The world could be heading towards a sense of normality, sooner than we thought

New Zealand has revealed bold plans to allow quarantine-free entry to vaccinated travellers from low-risk countries from early 2022.

It comes as the nation looks to open its borders again after nearly 18 months of pandemic-induced isolation.

Tight border controls and its geographic advantage helped New Zealand stamp out COVID-19 much faster than almost all other countries. However the great benefit of being isolated did leave the Pacific island nation of 5 million almost entirely cut off from the rest of the world.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed on Thursday that the country is still not ready to open up entirely, but will open in phases from early next year.

PM Ardern says New Zealand is “simply not in a position to fully reopen just yet,”.

Ardern stated that the government will look at opening quarantine-free travel to vaccinated travellers from low-risk countries from the first quarter of 2022.

Those travelling from medium-risk countries will undertake self-isolation or a shorter stay at a quarantine hotel.

Those coming from high-risk countries or are unvaccinated will still have to spend 14 days in quarantine.

Some vaccinated travellers will be able to participate in a pilot from October through December this year, wherein they can travel and self-isolate at home.