Test-free travel to Australia ‘not far away now’, says PM
2 years, 9 months ago

Test-free travel to Australia ‘not far away now’, says PM

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Australian prime minister Scott Morrison has hinted that Australia’s Covid test requirement for travel could soon be removed, in a bid to encourage tourists back Down Under. “That will be an important milestone that’s not too far away from us now.” At present, all international visitors need to take a PCR test within the 72 hours before departure, or an antigen test no more than 24 hours prior to travel. “The return of our international tourism market will support hundreds of thousands of tourism jobs, strengthen our economy, and back our world-class tourism operators and the many regions reliant on international visitors, like tropical North Queensland.” Some A$15m of the government package will go to Tourism Tropical North Queensland to be spent on promoting the region and the Great Barrier Reef to international tourists.

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History of this topic

Australia's post-COVID tourism sector still waiting for international visitors as backpackers choose to stay away
2 years, 4 months ago

Australia's post-COVID tourism sector still waiting for international visitors as backpackers choose to stay away

ABC  

Steve Edmondson is hearing a few more foreign accents these days. Speaking from the town's famous Cable Beach, Mr Geappen said any small business owner in the town who hadn't "made a quid this season was an idiot". "The major international factor that we're dealing with is the lack of backpackers," he said. The Department of Home Affairs said processing …

Qantas insists passengers are vaccinated despite Australia scrapping Covid entry rules
2 years, 6 months ago

Qantas insists passengers are vaccinated despite Australia scrapping Covid entry rules

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Qantas, the Australian national carrier, has confirmed that it still requires passengers on its international flights …

Australia drops Covid vaccination travel rules – but masks on flights remain
2 years, 6 months ago

Australia drops Covid vaccination travel rules – but masks on flights remain

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The government in Canberra said: “People travelling to Australia will no longer have to complete a Digital Passenger Declaration to …

How to get £10 flights to Australia
2 years, 8 months ago

How to get £10 flights to Australia

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Two hundred applicants for working holidays in South Australia will get return flights to the state capital, Adelaide, for £10. …

New Zealand reopens to first foreign travellers
2 years, 8 months ago

New Zealand reopens to first foreign travellers

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy This morning, the first foreign visitors to New Zealand landed at its major city airports in …

Australia travel rules: Everything you need to know as nation reopens to vaccinated tourists
2 years, 9 months ago

Australia travel rules: Everything you need to know as nation reopens to vaccinated tourists

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The general principle is: “Children aged under 12 years count as fully vaccinated for travel purposes.” However, the rules state …

Australia ends travel ban for fully vaccinated visitors
2 years, 10 months ago

Australia ends travel ban for fully vaccinated visitors

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. You will need: a copy of your vaccination certificate, including any boosters proof of a negative Covid-19 test in the …

Travel news - live: Australia prepares to reopen to foreign tourists
2 years, 10 months ago

Travel news - live: Australia prepares to reopen to foreign tourists

The Independent  

✕ Close Passengers arrive at Sydney airport as Australia reopens after nearly two years Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Australia has …

Australia reopens borders to tourists after two-year ‘fortress’ level travel ban
2 years, 10 months ago

Australia reopens borders to tourists after two-year ‘fortress’ level travel ban

Live Mint  

Amid decline in Covid-19 cases as the third wave of coronavirus pandemic recedes, Australia reopened its borders to vaccinated tourists on Monday. The country earned the nickname “Fortress Australia” following announcing its decision on travel ban, which not only imposed a strict cap on international arrivals but also barred citizens from going overseas. Known for its strict regulations, Australia had …

Australia fully reopens borders shut by Covid pandemic, welcomes back tourists
2 years, 10 months ago

Australia fully reopens borders shut by Covid pandemic, welcomes back tourists

India Today  

Australia on Monday fully reopened its international borders to travellers vaccinated against the coronavirus after nearly two years of being shut in the pandemic as tourists returned and hundreds of people were reunited with family and friends. "It is a party out here, music playing, smiles on people's faces, they will be dancing soon, I'm sure," Tourism Minister Dan Tehan …

'Fortress Australia' to welcome tourists for first time under Covid
2 years, 10 months ago

