Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the reopening of international borders to Australian citizens and permanent residents would change home quarantine rules in eight states and territories, meaning some areas with 80% vaccination rates would reopen sooner than others.
Under the reopening plan, Australians who have been fully vaccinated with two doses of the vaccine can travel to countries not on the travel advisory list and must self-isolate at home for seven days upon return. Those who are not vaccinated will have to self-isolate at a hotel for 14 days. Some exemptions to the quarantine are mentioned for business travelers, including Hollywood actors filming movies and TV shows.
This is the first time Australia has opened its borders since closing in March 2020.
"It's time to give Australians back their freedom," Mr Morrison said. He said he expected the new rules to be implemented from November, but the exact timing would be decided by state and territory governments.
The move is due to the increasing vaccination rates across Australia, which are showing positive results. The Australian government will reopen all states and territories if the national vaccination rate reaches 80% of the population aged 16 and over by the end of November.
In addition, the Australian Government is continuing discussions with bordering countries about creating quarantine-free travel corridors as it did with New Zealand previously.
Travel restrictions between major cities like Sydney and New South Wales are gradually being eased, giving many people the opportunity to reunite with family and loved ones after months apart.
According to Reuters, Australia will try to bring foreign tourists back to tourist destinations in the country, but has not yet been able to give a specific schedule. Although Australian citizens residing overseas and foreigners are allowed to enter, the number of arrivals will be limited and must undergo strict quarantine. This has left tens of thousands of Australians stranded abroad.
In addition, Qantas Airways will also resume international flights from November - a month earlier than the plan it announced in early October. Specifically, the airline will operate three weekly return flights from Sydney to London and Los Angeles, with additional flights being added if required.
