Australia ends Covid border rules
Australia dropped the last of its Covid-era border rules on Wednesday 6 July, enabling travellers to enter the country with minimal restrictions for the first time since early 2020
Consequently, travellers entering the country will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result before entering.
In addition, visitors are no longer required to complete a Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration, and unvaccinated visa holders will no longer be required to provide a recognised travel exemption to enter the country.
However, a statement by the Department of Health and Aged Care warned that while the federal government’s own restrictions had eased: “Travellers must still comply with any remaining Covid-19 requirements of airlines and shipping operators, as well as other countries and states and territories”.
Face masks will still be required for flights travelling to Australia, and several airlines have imposed their own vaccination rules for passengers, including Virgin Australia and Qantas.
Australia reopened its borders to vaccinated visa holders in 21 February 2022, after two years of heavy restrictions on its international borders – however, this latest move marks the full return to standard border controls.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor for Voyageur Group, joining in 2021. He writes for both ITIJ and AirMed&Rescue, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision and air medical transportation. He also serves as Title Editor of the Assistance & Repatriation Reviews. Oliver holds an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University, as well as a BA in English with Creative Writing from Falmouth University.