Australia reopens its border to tourists from February the 21st

After nearly two years of being closed to the rest of the world, Australia’s international border is reopened to all temporary visa holders who are fully vaccinated. It has been predicted that Australia’s reopening of its international borders will re-energize struggling tourism and aviation sectors.

In the wake of declining COVID-19 cases and ICU admissions, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the border would open again to double-vaccinated visa holders on February 21st.

Morrison stated, “The Condition is you must be double vaccinated to come to Australia,” which he added, “That’s the rule. Everyone is expected to abide by it.” 

Morrison further declared that the government had been gradually reopening the nation’s borders since 2021. He said, “Those programs have proceeded very successfully – whether it was the programs we had in place with New Zealand or Singapore, and then with Japan and South Korea, opening up to international students and backpackers and migrants who are coming to Australia, that will now be extended to international visitors who will be able to return,”

Karen Andrews, minister of home affairs, said unvaccinated travellers would still need to apply for a travel exemption and undergo hotel quarantine if permitted entry into Australia. The Johnson & Johnson vaccination, for example, requires only one dosage and is licensed for use in Australia.

However, the ATAGI expert group on vaccines has said that it is debating whether to continue using the word “completely vaccinated” or switch to “up to date with vaccinations,” as is the case with childhood vaccines. If the definition is altered, booster injections may be included for determining whether or not someone is “up to date.”

“This is the exciting announcement the aviation sector has been waiting for,” said James Goodwin, the Australian Airports Association (AAA) CEO. 

Many tourism organisations have pleaded with governments to move on to the border closure that has hampered some businesses. 

“International travel is only at 15% of pre-COVID levels, so this is a positive step to help the recovery of the aviation and tourism sectors.” Goodwin declared. According to Goodwin, international tourists returning to the United States will also provide a boost to domestic routes.

The news, according to Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, means that Australia is “finally open for business again.” which then he added, “There are a lot of tourism operators in city centres and the regions that have been doing it tough over the past couple of years, and this will see more tourists come to their town, spend money and get local economies going again.

Since November, when border restrictions for a limited number of nations were first eased, 300,000 individuals have visited Australia. On the other hand, travel agencies have been clamouring big overseas spenders. Tourism brought in more than $60 billion to the Australian economy in 2018-19. Quarantine and state-based aircraft limitations on overseas arrivals are expected to remain.

For more information, book an appointment with Pace Migration: Education & Consultancy; our agent will happily assist you with your visa application and other migration issues. Enquiry now!

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