Australia to reopen borders to Covid-19 vaccinated travellers from Feb 21
SYDNEY (REUTERS) - Australia will fully reopen its borders to all vaccinated visa holders from Feb 21, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday (Feb 7), after nearly two years since he shut it to non-citizens to mitigate the Covid-19 threat.
Australia will fully reopen its borders to all vaccinated visa holders from Feb 21, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday (Feb 7), after nearly two years since he shut it to non-citizens to mitigate the Covid-19 threat.
"If you are double vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back to Australia," Mr Morrison said during a media briefing.
States will continue to be able to set their own quarantine rules, he added.
The announcement is the final step in a gradual unwinding of international border restrictions, which kicked off in November.
Still, Western Australia remains closed to the rest of the country, after delaying its domestic border reopening.
The decision to allow vaccinated international arrivals comes as Covid-19 infections, hospitalisations and intensive care admissions trend down in most parts of the country.
Australia has been pursuing a staggered border reopening since late last year allowing skilled migrants, international students and backpackers to enter the country.
Australia's travel rules by state
New South Wales: Isolate and test within 24 hours of arrival and on or after day six.
Western Australia (from Wednesday): Seven days of mandatory quarantine, then seven days of compulsory mask wearing.
South Australia: Isolate until test is taken within 24 hours of arrival.
Victoria: Isolate until test is taken within 24 hours of arrival.
Queensland: Isolate until test is taken within 24 hours of arrival.
Tasmania: No quarantine required.
These rules apply to double-dose vaccinated passengers who have undertaken required tests before departure.
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