After having some of the toughest travel restrictions imposed since March 2020, Australia is set to re-open its borders to fully vaccinated international travellers from Monday 21st February.
While international borders have been open since the later part of 2021, entry was only permitted for citizens and permanent residents and their families with international students, backpackers and migrant workers allowed to enter not long after. This next step, allowing international travellers to visit Australia will not only give a welcome boost to the tourism industry first and foremost but also the Australian economy.
For many businesses, the closed borders have resulted in staff shortages and other issues causing some businesses to have to close. Over the last two years net migration entered negative figures which was a contributing factor to these staff shortages. The hospitality and farming industries bore the brunt of staff shortages so re-opening the borders will help this situation with the return of backpackers, students and tourists who will not only be able to provide labour but also be able to contribute consumer dollars to the local economy.
What are the requirements for international travellers to enter Australia?
Australia will no longer require travellers to have an exemption to enter the country from late February but anyone entering Australia will need to provide proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated travellers with a valid medical reason will still need to apply for a travel exemption. If granted an exemption, they will be required to undertake mandatory hotel quarantine. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has made it very clear that anyone entering Australia must abide by the rules where vaccination is concerned.
When checking in for their flight to Australia, travellers must provide either of the following:
– A negative PCR test or Nucleic Acid Amplification Test taken within three days of travel.
– A medical certificate verifying a negative Rapid Antigen Test was returned under medical supervision 24 hours prior to departure.
While travellers can enter Australia, states and territories will still be able to have local requirements in regard to quarantine, arrival caps, testing requirements and even refusal of entry.
At this stage, there is still a ban on international cruise ships entering Australia.
Since the staged opening of Australia’s borders commenced in November 2021, 580,000 people have arrived in Australia to reunite with loved ones, work or study.
If you would like to learn more about any aspect of migration, contact the Visa Solutions team on 1800 828 008 or send us an email.