'Fortress Australia' to welcome tourists for first time under Covid

India Today  

Australia will welcome international tourists on Monday after nearly two years of sealing its borders, relying on high Covid-19 vaccination rates to live with the pandemic as infections decline. Australia's opening to tourists is the clearest example yet of the government's shift from a strict zero-Covid approach to living with the virus and vaccinating the public to minimise deaths and …

Australia will reopen to fully vaccinated travelers in 2 weeks
2 years, 11 months ago

Australia will reopen to fully vaccinated travelers in 2 weeks

NPR  

Australia will reopen to fully vaccinated travelers in 2 weeks Enlarge this image toggle caption Kelly Defina/Getty Images Kelly Defina/Getty Images Australia will reopen to fully vaccinated travelers beginning Feb. 21, officials announced Monday. Prime Minister Scott Morrison noted at a news conference that Australia has progressively opened its borders through programs with New Zealand, Singapore, Japan and South Korea, …

Australia travel: How can you get a free working holiday visa?
2 years, 11 months ago

Australia travel: How can you get a free working holiday visa?

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy “We’ve opened the borders to backpackers,” Australia’s prime minister told a Queensland radio station. “They will …

As Novak Djokovic's entry into Australia is denied, here's a look at the country's strict COVID-19 restrictions
3 years ago

As Novak Djokovic's entry into Australia is denied, here's a look at the country's strict COVID-19 restrictions

Firstpost  

The Serbian Tennis star’s chance to play for a 10th Australian Open title has been thrown into limbo after the country cancelled his entry visa after a public outcry over his ‘medical exemption’ On Thursday morning, one of the Tennis world’s top players, Novak Djokovic was detained at Melbourne Airport after Australia announced that it had cancelled his entry visa …

While Australia throws open its international borders, WA residents watch from the sidelines
3 years, 2 months ago

While Australia throws open its international borders, WA residents watch from the sidelines

ABC  

After more than 20 long months of Australians being locked inside their own country, the nation has finally opened up for international travel. "It's time to give Australians their lives back," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said as he announced the opening of the international border last month. "Western Australia will open up internationally at some point in time — it's …

Emotional reunions at airports as Australia lifts international travel ban after 18 months
3 years, 2 months ago

Emotional reunions at airports as Australia lifts international travel ban after 18 months

India Today  

Australia eased its international border restrictions on Monday for the first time during the coronavirus pandemic, allowing some of its vaccinated public to travel freely and many families to reunite, sparking emotional embraces at Sydney's airport. In one of the world's toughest responses to the coronavirus pandemic, Australia slammed its international border shut 18 months ago, barring foreign tourists and …

Australia Set for Partial Reopening of International Border for Vaccinated Citizens
3 years, 2 months ago

Australia Set for Partial Reopening of International Border for Vaccinated Citizens

News 18  

Quarantine-free travel from New Zealand to Australia will resume from Monday, Australia’s tourism minister said on Sunday, as the country readies itself for a partial reopening of its international borders for the first time since March 2020. Vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents living in New South Wales, Victoria and the capital Canberra will be free to fly internationally from …

Australia's Covid-19 vaccination drive reaches Antarctica's frozen shores
3 years, 2 months ago

Australia's Covid-19 vaccination drive reaches Antarctica's frozen shores

India Today  

Covid-19 vaccines have arrived at Australia's Casey research station in Antarctica, authorities said on Friday, allowing expeditioners to be inoculated before they journey back home to a country reopening to the world. Pfizer Inc vaccines for 27 staff at Australia's Casey Station in Antarctica had arrived, Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley said on Friday. Australia has managed to keep its …

Travel exemptions to leave Australia officially scrapped for fully vaccinated travellers from November 1
3 years, 2 months ago

Travel exemptions to leave Australia officially scrapped for fully vaccinated travellers from November 1

ABC  

The federal government has removed the need for fully vaccinated Australians to ask for permission to leave the country from Monday, but those who are unvaccinated will still have to ask for an exemption if they want to leave. Key points: Health Minister Greg Hunt has signed off on changes that will allow Australians to leave the country from Monday …

NSW launches new $10 million tourism campaign encouraging post-pandemic travel
3 years, 2 months ago

