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 reopened its borders to the first wave of fully vaccinated visitors after nearly two years of tight border restrictions. The country’s Department for Home Affairs announced: “From 21 February 2022, all fully vaccinated visa holders can travel to Australia without a travel exemption.” But individual state rules for arrival – even from neighbouring states – differ widely, meaning travel is still complex. The Independent’s travel correspondent, Simon Calder, was on the first foreign flight to arrive to experience this new era of Australian tourism first-hand.

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History of this topic

COVID-19 vaccination requirements to be scrapped for international arrivals into Australia
2 years, 5 months ago

COVID-19 vaccination requirements to be scrapped for international arrivals into Australia

ABC  

Foreign travellers arriving in Australia will no longer need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 from Wednesday morning. Key points: Health Minister Mark Butler says the decision is being made on medical advice In May, just over 1,000 applications from unvaccinated travellers were received, with 158 approved Incoming arrivals will still need to comply with other restrictions, including wearing masks on …

France reopens to unvaccinated travellers
2 years, 8 months ago

France reopens to unvaccinated 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 From today, France will reopen to unvaccinated travellers after a months-long ban, the country’s consul général …

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, 9 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 …

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 …

How South Australia might inform Western Australia's border reopening
2 years, 10 months ago

How South Australia might inform Western Australia's border reopening

ABC  

As Western Australians wonder how the state's eventual border reopening might unfold, pundits often draw on the South Australian experience as the state with not only the most comparable population and density, but a COVID-free existence for major parts of the pandemic. "People want to come to South Australia and I think it's happy days for our state going forward," …

Australia will reopen to fully vaccinated travelers in 2 weeks
2 years, 10 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, …

Western Australia's COVID-19 border set to fall, but don't look for approval to enter the state just yet
2 years, 11 months ago

Western Australia's COVID-19 border set to fall, but don't look for approval to enter the state just yet

ABC  

Travellers hoping to lock in plans to head to Western Australia when the state's borders reopen on February 5 are being blocked by the government's approval system. Key points: The G2G approval system is set to continue when borders reopen The G2G approval system is set to continue when borders reopen However, travellers applying to enter Western Australia after the …

As Novak Djokovic's entry into Australia is denied, here's a look at the country's strict COVID-19 restrictions
2 years, 11 months 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 …

Sydney and Melbourne relaxing isolation rules for fully vaccinated international travelers
3 years ago

Sydney and Melbourne relaxing isolation rules for fully vaccinated international travelers

CNN  

CNN — Fully vaccinated international travelers arriving in Sydney and Melbourne will no longer have to quarantine for 72 hours starting Tuesday, December 21, Australian government officials announced Thursday. In a joint statement, the premiers of New South Wales and Victoria said international travelers who are fully vaccinated will instead be required to show proof of a negative result from …

South Australia opened its borders to COVID-19. So, what have we learned?
3 years ago

South Australia opened its borders to COVID-19. So, what have we learned?

ABC  

South Australia this week went where no other state — possibly no other jurisdiction — has gone before. Key points: SA opened its borders to NSW, ACT and Victoria last Tuesday As of Saturday, 10 positive cases had been recorded in interstate travellers Close contacts of positive cases still need to quarantine After enjoying months without a single case of …

New Zealand to stay closed to visitors until April 2022
3 years, 1 month ago

New Zealand to stay closed to visitors until April 2022

Al Jazeera  

New Zealanders and residents from most countries will be allowed quarantine-free entry from February 13. New Zealand will keep its borders closed to most international travellers for a further five months, the government said on Wednesday, outlining a cautious easing of border curbs that have been in place since COVID-19 hit in March 2020. Fully vaccinated international travellers will be …

Renewed calls to delay NT border reopening until Indigenous vaccination rates increase
3 years, 1 month ago

Renewed calls to delay NT border reopening until Indigenous vaccination rates increase

ABC  

Low vaccination rates in some Indigenous communities mean that while Australia is opening up, remote communities are at serious risk, according to health experts. Key points: Elective surgery has been delayed, with the NT hospital system already overstretched Vaccination rates remain low in many communities as health services go door to door Aboriginal health organisations want the border reopening plan …

SA on track to open next week, despite several areas with low vaccination rates
3 years, 1 month ago

SA on track to open next week, despite several areas with low vaccination rates

ABC  

South Australia is on track to open its borders from next week, despite low vaccination rates in several communities, the state's health chief says. Key points: Regional communities and areas north of Adelaide are lagging in vaccinations South Australia's Chief Public Health officer says she is worried about those areas ahead of the state border reopening She says authorities will …

