Trans-Tasman bubble reopens, mandatory US$220 departure test

A tourism industry expert claimed that the mandatory pre-departure Covid test for Australian travelers flying to New Zealand can cost hundreds of dollars, which may prevent people from travelling across Tasman in the future.

As states continue to deal with the growing coronavirus outbreak, quarantine-free travel from Australia was resumed earlier this week.

But earlier this week, the New Zealand government implemented a mandatory Covid-19 pre-departure test on anyone flying to the country.

Passengers must be tested within 72 hours after leaving Australia and must show a negative pre-departure test result before boarding.

Chris Roberts, chief executive of the New Zealand Tourism Industry Association (TIA), said that this requirement may be too strict for travelers who have already paid high prices for air tickets.

He said that the cost of each test ranges from $170 to $220.

Mr. Roberts told NCA NewsWire: “Travel is becoming more and more complicated and expensive, and it may become too difficult for many people who want to come here.”

“I hope that the community cases in Australia can be successfully controlled and this requirement can be removed.”

Quarantine-free travel from the Capital Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria resumed this week.

Travel to New Zealand is still restricted for anyone who was in Queensland or New South Wales or before that point of interest in Australia after 10.30pm (New Zealand time) on June 26.

New Zealanders trapped in any state are still eligible to return home from 11.59pm on Friday night.

Mr. Roberts said that when the flight resumed on Monday, the Queenstown plane was almost full.

He said: “It seems that many Australians who have booked and paid for their vacation are ready to endure the additional costs and inconvenience of the test.”

“What is worrying is future bookings.

“Test before you go…should be used when needed, but we hope it will not become a permanent feature.”