Foreign tourists entered New Zealand for the first time since the pandemic began.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in earnest in 2020, most major countries either imposed severe travel restriction or closed their borders to nonessential travel entirely. New Zealand was one of the countries in the latter category, and without the usual influx of foreign tourists, the country’s vital tourism industry has been in dire straits. After two years with these restrictions, however, the borders are finally reopening.

Three weeks ago, New Zealand opened their borders to Australian travelers as a dry run for reopening their borders. As that went without incident, this morning, the travel ban has been eased, allowing in travelers from the US, Canada, Britain, Japan, and over 50 other countries for the first time since 2020. All tourists visiting New Zealand will need to present proof of full vaccination and test negative for COVID-19 before arriving. Travelers from high-COVID risk areas like China and India are still not allowed in, however.

“Today is a day to celebrate, and is a big moment in our reconnection with the world,” said Tourism Minister Stuart Nash.

This morning, the first bevy of tourist planes began arriving at Auckland Airport from major cities around the world. Not only is this bringing in numerous much-needed tourists for the summer season, but it is also reuniting international families that haven’t been able to see one another due to the travel restrictions.