NSW launches new $10 million tourism campaign encouraging post-pandemic travel

ABC  

A $10 million tourism campaign has been launched by the NSW government ahead of international travel restrictions easing next month. Key points: From November 1, international arrivals who are fully vaccinated will no longer have to enter hotel quarantine Travel will also resume for those in Victoria next month and Queensland the following month The campaign is part of a …

Melbourne reopens as world’s most locked-down city eases limits
3 years, 2 months ago

Melbourne reopens as world’s most locked-down city eases limits

Al Jazeera  

State Premier Daniel Andrews promises there will be ‘no more lockdowns’ as Victoria hits its vaccination targets. Australia’s second-largest city has so far endured 262 days, or nearly nine months, of restrictions during six separate lockdowns since March 2020, representing the longest cumulative lockdown for any city in the world. “I have urged our customer base, make sure you have …

Australia: Melbourne to bring an end to world’s longest lockdowns
3 years, 2 months ago

Australia: Melbourne to bring an end to world’s longest lockdowns

Al Jazeera  

When Melbourne’s lockdown ends this week, it will have been under six lockdowns totalling 262 days since March 2020. By the time the curbs are lifted, the city of five million people will have been under six lockdowns totalling 262 days since March 2020. “We are instead locking people out who have not got vaccinated to protect themselves and protect …

Sydney to end COVID-19 quarantine for international travellers
3 years, 2 months ago

Sydney to end COVID-19 quarantine for international travellers

Live Mint  

Sydney will end its COVID-19 quarantine for fully vaccinated international travellers from Nov. 1, New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Friday, foreshadowing the full return of overseas travel after more than 19 months. The federal government's reopening plans unveiled in July proposed abolishing caps on returning vaccinated Australians and a gradual reopening of international travel with safe countries …

Fully vaccinated international travellers get Sydney green light
3 years, 2 months ago

Fully vaccinated international travellers get Sydney green light

Al Jazeera  

New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet says passengers with proof of vaccination and negative COVID-19 test won’t need to quarantine. Sydney will open up to fully vaccinated international travellers from November 1 without the need for quarantine, the leader of the country’s most populous state said on Friday, bringing forward a full return of overseas travel. We’ve got to open …

Scott Morrison welcomes NSW's move to scrap quarantine for international arrivals from November 1
3 years, 2 months ago

Scott Morrison welcomes NSW's move to scrap quarantine for international arrivals from November 1

ABC  

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has welcomed NSW opening its borders to fully vaccinated international travellers — who will no longer need to quarantine in hotels, or at home — from next month. Key points: Unvaccinated travellers will still have to enter hotel quarantine but there will only be around 200 spots per week Unvaccinated travellers will still have to enter …

SA's reopening to vaccinated travellers on track for Christmas despite predicted COVID-19 surge
3 years, 3 months ago

SA's reopening to vaccinated travellers on track for Christmas despite predicted COVID-19 surge

ABC  

People from NSW and Victoria who have received two COVID-19 vaccine doses and have not been to any exposure sites will be able to celebrate Christmas in South Australia without quarantining, the state's Premier says. Key points: South Australia plans to reopen interstate borders once its own vaccination rate reaches 80 per cent South Australia plans to reopen interstate borders …

Australia to reopen international border in November
3 years, 3 months ago

Australia to reopen international border in November

India TV News  

Australia's international border will reopen in November after being closed for 18 months amid the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Friday. According to Morrison, international travel to and from Australia will resume as states and territories approach 80 perc ent of the adult population fully vaccinated against Covid-19, reports Xinhua news agency. "To maximize the number of …

Australian PM announces reopening of international travel, easing border restrictions
3 years, 3 months ago

Australian PM announces reopening of international travel, easing border restrictions

Deccan Chronicle  

Canberra: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday announced the reopening of international travel and easing of border restrictions. Morrison said that the international border will reopen next month for states that have reached 80 per cent vaccination rates, starting with New South Wales, reported ABC News. Travellers must be fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine to home quarantine, unless …

Australia reveals plan to reopen international borders to fully vaccinated citizens
3 years, 3 months ago

Australia reveals plan to reopen international borders to fully vaccinated citizens

CNN  

CNN — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday, October 1 announced plans to reopen the country’s borders to fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents, moving from a strict zero-Covid strategy to a model of living with the virus. Morrison also said that with 55% of the country now fully vaccinated and first dose rates approaching 80%, the government “has …

