Covid-19 test results

Negative Covid-19 test results were required in order to enter New Zealand during the Covid-19 pandemic. The holder of these documents, Alan Gibson, flew from the United States on 9 October 2021. He recounts the testing and travel processes:

‘Within 72 hours of departure on Oct. 8, 2021 (US time), I had a pre-travel COVID-19 test, according to the NZ Government’s requirements (Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing [NAAT] – PCR, RT-PCR, or TMA tests; LAMP test; or antigen test). For $US90 I was able to purchase the correct test within the required timeframe that guaranteed a timely electronic record with all the information required by the NZ Government (dated report with my name, date of birth or passport number, date and time of test, name of testing laboratory, test type, and test result). I received the test results the same day electronically.

When checking in to my SFO – LAX flight, connecting to NZ 5 to Auckland, I had to show my NZ passport, MIQ voucher, and negative test results. I had to do that again at LAX. On arrival at Auckland Airport on Oct. 11, 2021 (NZ time), there was a seven-stage process:
1. Temperature check and health questions.
2. Review of my pre-travel COVID-19 test results and confirmation that everything met NZ government requirements.
3. Immigration check.
4. Customs’ review of arrival documentation about questions to which I had answered “yes.”
5. Review of arrival documentation about biohazards.
6. X-ray of bags for biohazards.
7. Board bus to hotel. Buses were held at the airport until passengers’ checked luggage was cleared. Driver provided valuable information about logistical matters (including procedures for arrival at hotel, MIQ COVID-19 testing requirements, and options for departure from hotel while Auckland is under Level 3).’