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rach54684 · 24-03-2020, 12:22

We are a New Zealand family looking to transit from California to New Zealand. Willing to pay for passage and act as crew.

Willing to leave at any time.

We are also looking for advice on the passage as we will buy a boat and make the passage ourselves if we can’t find someone to take us. If you have a boat suitable for the trip that can be delivered to California let us know.

**carstenb** · 24-03-2020, 12:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by rach54684

We are a New Zealand family looking to transit from California to New Zealand. Willing to pay for passage and act as crew.

Willing to leave at any time.

We are also looking for advice on the passage as we will buy a boat and make the passage ourselves if we can’t find someone to take us. If you have a boat suitable for the trip that can be delivered to California let us know.

Doubt if you will find anyone going until this corona passes. it will be difficult to make the passage yourselves as there is no place to stop on the way - everything is in lockdown.

Next year maybe

Montanan · 24-03-2020, 13:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by rach54684

We are a New Zealand family looking to transit from California to New Zealand. Willing to pay for passage and act as crew.

Willing to leave at any time.

We are also looking for advice on the passage as we will buy a boat and make the passage ourselves if we can’t find someone to take us. If you have a boat suitable for the trip that can be delivered to California let us know.

Or perhaps be willing for the right time, which isn't soon for sailing but should be soon for flying home.

It would be a long non-stop passage to NZ from Cali given that the countries are all in isolation for who knows how long.

If you are New Zealanders then you can still repatriate, assuming you can book a flight home, there being few flights still departing internationally anywhere.

Strongly encourage you to listen to your PM. Note sure that NZ will permit anyone from the USA to arrive.

New Zealand’s prime minister is warning Kiwis to “go home” as the country prepares to fight the coronavirus outbreak by rolling out the “most significant restrictions on New Zealanders’ movements in modern history.”

Jacinda Ardern’s stark message comes as New Zealand currently is dealing with 102 cases of the virus, according to statistics from Johns Hopkins University.

The measures set to go in effect Wednesday mirror those already in place in other countries around the world: essential businesses like grocery stores and pharmacies can remain open, but nearly everything else must close and residents are advised to stay indoors.

“I say to all New Zealanders: the government will do all it can to protect you,” Ardern was quoted by The Guardian as saying Monday in an address to the nation. “Now I’m asking you to do everything you can to protect all of us. Kiwis – go home.”

She added the near-lockdown will last for a month and will be enforced by police officers and the military.

“These measures will place the most significant restrictions on New Zealanders’ movements in modern history, this is not a decision taken lightly but it is our best chance to slow the virus and save lives,” Ardern said.

Travel to New Zealand
The New Zealand Government has further strengthened travel restrictions, closing our border to almost all travellers from 23:59 on Thursday 19 March 2020 (NZDT). New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, residents with valid travel conditions and their immediate family (partner or spouse, legal guardian and dependent children under the age of 24) can still come to New Zealand. Immediate family must have a valid visa or NZeTA and travel with the New Zealand citizen or resident family member on the same flight to New Zealand.

Australian citizens and permanent residents who normally live in New Zealand can also return to New Zealand.

All travellers must isolate themselves for 14 days upon arrival.

Transiting and departure from New Zealand
Australian citizens, residents and immediate family (partner or spouse, legal guardian and dependent children under the age of 24) are able to transit New Zealand to Australia. Transiting travellers must remain airside and cannot enter New Zealand.

New Zealand citizens, residents and immediate family (partner, legal guardian and dependent children) who normally live in Australia are able to transit New Zealand to return to Australia. If you want to transit, you need to remain airside and not enter New Zealand. If you enter New Zealand, you will be required to self-isolate.

New Zealand citizens, permanent residents who normally live in New Zealand and immediate family (partner, legal guardian and dependent children) are able to transit Australia to New Zealand. Transiting travellers must remain airside and cannot enter Australia.

The Government has decided that for a time-limited period people who meet certain requirements (described below) will be able to transit or depart New Zealand:

Up until 23:59 (New Zealand time) on Sunday 29 March 2020 nationals of the United States and Canada can transit via New Zealand from Australia on flights to the United States and Canada (respectively)
Up until 23:59 (New Zealand time) on Sunday 29 March 2020 people travelling from the Pacific who do not need to transit through Australia can transit via New Zealand to their home countries.
NOTE
Do not contact Immigration New Zealand to register your wish to transit during this period.

