Families reunite as Australia-New Zealand 'travel bubble' begins
(VOVWORLD) - Hundreds of passengers from Australia began arriving in New Zealand airports on Monday after authorities reopened borders, a pandemic milestone that allows quarantine-free travel between the countries for the first time in over a year.
 Families and loved ones embrace in Wellington on April 19, 2021, after arriving on the first Air New Zealand flight to land as quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand begins. (Photo: AAP / VIA REUTERS) |
Though most Australian states have allowed quarantine-free visits from New Zealand residents since late last year, New Zealand had enforced isolation for arrivals from its neighbour, citing concerns about sporadic virus outbreaks there.
The open border will help drive the economic recovery for both countries and reunite thousands with families and friends, Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison and New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a joint statement.
But they warned travellers to prepare for disruptions to travel arrangements at short notice in the event of COVID-19 outbreaks, and said the risks of quarantine-free travel will be under "constant review".