South Australian authorities announce further details for border reopening on November 23
3 years, 1 month ago

South Australian authorities announce further details for border reopening on November 23

ABC  

Fully vaccinated South Australians will only have to quarantine for seven days if they are deemed a close contact of a COVID-19 case, under new rules when borders reopen on November 23. Key points: South Australia will open its borders on November 23 Authorities today revealed further details about plans to trace, test and isolate COVID-19 cases after that date …

Fiji reopens border to fully vaccinated residents, citizens and permit holders in Australia
3 years, 1 month ago

Fiji reopens border to fully vaccinated residents, citizens and permit holders in Australia

ABC  

Ten months after giving birth to her son in Melbourne, Farisha's parents will finally be able to meet their grandson as Fiji's international border reopens to Australia today. Key points: From December 1, Fiji will allow quarantine-free travel for fully vaccinated people from select countries Before then, eligible travellers to Fiji will be required to complete three nights quarantine on …

Covid-19 travel: Sydney to further ease curbs on Monday as vaccinations pick up
3 years, 1 month ago

Covid-19 travel: Sydney to further ease curbs on Monday as vaccinations pick up

Hindustan Times  

Australia's largest city of Sydney will further ease social distancing curbs on Monday, a month after emerging from a coronavirus lockdown that lasted nearly 100 days, as close to 90% of people have got both doses of vaccine, officials said. Patrons dine-in at a bar by the harbour in the wake of coronavirus disease regulations easing, following an extended lockdown …

Emotional reunions at airports as Australia lifts international travel ban after 18 months
3 years, 1 month 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, 1 month 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, 1 month 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 …

Australian Open 2022: Host state Victoria rules out exemption for unvaccinated players
3 years, 1 month ago

Australian Open 2022: Host state Victoria rules out exemption for unvaccinated players

Firstpost  

Djokovic is one of many players who have refused to share their vaccination status, casting doubt over whether he will defend his title at Melbourne Park in January. Unvaccinated players will not get special dispensation for the Australian Open, the top official in the state holding the Grand Slam said Wednesday, potentially ruling out reigning men’s champion Novak Djokovic. Australian …

Unvaccinated players allowed entry for Australian Open, says PM Scott Morrison
3 years, 1 month ago

Unvaccinated players allowed entry for Australian Open, says PM Scott Morrison

The Hindu  

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday said unvaccinated tennis players would be allowed to enter the country to play at the Australian Open in February if they underwent a mandatory two-week COVID-19 quarantine. Morrison's comments contradicted those of his immigration minister Alex Hawke, who said last week that tennis players and other athletes would have to be double vaccinated …

Unvaccinated Players Allowed into Country for Australia Open: Prime Minister Scott Morrison
3 years, 1 month ago

Unvaccinated Players Allowed into Country for Australia Open: Prime Minister Scott Morrison

News 18  

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday said unvaccinated tennis players would be allowed to enter the country to play at the Australian Open in February if they underwent a mandatory two-week COVID-19 quarantine. Morrison’s comments contradicted those of his immigration minister Alex Hawke, who said last week that tennis players and other athletes would have to be double vaccinated …

Unvaccinated players welcome at Australian Open, suggests leaked WTA email
3 years, 2 months ago

Unvaccinated players welcome at Australian Open, suggests leaked WTA email

Firstpost  

The email to players from the women’s governing body was leaked and contradicts officials earlier statements implying unvaccinated players would not be granted visas. Melbourne: Unvaccinated players will be allowed to compete at the Australian Open but must do 14 days in quarantine, according to a leaked WTA email Monday, although a government official insisted the matter was “not settled”. …

Melbourne reopens as world's most locked-down city eases COVID-19 curbs
3 years, 2 months ago

Melbourne reopens as world's most locked-down city eases COVID-19 curbs

Firstpost  

The second biggest city in Australia spent more than 260 days under lockdown since the beginning of the pandemic Melbourne: Melbourne reopened on Friday after enduring one of the world’s most prolonged series of lockdowns, with relieved residents toasting their freedom in bars and restaurants or queuing for desperately needed haircuts. “As my kids say — there’s a big vibe …

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 …

Unvaccinated players unlikely to get visa to play Australian Open, says official
3 years, 2 months ago

Unvaccinated players unlikely to get visa to play Australian Open, says official

The Hindu  

Unvaccinated tennis players and other athletes are unlikely to get visas to enter Australia, a government official said on Tuesday, putting Novak Djokovic's Australian Open title defence and bid for the Grand Slam record in doubt. World number one Novak Djokovic, level on 20 Grand Slam titles with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, declined to reveal his vaccination status again …