Transit or departure from New Zealand of foreign travellers before the end of a 14-day self-isolation period is permitted if the following conditions are met:

no positive or pending COVID-19 test result
no close contact with a suspected or confirmed case in the previous 14 days
no symptoms, especially no fever, in the previous 14 days. Your temperature will be checked
an assurance that airlines will permit boarding for the full journey
an assurance that the destination country will permit entry
Airlines will not allow unwell passengers to board. Travellers must contact their airlines and other travel providers for the most up-to-date information about flight availability, transit and entry eligibility for areas affected by border measures.

Emergency consular assistance for New Zealanders +64 99 20 20 20 (if overseas) or 0800 30 10 30 (if in New Zealand).

Safe Travel | New Zealand Government

NOTE
All affected foreign travellers must have boarded their flight to New Zealand by 23:59 on Thursday 19 March 2020 (NZDT).

Entry restriction exceptions
Exceptions to the border closure can be made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration New Zealand for:

humanitarian reasons
health and other essential workers
citizens of Samoa and Tonga for essential travel to New Zealand.
If you have a valid New Zealand visa and think you may be eligible for an exception please contact your airline.

No other foreign traveller can enter New Zealand. Returning residents and citizens must isolate themselves for 14 days upon arrival.

**JPA Cate** · 24-03-2020, 14:08

Hello, Rachel,

I'd most strongly suggest you follow Montanan's advice.

I doubt you'd be allowed to leave CA by the time you could buy a boat and provision it and get it ready to sail. And if you are not already experienced sailors, it is a very bad idea. It is quite a long trip, and storing enough food and water for it, while possible, will be a major challenge. The trip just from Cabo San Lucas to the Marquesas, took us about 3 weeks in a boat that averaged 140 n. mi. per day. We were already experienced with our watch schedules.

Honestly, it may be a major challenge to find a flight out to NZ. You may have to get your Consulate involved. And, you may have to simply accept that you are going to sit out the pandemic in the US. Probably, a visa extension can be arranged. It is being hard on travelers all over. There will be a 2 week quarantine when you enter NZ, if you can work that out.

Good luck with it.

Ann
very long term cruiser

Montanan · 24-03-2020, 15:02

Ann, good point as to pursuing a visa extension. Not sure what the basis of visas were for the family.

Of issue is that the face to face visa visitations have been suspended.

These are extraordinary times so I suspect that lockdowners will be granted reprieve from enforcement issues if they stay beyond their visa entry period, but that policy and protocol is likely not yet implemented.

Reference link:

https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/trave...-united-states

FYI:

The government of the United States of America (USA) enforces a strict entry regime. New Zealanders are at risk of being denied entry upon arrival if they fail to comply with visa requirements. Intending travellers are urged to contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the United States of America to enquire about their own specific circumstances, well in advance of travel.

The policy of the United States of America with regard to all visa and overstaying violations is one of “zero tolerance”. Even if a visitor stays only one day beyond their visa expiry, detention may result. If arrested this could include imprisonment, deportation and prohibited reentry to the USA for up to 10 years.

All visitors to the United States of America are required to provide their full address while in the United States in advance of travel. This information will be collected at check-in by the airline carrier. The address must contain the postal code.

When you receive a new passport, ensure that you have updated your passport details in your frequent flyer account and with your travel agent. Travellers have encountered secondary inspection by border officials and delays when their old passport number has been used on travel documents.

If joining a cruise ship or picking up a rental car on arrival, further information on requirements may be found on US Customs and Border Protection.

Visa Waiver Programme [that be spelled Program in Yankee language ].

The Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) permits New Zealand citizens to enter the USA for business and tourism purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. Under USA legislation, travellers entering the USA under the visa waiver programme are NOT eligible to change their visa status. New Zealanders who do not qualify for the VWP (eg, students, journalists) will continue to need visas in order to transit or visit the USA. New Zealanders planning to use the VWP are urged to check that they meet the requirements to do so.