Covid-19: Australia to lift international travel ban after 18 months in November
3 years, 3 months ago

Covid-19: Australia to lift international travel ban after 18 months in November

India Today  

Australia has outlined plans to lift a pandemic ban on its vaccinated citizens travelling overseas from November. Travel restrictions that have trapped most Australians and permanent residents at home over the past 18 months would be removed when 80 per cent of the population aged 16 and older is fully vaccinated, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday. New South …

International travel resumes next month as PM announces changes to border restrictions
3 years, 3 months ago

International travel resumes next month as PM announces changes to border restrictions

ABC  

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced the international border will reopen next month for states that have reached 80 per cent vaccination rates, starting with New South Wales. Key points: Australia's international borders will lift in November Fully vaccinated travellers will be able to home quarantine for seven days The government will work to abolish arrival caps for vaccinated travellers …

Federal government hopes to reopen international border by Christmas 'at the latest'
3 years, 3 months ago

Federal government hopes to reopen international border by Christmas 'at the latest'

ABC  

The Tourism Minister has flagged the federal government anticipates the international border will be reopened by Christmas "at the latest". Key points: Dan Tehan says Australians will need to prove they are fully vaccinated to return and do home quarantine The government is currently working with other countries to make sure our vaccine passport is recognised overseas It is still …

Australia's trial home quarantine for vaccinated arrivals to ease travel curbs
3 years, 3 months ago

Australia's trial home quarantine for vaccinated arrivals to ease travel curbs

Hindustan Times  

Australia’s most-populous state will trial home quarantine for people returning from overseas if they are fully vaccinated, signalling an easing of one of the most hardcore border regimes in the world. Australia's trial home quarantine for vaccinated arrivals to ease travel curbs New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Friday the pilot program in her state would begin in the …

Australians have a 'vaccine passport' to avoid border closures. We're not using it. Yet
3 years, 6 months ago

Australians have a 'vaccine passport' to avoid border closures. We're not using it. Yet

ABC  

Lockdowns, border closures, mass event cancellations. Key points: People in the EU who are fully vaccinated can enjoy quarantine-free travel using 'vaccine passports' Inoculated Australians have a similar digital certificate on their phones, but it has no rights attached to it Vaccine passports could be used to give states more confidence to keep borders open From next week, however, 14 …

Australia's COVID vaccine rollout speed needs to double for borders to reopen within a year, experts warn
3 years, 8 months ago

Australia's COVID vaccine rollout speed needs to double for borders to reopen within a year, experts warn

ABC  

Australia will need to double the speed of its COVID-19 vaccine rollout in order to safely open its international border within 12 months, epidemiologists have warned. Key points: Australia has vaccinated about 1.86 million people so far The rollout has been pushed back due to concerns over the AstraZeneca vaccine One expert says it will take years to vaccinate the …

Australia opens quarantine-free travel bubble with New Zealand
3 years, 8 months ago

Australia opens quarantine-free travel bubble with New Zealand

CNN  

CNN — A two-way travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand opened Monday, allowing passengers to move quarantine-free between both countries for the first time in more than a year. “The bubble marks a significant step in both countries’ reconnection with the world and it’s one we should all take a moment to be very proud of,” New Zealand Prime …

Scott Morrison 'in no hurry' to open borders as he pleads with eligible Australians to get vaccinated
3 years, 8 months ago

Scott Morrison 'in no hurry' to open borders as he pleads with eligible Australians to get vaccinated

ABC  

Prime Minister Scott Morrison warns Australia is in "no hurry" to fully reopen its international borders, but is flagging a gradual process starting with "essential travel". Key points: Scott Morrison said restrictions on travel would only be eased slowly He said he hoped that by the end of the year Australians travelling for "essential purposes" would not need to go …

Australians vaccinated against coronavirus could be allowed to travel overseas and return home without hotel quarantine
3 years, 8 months ago

Australians vaccinated against coronavirus could be allowed to travel overseas and return home without hotel quarantine

ABC  

The Prime Minister has flagged allowing Australians to travel overseas and return home, without going into hotel quarantine, if they are vaccinated against COVID-19. Key points: Scott Morrison says people would be permitted to travel for "essential reasons" such as business, medical reasons, important family events and funerals He says vaccinated people would still need to quarantine but may be …

