Travelers to Australia no longer need to declare their Covid vaccination status or apply for a travel exemption under changes coming into effect this week.
The action would shorten wait times at the nation’s airports, according to home affairs minister Clare O’Neil, who called it “great news” for families.
The restrictions, which have been in place since Australia reopened in the latter part of last year, will be abolished as of Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. (July 6).
In the same line, Cruise passengers and crew will also no longer have to present documentation regarding their status or obtain a travel exemption.
“As more and more us travel internationally and we get more confident in managing our risk of Covid, our airports are getting busier,” said O’Neil, speaking to the Australian Financial Review.
“Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers to choose Australia as a destination.”
What’s new?
Visitors to Australia will no longer be required to:
- Submit a Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration when entering Australia;
- declare or provide proof of their vaccination status as of 12:01 am AEST on July 6, 2022.
Keep in note that specific traveler requirements for Covid-19 vaccination, testing, and masking may exist for certain destinations, airlines, and cruise ships.
What remains in place?
Travelers are still required to wear a mask on international flights. State and territory orders requiring the wearing of masks on domestic flights also remain in effect.
Passengers must still comply with the requirements of the state or territory in which they arrive and any other state or territory to which they intend to continue domestic travel.
For further information about current state or territory travel restrictions, click here.
Australia has been reporting an average of just under 33,000 Covid-19 positive cases each day for several weeks, keeping the country’s case total high but stable.
Australia is a Level 1 country, making it one of the world’s safest travel destinations, according to the US Travel Advisory system.