Travellers entering the USA under the VWP and planning to cross a border to a contiguous territory or adjacent island (eg. Canada, Mexico, Caribbean islands, etc) and return directly back to the USA should be aware that this exit time may count toward the 90 day period under which they were originally admitted into the USA under the VWP. Travellers should be aware that re-admission under the visa waiver cannot be guaranteed and decisions are at the discretion of US Immigration Officers. The borders to Canada and Mexico have been closed to non-essential travel and to non-citizens of Canada, the USA and Mexico. You be stuck in the States.

For people planning to work while in the USA a work visa is required and you should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the United States of America to confirm entry requirements. If you gain employment while on a visitor visa this will breach the conditions of the visa and there is a high risk of arrest and detention.

The entry requirements have changed for certain international travellers required to make transit stops in the USA, and who do not qualify to enter the USA under the VWP. In some circumstances a transit visa may be required. Well in advance of travel, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the United States of America to enquire about the specific circumstances that apply.

All travellers entering the USA under the Visa waiver programme must have a machine-readable passport.

New Zealand citizens travelling to, or through, the USA who do not hold a machine-readable passport must either:

Obtain a machine-readable passport or,
Obtain a US entry visa. In this situation, keep your current non machine-readable passport and apply for a US entry visa, this may require that you attend an interview with at the US Consulate General in Auckland. Further information on how to apply for a US entry visa is provided on the US Embassy in New Zealand website.

ESTA - Electronic System for Travel Authorisation
Nationals of all Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) countries require ESTA authorisation prior to travelling to the United States under VWP. Travellers from VWP counties, including New Zealand, are required to pay an operational and travel promotion fee when applying for ESTA. The total cost for a new or renewed ESTA will be US$14.

For more information and link to the ESTA application see the US Visa Information Service in New Zealand website. Reference link above.

Neither the New Zealand Embassy, New Zealand Consulates or the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade can assist New Zealand Citizens with visa or other US immigration problems. If you have any questions you should contact the US Consulate General in Auckland before departure.

Once in the USA, contact the US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BOIS) for advice on 1-800-375-5283.

Enjoy California the best you can, it is a wonderful place, albeit not so grand during a lockdown.

Fare well.

Marathon1150 · 24-03-2020, 15:08

Kia Ora: We just returned to Canada from New Zealand 2 days ago. My preference was to stay in NZ because it generally seems safer there from a COVID-19 perspective. However, because Canada issued a warning to avoid non-essential travel our travel medical insurance was cancelled effective yesterday.

Getting back was not easy as flights evaporated and countries/airports closed to foreign travelers making transit very difficult. Yesterday, we rented our house (we lived there for several years and kept our house) to some Brits who are there on an extended vacation and needed to be close to their family in Lyttelton. The lock down announced on Monday would, in their view, prevent them from traveling from Christchurch to see their family in Lyttelton. And they were not able to get flights back to the UK.

As of this morning, Winston Peters is suggesting that Kiwis stuck overseas should "shelter in place" which is a departure from previous government advice for Kiwis to come home. I'm sure that you have been following the discussion and despite the PM's indication that they are working with Air NZ to bring Kiwis home, she correctly suggests that it will be very difficult because of contracting airlines and airports closing to transiting foreigners (e.g. Singapore).

One of the things that I came to admire while living, working and recreating in NZ was the Kiwi sense of adventure and serious resilience. I was in Chch for all of the EQs and the ability of people to persevere and work together to overcome a very significant natural disaster was very impressive. This leads me to believe that you have considered the risks of sailing from California to NZ and that you are prepared to accept them and mitigate as needed.

So your proposed voyage is certainly doable but will be long, even if the normal ports of call open up to foreign yachts. We took 29 days to cross from San Jose del Cabo in Mexico to Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas last year. This is a reasonable duration but could have been faster if I had been prepared to start the engine. My reluctance to do so was based on a comment made by Nadine Slavinski doing the same crossing - "why motor from one location with no wind to another location with no wind". So we motored for a total of 18.5 h over 29 days. French Polynesia is currently closed as are many of the other South Pacific islands. Presumably you might be able to land in the Cook Islands given their relationship to NZ or at worst, the Kermadecs.

With the right boat, appropriately equipped and provisioned along with suitable skills and knowledge, your proposed voyage is possible. People sail around the world non-stop but it is not common and the people who do so, are rare individuals.

