From 6 July, people will be able to travel to and from Australia without being required to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status.
The decision to amend the Biosecurity Act 2015 for removal of these requirements has come at a time when Australia has surpassed over 10,000 COVID-19 deaths as of 3 July. The changes have been made following advice from the Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly.
Highlights:
- Australian government opens international borders in full by removing all COVID-19 related requirements
- The latest changes have been made following advice from Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly
- “Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers to choose Australia as a destination," Minister of Home Affairs Clare O'Neil
"The Australian government makes decisions on COVID related issues after considering the latest medical advice," Health Minister Mark Butler said in aannouncing the decision.
"The chief medical officer has advised it is no longer necessary for travellers to declare their vaccine status as part of our management of COVID."
"Unvaccinated Australians, as well as certain groups of visa holders, have been able to travel to Australia for some time."
Australian Health Minister Mark Butler during a press conference in Canberra. Source: AAP Image/Lukas Coch
However, travellers have been advised to still comply with any remaining COVID-19 requirements of airlines and shipping operators, as well as other countries and states and territories.
This currently includes wearing masks on inbound international flights. State and territory orders mandating masks on domestic flights also remain in place.
“We will continue to act on the medical advice as needed,” he added.
Welcoming the, Minister for Home Affairs Clare O’Neil, said it also means that all visa holders can travel to Australia without needing a travel exemption.
“As more and more of us travel internationally and we get more confident in managing our risk of COVID, our airports are getting busier,” Ms O’Neil said.
“Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers to choose Australia as a destination."
“And for Australian citizens, with the removal of these requirements, returning home will be much easier.
“I know anyone who has travelled internationally since the borders have opened will find this as one less thing to worry about – especially as more Australians get back to travelling overseas.
Australian Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O'Niel. Source: AAP Image/Darren England
“We’ve also listened to feedback about the DPD. While in time it will replace the paper based incoming passenger card, it needs a lot more work to make it user friendly”
Those arriving by sea will also benefit, and no longer need to complete a Maritime Travel Declaration. Airlines, cruise ship operators and other countries may still have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with.
Indian Australians have welcomed the latest move.
"Removal of DPD is an indication that Australia is fast resetting the regulations to a pre-pandemic level," Ravi Lochan Singh, President of the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI), told SBS Hindi.
"I completed the DPD on my last travel into Australia and it was not such a bother. However, it is not of much use," he said, adding "those travelling to India have to fill out the Indian version of the DPD which is called the Air Suvidha form and frankly it also seems to be of no use and should be removed too."
Ravi Lochan Singh, President of Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI). Source: Supplied by Ravi Lochan Singh
Seema Chauhan, the President of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Gold Coast, said the changes are a sign of returning to normalcy and will encourage more visitors to Australia.
"This is a great move especially for those who are not tech savvy with using apps. Even for elderly people, it will be a relief," Ms Chauhan said, adding that it means one step less for entering the country.
Seema Chauhan lives in Gold Coast, Queensland. Source: Seema Chauhan
Currently, anyone arriving in Australia must declare their vaccination status. While Australian citizens are allowed to arrive without vaccination, most foreigners must seek an exemption based on limited grounds.
