Updates on Entry Requirements for Australia
Australia’s borders remain closed. The only people who can travel to Australia are:
- Australian citizens
- Permanent residents
- Immediate family members
- Travelers who have been in New Zealand for at least the 14 days before the date of departure. This does not include the Realm Countries of the Cook Islands and Niue. **
** As of July 24th, 2021, quarantine-free travel to New Zealand is suspended for a minimum of 8 weeks.
Automatic Exemptions Rescinded for Travel
Australians who currently live abroad will also no longer be granted automatic exemptions from ongoing travel restrictions, and they will have to provide a “compelling reason” to return to Australia.
Starting August 11th, anyone in Australia will need permission granted by the Australian Border Force to leave the country.
Common reasons to leave include work, urgent medical conditions, compassionate reasons or travel in the national interest.
Permissions can also be granted for a ‘compelling reason’, with no intention to return for three months or longer.
Entry for incoming travelers is currently capped at around 3,000 a week, with visitors required to complete a two-week mandatory quarantine.
Visitors will be required to pass a COVD test up to 72 hours before entry, and will also have to adhere to mask guidelines.
The federal government states these new conditions will help to close a loophole, saying Australians looking to leave the country to return to their homes overseas had had plenty of time to do so, and too many Australians taking short trips abroad are making efforts to combat the pandemic more difficult.
Lockdowns Continue
On Friday, August 6th, more than 60% of Australia’s 25 million citizens went under hard lockdowns in an attempt to contain the latest surge, including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, the 3 largest cities in the country.
As of August 5th, 2021, the vaccine rollout continues across Australia, with 16.8 percent of the nation fully vaccinated, and 34.6 percent receiving one dose of the vaccine.
For the latest updates, visit the Australian Government Department of Health Website: https://www.health.gov.au/