Australia to reopen for international visits

This is the first relaxing move since March 2020, when borders closed for all non-residents.

The decision of allowing fully vaccinated tourists to enter Australia was taken after the recent meeting of the government's national security committee. Fully vaccinated tourists from all over the world will be welcomed in the country starting February 21. A rapid antigen test or a PCR test taken 24 hours prior arrival will be presented in order to enter the Australian territory. The rule applies to everyone, unless tourists have proof of valid medical exemption.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared in a statement:

"The National Security Committee and Cabinet has decided today that Australia will reopen our borders to all remaining visa holders on the 21st of February."

“If you're double-vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back to Australia.[…] That's the rule. Everyone is expected to abide by it.

"Your visa is one thing, but your entry into Australia requires you also to be double vaccinated and I think events earlier in the year should have sent a very clear message I think to everyone around the world that that is the requirement to enter into Australia.

"I know the tourism industry will be looking forward to that, and over the next two weeks they'll get the opportunity both for visitors to be coming and for them to be gearing up to welcome international visitors back to Australia.”

The Prime Minister’s comments come after last month’s situation related to tennis player Novak Djokovic, who was ultimately deported due to his vaccination status and was not allowed to attend the Australian Open.

Australia had closed its borders in the spring of 2020 and since then its only travel programs included tourists from New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Japan. As in many other countries during the pandemic, Australian tourism also registered losses, estimated to $72 billion, due to the closed borders policy, therefore the decision was welcomed by the industry.

Tourism Export Council Managing Director Peter Shelley explained for Reuters:

“Over the two years since the borders have been closed the industry has been on its knees.
“Now we can turn our collective efforts towards rebuilding an industry that is in disrepair.”

Nevertheless, according to Tourism and Transport Forum representatives, the country is yet to prepare for the lift of Covid restrictions, as well as for the relaunch of international travel.

Until this moment, Australia has reported 4200 Covid deaths and over 2.700.000 Covid cases. However, intensive vaccination campaigns by both government and tourism associations led to a vaccination rate of 80% among adults in the country.

source: travelpulse.com, cnn.com