So if you just want to get home, probably best to follow the advice of others above, including Winston Peters, and stay put for now and hope that you do not need medical assistance while in the US or if you do, you have a robust insurance plan. If you are up for a major adventure and have the resources to buy a pretty good boat, know how to sail and provision it, this is a good time of the year to make the voyage.

Kia Kaha

Montanan · 24-03-2020, 15:45

Air New Zealand, and American airlines/Quantas appear to still have flights from Los Angeles direct to Auckland.

BruceS · 25-03-2020, 14:46

Most of the cases in Aus & NZ have been from visitors or those returning home. Do Russians still shoot down silver birds? What about cruise ships?
Ludicrous bringing NZ's & Aussies home.... Weather it out where you are!!

Montanan · 25-03-2020, 16:17

Advice for New Zealanders Overseas

https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/news/...ers-overseas-0

The New Zealand Government has moved New Zealand to COVID-19 Alert Level 4 (‘Eliminate’) on 11:59pm on Wednesday 25 March. For more information on what this means, visit the New Zealand Government’s dedicated COVID-19 website. https://covid19.govt.nz/

Advice for New Zealanders currently overseas

Do not travel overseas at this time. Transport and transit options to return to New Zealand have reduced significantly. Even booked flights may be cancelled.

We recognise that not all New Zealanders who want to return home are able to do so. New Zealanders who cannot return home for the time being should take steps to stay safely where they are.

The Government is committed to helping New Zealanders overseas where we can. But the international situation is complex and changing quickly, and some things are out of our control. Assisted departure flights should not be relied upon to get home.

If you require assistance, contact your closest New Zealand Embassy or High Commission, or call the consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20 (if overseas) or 0800 30 10 30 (in New Zealand). For more information on New Zealand border closures and self-isolation requirements on return to New Zealand, see the Immigration New Zealand and New Zealand Ministry of Health websites.

Staying safe wherever you are

If you are unable to return to New Zealand, you should take steps to stay safely where you are by:

Following the advice of local authorities;
Finding suitable accommodation;
Following the advice of WHO and New Zealand Ministry of Health to minimise the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Making sure you have access to enough medication if you are overseas for longer than planned;
Keeping your family and friends regularly informed of your plans and well-being;
Monitoring local media for developments;
Making sure you can access money to cover emergencies and unexpected delays. New Zealanders facing financial hardship overseas should seek assistance from family or friends or contact their bank in the first instance. Check with your insurance provider to see if they can help;
Being ready to comply with local isolation or quarantine requirements and finding out how to access health care in case it becomes necessary to do so;
Registering on the SafeTravel website;
For more detailed country-specific advice, checking the official travel advice of the US, UK and Australia;
Contacting your nearest New Zealand Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. Contact details are listed in each country page on the SafeTravel website.
For urgent assistance after-hours please contact +64 99 20 20 20 (monitored 24 hours a day) or 0800 30 10 30 (if you are in New Zealand).
Please note that in some cases the ability of the New Zealand Government to provide consular assistance may be limited due to restrictions on movement and other services. We encourage all New Zealanders overseas to register on SafeTravel for updates.

New Zealanders returning to New Zealand

Self-Isolation Requirements

On Wednesday 25 March, the New Zealand Government introduced further self-isolation requirements international arrivals into New Zealand. Every passenger entering New Zealand will be screened for COVID-19 on arrival. Passengers will be disembarked in small groups and met by Government officials at the gate. When passengers disembark the plane health officials will discuss self-isolation and transport arrangements and answer any questions passengers may have.

If passengers have a domestic transit flight, they will not be allowed to connect to that flight.
If a passenger is symptomatic on arrival, they will be tested and placed in an approved isolation facility for 14 days.
If a passenger is not symptomatic on arrival, they will be asked to explain their plan for self-isolation and transport arrangements to that place.
If passengers have a suitable self-isolation plan and transport arrangements, they will be escorted to their transport. They will also be checked on by Police within 72 hours to ensure you are in self-isolation.
If passengers have a suitable plan for self-isolation, but do not have suitable transport arranged, officials will arrange transport if that is possible within the local area. If transport is not possible, they will be placed in local accommodation, which has been approved for isolation for 14 days and will need to remain there even if your test result is negative. If you require hospital care, that will be arranged.
If passengers have no suitable plan in place for self-isolation, they will be placed in local low-level quarantine accommodation, which has been approved for isolation for 14 days. They will be transported there directly from the airport.
If passengers are placed in managed accommodation for the 14 day low-level quarantine isolation period, further information will be provided on what will happen after that, including planned transport through domestic flights.
For more information on these updated international arrival procedures see the Ministry of Health website and read the passenger arrival factsheet on managed self-isolation. Further information on self-isolation can be found here.

