New Zealand and Niue agree to deal outlining steps toward quarantine-free travel bubble

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Premier of Niue Dalton Tagelagi have announced the next steps being taken towards quarantine-free travel between the two countries. 

Negotiations on the text of an official ‘Arrangement to Facilitate Quarantine-Free Travel between Niue and New Zealand’ have concluded and both governments have agreed to sign it.

“We welcome progress towards the recommencement of two-way travel between Niue and New Zealand,” Tagelagi said. 

The Arrangement outlines the health and border requirements both countries must meet in order to launch a quarantine-free travel bubble, with details on border and travel protocols. 

A timeframe for when the bubble would open has not been announced.

“Niue has successfully remained COVID-19 free throughout 2020, and this next step is a testament to all of our hard work to protect ourselves and the Pacific,” Ardern said.

Both countries will now develop further details around the practical measures needed to safely recommence both one and two-way quarantine-free travel.

The Niue announcement follows Monday’s news of a two-way bubble between Australia and Aotearoa within the first quarter of 2021.

A travel agreement with the Cook Islands was also announced on Monday.

(Source; Newshub 17 December 2020)