departure flight, regardless of what flight they’re on or where they’re travelling from.

Depending on what state or territory they’re travelling to, there may be additional travel permits or travel documents required. It’s important to check the official advice from individual Australian states and territories before booking and travelling:  ACT, NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, TAS, WA, NT.

3. How is the COVID-19 situation in Australia?
Australian state and territories have their own restrictions and rules, for example for gatherings, physical distancing, and travel. Travellers should check the latest updates to ensure they’re complying with the local guidance. Travellers should also check whether requirements or documentation is needed for travelling between states and territories.

Public health advisories and travel information is available on each state and territory government page: ACT, NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, TAS, WA, NT.

4. What happens if there’s a COVID-19 outbreak or lockdown in Australia?
If there is a change in Australia’s COVID situation, for example cases in the community, check the COVID-19 website for the state or territory you’re in and they will tell you what you need to do. Travellers should also check the Australian Government Department of Health website for advice.

Community cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand or Australia could lead to the Government pausing any quarantine-free travel arrangements while it gathers information about the risk. To help travellers prepare for such situations, the New Zealand government has developed a guide in the event there are any COVID-19 cases in Australia.

5. Do I need to download the contact tracing app in Australia?
It’s recommended to download the contact tracing app for the state and territories you’re visiting to help ensure the safety of yourself, your family and the communities you’re visiting. You can download and use most of these apps with a New Zealand SIM card. You may need an Australian SIM card to use some of these apps. It’s recommended to keep the apps on your phone for up to one month, in case you receive an alert after you’ve left the state.

If you cannot or do not want to download the app, ensure you sign into businesses and venues with their alternative contact tracing system and keep your own record of where you’ve been, when you travelled there (date and time) and who you met. Travellers can also download and print the NZ COVID Tracer booklet for physical tracking.

6. What should I do if I come down with Covid-19 symptoms in Australia?
If travellers start to feel unwell, stay in your accommodation and call a doctor for advice. If you want to talk to someone about your symptoms, call the National coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline on 1800 020 080. Calls are free from Australia. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

7. Where can I get the latest information about Australia’s COVID-19 status and quarantine-free travel?
Travellers should refer to the Department of Health website for the latest advice, information and resources. To find out the requirements for COVID-19, travel requirements and information about testing, visit the website for the state and territory you’re in or planning to visit: ACT, NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, TAS, WA, NT.

For travellers ready to cross the ditch and explore New Zealand, get planning here.