Current Border Measures

As of Thursday 19 March, most foreign travellers can no longer enter New Zealand. New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, residents with valid travel conditions and their immediate family (partner or spouse, legal guardian and dependent children under the age of 24) can still come to New Zealand. Immediate family members cannot travel by themselves. They must travel with the New Zealand citizen or resident family member on the same flight to New Zealand. Australian citizens and permanent residents who normally live in New Zealand can still come to New Zealand.

For further information regarding these border changes, visas and exemptions please read the information on the Immigration New Zealand website or contact Immigration New Zealand on +64 9 952 1679 (outside New Zealand) 0508 225 288 (within New Zealand).

We are aware of some countries (including Thailand and Fiji) now requiring a recent medical certificate before boarding a plane to transit through their countries. If this is the case, please get in touch with your specific airline to get the most up to date information on travel requirements.

Advice for New Zealanders transiting through Australia

We understand from the Australian Government, that New Zealand citizens, residents and immediate family with an onward flight to New Zealand are able to transit Australia to New Zealand, unless otherwise directed by airport authorities (for example, if they have a temperature – all arrivals are being asked to complete a form).

Transit passengers should seek to ensure the transit is as short as possible and must not leave the airport.

However, the New Zealand Government does not provide advice on the immigration requirements of other countries, which can be subject to change quickly. Travellers are strongly encouraged to monitor the Home Affairs website and liaise with their travel agent/airline/insurance provider for up-to-date information.

Given the strengthened border measures in New Zealand and Australia, travellers should allow extra time for check in given the likely requirement for non-Australian passport holders to be individually checked for permission to transit Australia en route to New Zealand. This permission will likely involve reference back to head office for confirmation and so may take time given current call volumes.

Advice for New Zealanders considering overseas travel

The New Zealand Government is now advising that New Zealanders do not travel overseas at this time due to the outbreak of COVID-19, associated health risks and travel restrictions. There may be a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 overseas. You may come in contact with more people than usual, including during long-haul flights and in crowded airports. Health care systems in some countries may come under strain and may not be as well-equipped as New Zealand’s or have the capacity to support foreigners.

COVID-19 and travel disruptions

Overseas travel has become more complex and unpredictable, and many countries are introducing entry or movement restrictions. Most flights to New Zealand have ceased. A number of these border restrictions apply to New Zealanders, including those seeking to transit through these countries or territories to New Zealand, as well as those arriving via cruise ship. These are changing often and quickly. Your travel plans may be disrupted. You may be placed in quarantine or denied entry to some countries.

If you still wish to return to New Zealand, consult the International Air Transport Association (IATA) website and the immigration website of the relevant country before you travel for more information on border restrictions. For information on Australian border restrictions, visit the Australian Home Affairs website. As border restrictions continue to change, sometimes with little or no notice, check these websites regularly.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not provide immigration advice for entry to other countries and territories. The border authorities of the country or territory you are travelling to determine your eligibility for entry.

Montanan · 25-03-2020, 16:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceS

Most of the cases in Aus & NZ have been from visitors or those returning home. Do Russians still shoot down silver birds? What about cruise ships?
Ludicrous bringing NZ's & Aussies home.... Weather it out where you are!!

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-...LsLwfVmFjN9Cls

Travelling from Australia
Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents are restricted from travelling overseas from 25 March 2020 at 12:00hrs AEDST.

This travel restriction does not apply to:

people ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia
airline and maritime crew and associated safety workers
people engaged in the day to day conduct of outbound and inbound freight
people whose travel is associated with essential work at offshore facilities and
people travelling on official government business, including members of the Australian Defence Force.
Travellers who believe they meet a travel restriction exemption can apply online to the Commissioner of the ABF.

