Section 48 Barred and New Zealand Travel Bubble

As you may know, Australians can now travel to New Zealand without having to quarantine from 18 April 2021 onwards. We know that many of you have questions about the travel bubble. Thus, we have prepared an article to answer your questions.

Who can travel to New Zealand quarantine free?

You can travel to Australia and New Zealand if you have resided in either country for at least 14 days before travelling. The travel bubble applies to citizens, permanent residents, and temporary visa holders. If you have been in either country for at least 14 days, you will be automatically exempted from mandatory quarantine.

What flights do you have to take?

To ensure that you can visit Australia or New Zealand quarantine free, you must travel on the GreenZone flights. If have not stayed in either country for 14 days or you are only transiting from one country into another, you will need to be on the RedZone flights. For example, if you are travelling through Australia (for transit purpose) to New Zealand, you will need to be on the RedZone flight.

Do you need to take the COVID-19 test?

You are not required to show that you have a negative COVID-19 test. You are also not required to show that you have been vaccinated. However, you cannot travel if you have COVID-19 symptoms, and you may be turned back if you are showing symptoms at the border.

Can you travel to a third country after arriving in New Zealand?

New Zealand currently does not have any restrictions for Australian citizens or permanent residents to travel to a third country after arriving in New Zealand. Essentially, you can travel to New Zealand and from New Zealand travel to another country. However, the Australian government has now required Australian citizens and permanent residents to apply for an outward travel exemption before travelling to New Zealand if they have booked an onward flight from New Zealand to another country.

If you plan to travel beyond New Zealand, please be mindful that you will be subject to the regular arrangement when you plan to return to Australia i.e. Mandatory quarantine, COVID-19 testing and flights availability.

Section 48 barred clients

If you are on a bridging visa A (BVA) and you must travel to New Zealand, you can apply for a bridging visa B (BVB). The processing time for a BVB can take from 2 days to 10 months. Currently, the processing time is not listed on the Department of Home Affairs website. However, there are a few key things to remember:

• To grant a BVB the minister must be satisfied that the applicant’s reasons for applying for a BVB are substantial. Applying for BVB to avoid the effects of Section 48 may not be appropriate.
• You must ensure that you have a suitable visa to enter New Zealand. This can be problematic as New Zealand may not grant a visa if you do not have a valid visa to return to Australia or travel to another country.
• The BVB must allow for additional travel time in case the border close suddenly. You are not able to apply for a BVB offshore.
• It is also important to note that the border may be closed without a long period of notice.

What visa do you need to travel to New Zealand?

To travel to New Zealand, you must have a valid visa. Australian citizens and permanent residents do not have to apply for a visa. You will be granted a visa upon arrival. If you are a temporary visa holder in Australia, you will need to apply for one of the following visas to enter New Zealand:

• NZeTA
• Visitor Visas
• Work Visas
• Student Visas
• Family Visas

You can find out more about the travel bubble here:

https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/new-zealand-safe-travel-zone#toc-4

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19/border-closures-and-exceptions/you-are-in-a-quarantine-free-travel-zone/you-are-coming-from-australia