(Reuters) – Air New Zealand’s flag carrier airline stated on Sunday that passengers flying on international flights will need to have COVID-19 vaccinations. The policy is among the strictest for travelers in the world.

“Being vaccinated against COVID-19 is the new reality of international travel – many of the destinations Kiwis want to visit are already closed to unvaccinated visitors,” Air New Zealand’s Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran said in a statement.

New Zealand intends to open its international borders again, which had been shut down since March 2020 for anyone not of New Zealand, by the beginning of next year. Air New Zealand announced that the policy will be implemented by the airline on February 1, 2019.

Foran explained that there would be disagreements as with any other thing. We know that this is the best thing we can do for our customers, our employees, and wider New Zealand.

Qantas Australia’s most important airline announced that in September it will demand proof of vaccination for all passengers traveling on international flights. This makes Qantas one of the world’s first carriers to do so.

Lidia Kelly, reporting and writing in Melbourne. Editing by Sandra Maler