Travelling from overseas
All people entering Australia must self-isolate for 14 days.
You may board a domestic flight to your intended destination in Australia to self-isolate there.
If you are well and not symptomatic, you may self-isolate in a hotel.
If travellers do not comply with their 14 day self-isolation requirements, they may face a range of penalties that exist in each State or Territory.
Restrictions in place until: Further notice

Exemptions to travel restrictions
You can travel to Australia if you are:

An Australian citizen

A permanent resident of Australia

A New Zealand citizen — usually resident in Australia

You can apply for an exemption if you are:

An immediate family member of an Australian citizen or permanent resident

Transiting

Additional exemptions as Determined by the Commissioner

MatthewSails · 25-03-2020, 16:32

My mom and I are doing the same. We are in honolulu. Here is our post.

Mom (Petra) and I are looking for a captain/charter to sail us to Rarotonga Cook Islands or Vanuatu from Honolulu. We have friends and family in both nations and we want to get back to them as soon as possible. Will pay $10,000 USD. We cannot fly currently because the airports are not flying. Willing to purchase supplies and give as payment triple what our flights would have cost. On top of that I would serve as deckhand and her a chef and nurse. We are ready to go at any time in the coming days/weeks. Message me. My name is Matthew. 808-557-8504

Even if your boat is not the biggest or nicest we might consider it! And, if you connect us to someone who can help us I'll give you a hundred bucks.

If you do not have a boat and would be able to buy one for $10,000, you can bring us there and the boat is yours.

Montanan · 25-03-2020, 16:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatthewSails

My mom and I are doing the same. We are in honolulu. Here is our post.

Mom (Petra) and I are looking for a captain/charter to sail us to Rarotonga Cook Islands or Vanuatu from Honolulu. We have friends and family in both nations and we want to get back to them as soon as possible. Will pay $10,000 USD. We cannot fly currently because the airports are not flying. Willing to purchase supplies and give as payment triple what our flights would have cost. On top of that I would serve as deckhand and her a chef and nurse. We are ready to go at any time in the coming days/weeks. Message me. My name is Matthew. 808-557-8504

Even if your boat is not the biggest or nicest we might consider it! And, if you connect us to someone who can help us I'll give you a hundred bucks.

If you do not have a boat and would be able to buy one for $10,000, you can bring us there and the boat is yours.

It appears that to go to the Cook Islands you will first have to travel to New Zealand and then undergo a mandated 14 day quarantine before departing to Cook Island on day 15. Obviously this remains very fluid.

Vanuata is also implementing travel bans to and from the island. NO entry No Exit.

COOK ISLANDS GOVERNMENT CLARIFY FURTHER INTERNATIONAL AIR AND SEA TRAVEL AND BORDER MEASURES AS PART OF COVID-19 NATIONAL RESPONSE

NOTICE TO REFUSE ENTRY INTO THE COOK ISLANDS
1. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration hereby issues a Notice relating to Entry into the Cook Islands as per section 9A of the Entry, Residence and Departures Act 1971-72 as follows:

Only the following people are allowed entry into the Cook Islands:

New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand Permanent Resident holder
Australia Citizens and Permanent Residents who normally live in New Zealand
Cook Islanders
Permanent Residents of the Cook Islands
Cook Islands Work permit holders
Cook Island Residents permit holders
Entry will also be permitted for any immediate family (partner or spouse, legal guardian and dependent children) if they are travelling with one of the above persons.

Provided that no person falling in the above category will be permitted entry if they have been outside New Zealand or the Cook Islands in the 14 days prior to travel.

As part of the national Emergency Response Plan, the Ministry of Health (Te Marae Ora) is implementing further measures aimed at prospective and recent visitors. Effective immediately, all new arrivals are required to undergo supervised quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Visitors may return before the 14-day period with written consent from the Ministry of Health.

FURTHER BORDER RESTRICTIONS | UPDATED WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH, 2020

From 11:59pm, Tuesday 24th March 2020 CKT, every person seeking entry to the Cook Islands, including returning Cook Islanders and Cook Islands residents will be required to meet a minimum of 14 days quarantine in New Zealand.

Te Marae Ora will within the next 48 hours articulate quarantine arrangements for the 14 days in New Zealand.

