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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that reopening international borders to Australian citizens and permanent residents would change the rules on home quarantine in eight states and territories, meaning that some areas with 80% vaccination rates would reopen sooner than others.
Under the reopening plan, fully vaccinated Australians 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 for 14 days in a hotel. Some exemptions from quarantine are mentioned, including those traveling for business purposes, such as Hollywood actors filming movies and television shows.
This marks the first time Australia has reopened its borders since closing them in March 2020.
Mr. Morrison shared: "It's time to give Australians back their freedom." He expects the new regulations to be implemented starting in November, however, the specific timeline will be officially announced by the governments of each state and territory.
The reason for reopening earlier than planned is the increasing vaccination rate across Australia, which is 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 neighboring countries about creating quarantine-free travel corridors, similar to what was done with New Zealand previously.
Restrictions on travel 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 of separation.
According to Reuters, Australia will strive to bring foreign tourists back to its destinations, but a specific timeline has yet to be determined. While Australian citizens residing overseas and foreign nationals are permitted to enter, the number of arrivals will be limited and subject to strict quarantine procedures. This has left tens of thousands of Australians stranded overseas.
In addition, Qantas Airways will also resume international flights from November – a month earlier than initially planned in early October. Specifically, the airline will operate three round-trip flights per week from Sydney to London and Los Angeles, with additional flights possible if needed.
