After almost two years of implementation of some of the world’s strictest border restrictions, Australia opens borders for fully vaccinated tourists on 21 February 2022. During a media briefing on February 7, PM Morrison announced the opening of Australian borders.
In March 2020, Australian borders were closed to protect the country from the increasing Covid-19 infections. Since then, Australians were disallowed to leave the country, and only a few international students and skilled migrants were allowed to enter.
What is covered in this article?
Prerequisites to enter the country After Australia Opens Borders
Starting from 21 February 2022, anyone with a visa can enter the country, but he/she must be double vaccinated. Every tourist must provide proof of vaccination. About the matter, Mr Morrison said, “That’s the rule. Everyone is expected to abide by it.” At the same briefing on Monday, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said that unvaccinated travellers will have to provide proof of a medical reason for not getting vaccinated. Such travellers will have to apply for a travel exemption and, if they become successful, they will be required to quarantine at a hotel.
Though Australia opens borders to every international tourist, some rules still comply. As I said before, proof of vaccination is a must on arrival to the country. Other than that, all passengers should complete a Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD). You can start it 7 days before your flight and submit it within 72 hours before your flight to Australia. Evidence of a negative pre-departure Covid test is necessary, and the test must be taken 3 days before the flight.
Australia’s Situation During the Pandemic
From the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, till now, the country has reported more than 2.99 million cases of coronavirus and more than 4,833 Covid-related deaths. It is mentionable here that 80% of Australian citizens have been fully vaccinated.
What About Western Australia borders?
The Western Australia borders will open at midnight on March 3, as announced by Premier Mark McGowan on Friday. Till then, interstate travelling to that part of the country is difficult due to hard border restrictions. When the Western Australia borders open, the rules to enter the state will be the same as that of entering Australia.
After the announcement of Australia’s open borders, flight bookings to the country have increased beyond imagination. Nevertheless, I think it’s better not to rush until the Western Australia borders open. It is because Western Australia occupies a fairly large part of the country, so including it in your itinerary is indispensable.
Many countries’ tourism industries have suffered a lot in the last two years. Keeping the country’s borders closed for another year might cause irrecoverable economic losses. That’s why all the countries have started to ease the travel restrictions to bring their economy and tourism industry back to normal. The decision to open Malaysia’s borders is still on hold, and New Zealand has a five-step border reopening plan that might be implemented in July. Keep an eye on our blog, and we will keep you updated with the latest news of border opening.
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