Australia and New Zealand to open ‘travel bubble’
3 years, 9 months ago

Australia and New Zealand to open ‘travel bubble’

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy After more than a year of being unable to leave their home country, Australians will soon …

Australia to set up a travel bubble to be set up with Singapore
3 years, 9 months ago

Australia to set up a travel bubble to be set up with Singapore

Daily Mail  

Scott Morrison plans to set up a travel bubble with Singapore by July that would finally allow Australias to holiday overseas. The prime minister's ambitious plan would also use the Southeast Asian island state as a quarantine and vaccination hub for returning Australians. Under the plan, Australians would be allowed to travel to Singapore without approval from the Department of …

When international tourists will finally be allowed to enter Australia
3 years, 11 months ago

When international tourists will finally be allowed to enter Australia

Daily Mail  

International tourists will be allowed to enter Australia freely by this time next year, Tourism Minister Dan Tehan hopes. Mr Tehan said the ban on overseas tourists - who spent $45billion a year in Australia before coronavirus - could remain in place for the rest of 2021. International tourists will be allowed to enter Australia freely by this time next …

International travel ban to remain even after COVID vaccine rollout, Chief Medical Officer says
3 years, 11 months ago

International travel ban to remain even after COVID vaccine rollout, Chief Medical Officer says

ABC  

Australia's Chief Medical Officer says changes to international border closures will be "one of the last things" to change even if a COVID-19 vaccine is rolled out nationwide this year. Key points: Paul Kelly says Australia's greatest virus threat is still from international arrivals Paul Kelly says Australia's greatest virus threat is still from international arrivals Qantas brought forward international …

Australia and New Zealand will form travel bubble in 2021
4 years ago

Australia and New Zealand will form travel bubble in 2021

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand could come into effect in the first quarter …

New Zealand visitors break Australian travel bubble rules within days
4 years, 2 months ago

New Zealand visitors break Australian travel bubble rules within days

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Visitors from New Zealand broke Australia’s travel bubble rules within days of it opening up, forcing …

I’m stranded in Britain because of Australia’s coronavirus travel restrictions
4 years, 2 months ago

I’m stranded in Britain because of Australia’s coronavirus travel restrictions

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. If you’ve ever seen an episode …

Business pushing hard to open state borders during coronavirus, but leading economists urge caution
4 years, 4 months ago

Business pushing hard to open state borders during coronavirus, but leading economists urge caution

ABC  

Business groups pressuring politicians to reopen state borders quickly should not ignore the health and economic benefits of the coronavirus lockdowns, two leading economists say. Key points: Tourism executives sign open letter calling on state leaders to reopen borders quickly They claim the latest border closures have permanently damaged the domestic tourism industry Economists say calls for state borders to …

Australians overseas say they're 'being punished' for trying to get home as coronavirus restrictions sting
4 years, 5 months ago

Australians overseas say they're 'being punished' for trying to get home as coronavirus restrictions sting

ABC  

Australians abroad say they are being punished for trying to come back to their home country, as a reduction on international flight numbers kicks in and states and territories move to charge for hotel quarantine arrangements. Key points: The number of people allowed into Australia has been further restricted, with hotel quarantine becoming a user-pays system The number of people …

Australians overseas worried about National Cabinet proposal to reduce international flights to ease coronavirus burden
4 years, 5 months ago

Australians overseas worried about National Cabinet proposal to reduce international flights to ease coronavirus burden

ABC  

Australians overseas say they are concerned by a potential National Cabinet proposal to decrease the number of international flights arriving into the country to ease the burden of coronavirus quarantine on states and territories. Key points: National Cabinet will today consider reducing inbound flight numbers National Cabinet will today consider reducing inbound flight numbers Australians overseas say they are worried …

Australians could soon be allowed to travel to New Zealand
4 years, 6 months ago

Australians could soon be allowed to travel to New Zealand

Daily Mail  

Australians could soon be allowed into New Zealand after Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern said she was prepared to restart trans-Tasman flights from states with low numbers of coronavirus cases. For many Australians the attraction of New Zealand is adventure sports such as skiiing in Queenstown and Wanaka Experts say international tourism between the two countries will particularly benefit regional areas …

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