From this Monday, vaccinated travellers will no longer require an exemption to depart Australia.
With millions of Australians now fully vaccinated, and more joining them each and every day, the Morrison Joyce Government can safely welcome fully vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents across Australia’s international border in increasing numbers.
Australia is taking its step back into normal life and reintegrating itself back with the rest of the world.
Member for Mallee, Anne Webster said that removing the exemption process has been made possible by Australia’s impressive vaccination rates.
“We are a leader in the world now in this regard, thanks to the uptake from that vast majority of Australians and the Commonwealth Government’s National Plan,” Dr Webster said.
“It is an exciting milestone in reopening Australia to the rest of the world and a measuring stick of just how far we’ve come since we closed the border early last year.
“The priority now is for families and loved ones to be able reunite. For those with dear one’s overseas, these have been incredibly challenging times of separation. It’s truly a special thing to see the border barrier removed and it is indicative of where we are at as a society.
“These past 18 months have been incredibly challenging for many Australians overseas and family’s here at home. Some have missed funerals, weddings, births, and significant milestones. This has an immeasurable impact on people’s personal livelihoods, which is why I’m so excited to see this pathway for Australians to be able to easily come and go.
“The system of border exemptions has served it’s purpose in safe-guarding Australia from widespread COVID transmission. But now, we are in a different position to where we were 18 months ago and the Australian Government’s National Plan has positioned us as a nation to be able to welcome home vaccinated travellers with open arms,” Dr Webster said.
“I want to thank all the Australians who have come forward to be vaccinated which has allowed us to get to this point where our borders are well and truly open for Christmas.”
Increases in COVID-19 vaccination meant changes to the Human Biosecurity Determination on outbound international travel could now safely be made. These changes have been made on medical advice regarding the protection provided by COVID-19 vaccination for travelling Australians.
Australian citizens and permanent residents who want to travel overseas, will need to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated with a TGA approved or recognised vaccine, with the second dose occurring at least seven days prior to travel. These changes will also facilitate travel by children under 12 years of age who do not have to meet the vaccination requirements.
People who do not meet these eligibility requirements will continue to require a travel exemption to travel overseas, and will be subject to current passenger caps and quarantine arrangements (managed by states and territories) when returning to Australia.
More information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website. Travellers should also familiarise themselves with state and territory quarantine arrangements.