Covid: Australia to reopen borders to international travel

For the first time in over two years, Australia has announced the reopening of its borders to vaccinated tourists and other visa holders.

"We look forward to welcoming you back if you're double vaccinated," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

Many industries, including foreign education, will be relieved by the reopening on February 21.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Australia has some of the tightest border controls in the world.

The government closed the borders in March 2020. To counteract Covid, it prohibited most foreigners from entering the nation and capped total immigration.

Since December, some overseas students and skilled migrants have been allowed to enter the country.

Mr. Morrison said on Monday that individuals entering Australia once the borders are completely reopened will need to provide proof of vaccination: "That is the law. It is expected of everyone to follow it "he stated

Unvaccinated travelers who have a medical reason for not being vaccinated must still request for a travel exemption and, if approved, must quarantine at a hotel.

Since the outbreak, Australia has taken stringent efforts to combat the spread of Covid infections, including preventing its own citizens from leaving the country last year.

Despite the fact that most of the country has opened up, Western Australia (WA) maintains its restrictive policies. Non-residents, including those from neighboring Australian states, are currently barred from entering unless they have permission to enter.

Due to the Omicron variation, plans to open WA's borders to interstate and international tourists this month have been postponed indefinitely.

According to data from Johns Hopkins University, Australia has documented more than 2.7 million cases of coronavirus and more than 4,240 Covid-related deaths. Nearly 80% of the population has received all of their vaccinations.