Australia Set to Reopen for Vaccinated Travelers This Month

Australia will lift its border restrictions for all vaccinated tourists and business travelers starting February 21, following an announcement on Monday regarding further easing of pandemic measures.

In March 2020, Australia implemented some of the strictest travel restrictions globally to keep COVID-19 from entering the country. When these restrictions were relaxed in November, international students and skilled migrants were prioritized for re-entry over tourists, due to the rising vaccination rates in the Australian population.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated that his senior ministers reached a consensus on Monday to reopen the border to all vaccinated visa holders effective February 21.

Morrison emphasized that visitors must provide proof of vaccination. He referenced the deportation of Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic last month by the Australian government due to his unvaccinated status against COVID-19.

Morrison stated, "The events earlier this year should have conveyed a clear message to everyone globally regarding the requirements for entry into Australia."

The Djokovic incident highlighted that obtaining a visa through an automated system before traveling to Australia does not ensure compliance with entry criteria upon arrival. Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews noted that visitors with a valid medical exemption for vaccination could seek a travel exemption.

Visitors to Australia may also face varying COVID-19 regulations from different states as they travel. Western Australia enforces the strictest border measures, limiting international arrivals to 265 per week and mandating a 14-day quarantine.

Australia postponed its phased border reopening after two Australians who returned from southern Africa on November 27 tested positive for the Omicron variant. The arrival of students and skilled workers was delayed by two weeks until December 15.

Tourist operators have been urging the government to allow tourists to return earlier, as the Southern Hemisphere summer is nearing its end.

The Australian Tourism Export Council, the leading industry organization for the nation’s tourism export sector, expressed optimism about the potential to rebuild market operations.

Peter Shelley, the council’s managing director, stated, "Australian tourism businesses will celebrate the announcement that our borders are set to reopen to all international travelers."

Shelley added, "The journey has been long, challenging, and often disheartening for tourism businesses nationwide, and we've seen many close their doors. However, this news provides those who remain with a clear goal to strive for and a starting point for reviving the industry."