You may have heard of the strict rules about entry to Australia. This may seem like a hassle, but you don’t have to worry. These restrictions were implemented to prevent any disease outbreaks. The health department of Australia has relaxed some restrictions for international travelers, but you’ll need to get an exemption to enter the country. The country’s vaccination rate is currently 80.7 percent, and it’s higher in the capital territory.
Some Australian states are much stronger than others in policing, and it’s easy to forget just how strong they are. The recent influenza pandemic has revealed that states are far more powerful than we thought. In Australia, the quarantine has prevented international travelers from entering New South Wales, because it’s prone to the virus. It’s unclear whether this decision will have any lasting effects on international travel, but the current quarantine policy may make a return to Australia’s border more difficult.
Although the strict quarantine laws were once in place at the national level, the decision to quarantine is now up to individual states. Check the restrictions of your state on the government website. For example, New South Wales requires an antigen test within 24 hours of arrival. Queensland requires private transport to quarantine facilities. And in Western Australia, travel to Aboriginal communities is restricted until June 15! Thankfully, the new laws are easing.
The Australian government has introduced some new restrictions in response to the COVID outbreak. In South Australia alone, there are now over 15,000 confirmed cases. The number of active COVID cases in the state is now 15,353. There are 109 people in the hospital, including 12 in the intensive care unit. Four people are currently undergoing treatment for symptoms of COVID, and two remain in the intensive care unit. Fortunately, the Victorian government has eased some restrictions overnight. No longer will masks be mandatory for most indoor settings.
In the meantime, Australia has relaxed some of its travel restrictions. The borders were reopened to visitors with a full vaccination against the COVID virus on February 21. However, the government still has strict testing requirements and other barriers, including quarantine and border control. As a result, Australians are advised to exercise caution when planning their international travel. They should consider their health, their vaccination status, and the risk of testing positive for COVID 19 abroad.
You will need to declare your vaccination status to enter Australia. It’s recommended that you bring a copy of your vaccination certificate with you. You may be asked to present this at the border if you don’t have an international COVID-19 vaccination certificate. Alternatively, you can present a medical exemption. To ensure your safety, you should visit the National Coronavirus Helpline to report any symptoms of COVID-19.
If you’re traveling by sea, you’ll need to obtain a Maritime Travel Declaration. The Maritime Travel Declaration is required when crossing oceans. Children under the age of 12 and 3 months don’t need to be COVID-19-vaccinated. However, you should also be aware that the quarantine requirements for each state vary. If you’re unsure of your vaccination status, it’s recommended that you contact the relevant state’s travel authority.
For foreign nationals arriving in Australia by air, you should check the immigration rules for that country before flying. In addition to checking the rules for your destination, you should complete your Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD). You can begin the DPD process seven days before your flight. If you’re not able to submit the DPD before your departure, you may face unnecessary delays and extra costs. The Australian government has announced changes to temporary entry visas due to COVID-19.
Those arriving from overseas should follow the health guidelines of the NSW government when entering quarantine. Visitors from overseas are advised to avoid visiting high-risk facilities and to take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arriving in the country. They should also carry proof of prior infection. This is a good way to avoid quarantine and avoid being refused entry to a facility. However, it’s not mandatory, so it’s worth checking.