More New Zealand citizens are returning home this Friday following the approval by Cabinet of another Air New Zealand repatriation flight.

This follows another flight last Friday which also returned to Auckland, New Zealand taking close to 200 passengers back home.

The operation of the flight from Auckland–Apia–Auckland on Friday is to support the transportation of supplies as well as repatriate New Zealand residents and citizens currently resident in Samoa according to a statement issued by the Government.

The flight will also bring essential cargo supplies to Samoa and is operated on a commercial basis.

For flight details, the NZ6071 to Apia is to arrive at 1645 hours while the NZ993 to Auckland, is to depart at 1745 hours.

All enquiries relating to the flight are advised to refer or contact Air New Zealand directly especially for interested passengers.

All passengers who enter New Zealand will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms on arrival, according to a post by the New Zealand High Commission on its Facebook page. 

“Passengers will be disembarked in small groups and met by Government of New Zealand officials at the gate who will discuss isolation arrangements with you and answer any questions you might have,” report stated.

“”You can find more information on the managed isolation policy on the Ministry of Health website’s Border Controls page, or on the Passenger Arrival Factsheet.”

For border entry requirements, eligibility of traveling to New Zealand are to be assessed against the New Zealand Government’s criteria for international travel during the Covid-19 period.

The residents and citizens of New Zealand do not need approval from the Immigration New Zealand when traveling to New Zealand.

For other travellers, the number of exceptions are limited and must seek approval from INZ before traveling using limited exceptions process.

Those who need this approval include partners, dependent children (aged 24 years and under) and legal guardians of New Zealand citizens and residents who are travelling with their New Zealand family member to New Zealand, and Australian citizens and permanent residents who normally live in New Zealand.

“All other travel to New Zealand by people who hold an NZeTA or a current work, student, visitor, limited or transit visa is not permitted.”

“For more information on New Zealand’s border requirements, visit the Immigration New Zealand website.”

“If you are concerned about your ability to stay safely where you are (for example, if you are worried about accommodation options, access to food, medicine or essential services), or you require other consular assistance, please contact the New Zealand High Commission in Samoa.”