After almost two years, Australia finally reopened its borders from February 21. The country has had one of the most stringent lockdown restrictions globally amid the pandemic.
Because of border closure for an extended period, Australia’s travel and tourism industry has significantly suffered. However, better late than never, the country is now all set to welcome international citizens to experience the beauty and adventure offered by the Australian land.
As Australia is now open for international tourism, travellers are looking forward to visiting the country. Prior to the pandemic, Australia used to receive tens of thousands of international travellers. The country’s tourism industry contributed a significant share to its total GDP.
Now, after almost two years, the Australian tourism industry is all set to revive and hop back to the growth it was experiencing prior to the pandemic. However, for international travellers who plan to visit Australia, there are certain guidelines to be looked at.
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Different countries have different post-lockdown travel rules. Thus, to save yourself from future hassle, knowing the guidelines well before you embark on your international trip is better. For people planning to travel to Australia in the upcoming weeks/ months; here is a list of detailed guidelines to be followed:
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- Visa charge waiver: Many people had applied for an Australian visa before the pandemic for their upcoming trips, which unfortunately got wasted in many cases as the pandemic arrived. Thus, for such people whose visas have expired or will expire in the forthcoming months, they can now apply for future visitor visas at no cost.
- Vaccination certificate: Once the visa is clear, the next thing travellers would need is a vaccination certificate. Travellers should be vaccinated with both doses. Also, ensure that the vaccination you have received in your country is registered and acknowledged by the Australian government.
- COVID report: In case of medical reasons, people can apply for vaccination exemption by submitting the required documentation. Such travellers would need to submit a negative COVID report upon arrival in Australia. The test should be taken within 72 hours of the flight departure. It can be either a rapid antigen test or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
- Arrival: When the international travellers arrive in Australia, they would need to take another rapid antigen test within 24 hours of their arrival. In case, the test turns out to be positive, the specified person would need to contact the respective state authorities.
- Across Australian states: There are different rules for different Australian regions. This may confuse some of the travellers. So, in a simple way, the travellers travelling to Southern Australia, a PCR test taken within 24 hours is mandatory. And, for people going to Western Australia, a rapid antigen test taken within 12 hours is mandatory.
- Optimum preparedness: Travellers travelling to Australia in the coming weeks should be prepared, stay updated with all the latest guidelines and follow the COVID rules of respective territories religiously.
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Australia is warmly welcoming international citizens; the country is all set to offer the world’s one of the best adventurous experiences to international citizens. But one must not forget that the pandemic guidelines are ever evolving, and one must continue to take safety measures for overall well-being. Constant vigilance is key to safe travels!
SOURCE: KALKNE MEDIA