WA will not ease COVID-19 hard border with NSW and Victoria prior to Christmas
3 years, 2 months ago

WA will not ease COVID-19 hard border with NSW and Victoria prior to Christmas

ABC  

The WA Premier has again ruled out opening the border to higher risk states in time for Christmas, while announcing travellers from Queensland will no longer need to quarantine from this Friday. Key points: WA will not open to NSW and Victoria in time for Christmas But Queensland will be reclassified as very low risk from Friday It means travellers …

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 …

Can I travel from Sydney to Melbourne? And what happens once I'm there? Victoria's new border rules explained
3 years, 2 months ago

Can I travel from Sydney to Melbourne? And what happens once I'm there? Victoria's new border rules explained

ABC  

The Victorian government has announced significant changes to its border entry policies with New South Wales, scrapping quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travellers from red zones. From 11:59pm on October 19, all fully vaccinated people in red zones will be able to apply for a travel permit to enter Victoria, regardless of residency status. People will need proof of vaccination …

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 …

Coronavirus Australia: Your guide to NSW Freedom Day as millions are lifted from lockdown
3 years, 2 months ago

Coronavirus Australia: Your guide to NSW Freedom Day as millions are lifted from lockdown

Daily Mail  

Millions of fully vaccinated Australians can finally return to work and travel beyond five kilometres after 106 long days in lockdown. Going to the pub, dining out, getting a haircut, seeing a movie at the cinema and heading to the gym are some of the activities fully vaccinated residents can enjoy again under the NSW roadmap. Children can enjoy a …

SA's reopening to vaccinated travellers on track for Christmas despite predicted COVID-19 surge
3 years, 2 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 …

Air New Zealand to require full COVID-19 vaccination for international travellers
3 years, 2 months ago

Air New Zealand to require full COVID-19 vaccination for international travellers

ABC  

Air New Zealand, the country's flag carrier airline, says it will require passengers on its international flights to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, in what is one of the world's strictest policies for travellers. Key points: The mandatory vaccination policy will be implemented from February 1 New Zealand plans to reopen its borders early next year Qantas has announced a …

Australia to reopen international border in November
3 years, 2 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 …

Covishield approved by Australia for international arrivals
3 years, 2 months ago

Covishield approved by Australia for international arrivals

Deccan Chronicle  

Canberra: Australia on Thursday approved India-made Covishield for travelling into the country. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has advised that the China-made Sinovac and the India-made Covishield vaccines would be considered "recognised vaccines" when determining whether an incoming international traveller has been appropriately vaccinated, said Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in an online briefing with the Indian media. Morrison said that …

Australian PM announces reopening of international travel, easing border restrictions
3 years, 2 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, 2 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, 2 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, 2 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 …

International travel is set to resume but things won't be the same as before — here's what we know about home quarantine and more
3 years, 2 months ago

International travel is set to resume but things won't be the same as before — here's what we know about home quarantine and more

ABC  

Australia's border has been almost entirely sealed for 18 months, but today it became clearer the end is in sight and changes are afoot for international travel next month. For vaccinated people, a fortnight of hotel quarantine will be out and a shorter stretch of home quarantine will be in, while Australia's getting ready to welcome international guests by recognising …

When borders reopen after COVID, where will Australians be able to travel?
3 years, 2 months ago

When borders reopen after COVID, where will Australians be able to travel?

ABC  

It's been more than a year and a half since Australia's international borders were slammed shut, so it's no surprise that many of us are itching to get overseas for a holiday or to see loved ones. While the federal government has said they hope to allow international travel by Christmas "at the latest", no date has been set despite …

Covid-19 Australia: Daniel Andrews reveals no plan yet to open state to unvaccinated residents
3 years, 2 months ago

Covid-19 Australia: Daniel Andrews reveals no plan yet to open state to unvaccinated residents

Daily Mail  

Daniel Andrews has revealed he has no plans to reopen his state to unvaccinated residents like NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian intends to do in December. Daniel Andrews has revealed he has no plans to reopen his state to unvaccinated residents like NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian intends to do in December Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the premier said …

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 …

Australia to trial vaccine passports over coming days as post-Covid opening preparation begins
3 years, 3 months ago

Australia to trial vaccine passports over coming days as post-Covid opening preparation begins

CNN  

CNN — Australians have been told to “dust off passports” after the federal government announced it would begin a trial of vaccine passports with some countries this week – the latest step in Australia’s reopening to the world. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that once 80% of Australia’s adult population has received both shots, people will again be allowed …

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