Australian travel rules update: It was announced that its borders would be reopened to vaccinated tourists and other visa holders after almost two years.
“If you’re double vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
The reopening that awaits to take place on 21 February will bear good news for international education as well.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Australia has had some of the world’s strictest border controls.
The government closed the borders in March 2020, which prevented many foreigners from entering the country and helped fight Covid.
Since last December, some international students and qualified migrants have been permitted to enter the country.
On Monday, Mr Morrison said that everyone entering Australia when the borders completely reopened would be required to provide proof of the vaccination. “That’s the rule. Everyone is expected to abide by it,” he said based on the updated Australian Travel rules.
According to the Australia travel rules, unvaccinated travellers who are not jabbed for a medical reason will still need to apply for a travel exemption. If that is successful, passengers will need to quarantine at a hotel.
To stop the drastic spread of Covid, Australia has executed strict rules since the start of the pandemic. This includes even restricting its people from leaving the country last year.
So far, the country has reported more than 2.7 million cases of coronavirus and 4,248 Covid-related deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Nearly 80% of the country’s population is vaccinated.