Cook Islands residents affected by these restrictions are urged to contact Te Kauono Tuatara e te Mana Tiaki - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) headquarters in Rarotonga on email chere.arthur@cookislands.gov.ck or phone 29 347 and 79254 and the Cook Islands High Commission in Wellington on firstsec@cookhicom.org.nz or phone +64 4 472 5126 and +64 021 273 1299

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION?
Quarantine is for people who are not showing any symptoms but require separation from others in case they may have the virus.

Isolation is for people who are showing symptoms and require separation from others to limit the spread of the virus. This can be in a hospital setting or in their home or community facility.

WHEN CAN I TRAVEL TO THE COOK ISLANDS IF I HAVE VISITED OR TRANSITED THROUGH ANOTHER COUNTRY?
It is advised that in order to meet the full 14 required days in New Zealand and that you travel on the 15th day.

WHAT IF I HAVE BOOKED TO TRAVEL TO THE PA ENUA (OUTER ISLANDS) OF THE COOK ISLANDS?
Our national airline carrier, Air Rarotonga, will suspend all scheduled inter-island air services as from midnight 21st March, 2020. The suspension is in place until 30th April 2020, and is subject to constant review. From the 21st of March, no person may travel to the Pa Enua, including Aitutaki, unless they have completed a 14 day period of quarantine. Consultations are underway with accommodation operators for the transfer of guests who are already in Aitutaki on the 21st of March requiring return travel to Rarotonga after that date.

Vanuatu News as of March 18.

TIMEFRAME of travel restriction: expected from 3/18/2020, 12:00 AM until at least 4/15/2020, 11:59 PM (Pacific/Noumea).

The South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu which has no confirmed cases of coronavirus is set to ban travel to and from any country with more than 100 cases of COVID-19, as it prepares to go to the polls for a general election on Thursday.

The new restriction would include a ban on travel from regional heavyweight Australia, which has nearly 500 coronavirus cases, an official from Vanuatu's National Novel Coronavirus Taskforce told Reuters.

Vanuatu, population 300,000, will hold a general election on March 19, with the electoral commission encouraging voters to stand two-meters apart and use hand sanitizer at polling booths.

"Many people are looking forward to the election and I don’t think COVID-19 will be an issue," said Russel Tamata, communications officer for the Vanuatu taskforce.

An advisory expected to be released on Wednesday will warn Vanuatu citizens not to travel to, or transit through, a list of countries with 100 COVID-19 cases or more, said Tamata.

International flights wouldn’t be stopped, but arriving passengers would need to show a medical clearance proving they had undergone 14 days of quarantine before arriving in Vanuatu.

Multiple South Pacific island nations have restricted flights and banned cruise ships from ports for 60 days, hitting crucial tourism revenues in the region, after six COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the Pacific islands.

"This is going to be devastating for Pacific economies. Whether it's aid, trade, migration or tourism, all those countries depend on major countries like Australia and China for their supply chains," said Jonathan Pryke, director of the Australia-based Lowy Institute's Pacific Islands program.

"They are using their relative isolation as a remote island as a strength to put the wall up. It makes sense given the fragility of their health systems."

Simple reality fact: The proper approach to behavior during a pandemic is to think and act as if you are ill and / or a vector / carrier of the disease and to therefore you NEED to stay away from everyone. Emphasis on everyone. Need before wants. You will not be welcome, given that the islands may be free of the SARS-CoV-2.

**JPA Cate** · 25-03-2020, 17:59

New Caledonia are enforcing their lockdown with guns. It is quite possible that soldiers will not allow boats out of harbour, in HI.

Please accept this as a serious caution to find the best safe place in which to isolate yourselves for the next 6+ months, or so. I agree it is hard to take in that one should stay away from loved ones right now, when one wants to go help, but it is necessary for the control of the pandemic. Younger people are at risk, too, as well as elders. This kind of situation is really hard for people who didn't live through martial law in WWII, but this is an emergency. Everything will be based on needs, and wants will be considered irrelevant, at best, and worst, punishable offenses.

What Montanan wrote, above is EXACTLY correct: The proper approach to behavior during a pandemic is to think and act as if you are ill and / or a vector / carrier of the disease and to therefore you NEED to stay away from everyone. Emphasis on everyone. Need before wants. You will not be welcome, given that the islands may be free of the SARS-CoV-2.

Ann