Australian Government scraps exemption for overseas travel
Share
Fully vaccinated Australians will no longer need to apply for an exemption to leave the country once the restrictions on the international borders have been eased.
With overseas flights set to resume on November 1, Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed the exemption will be scrapped on that date.
Aside from this, Singapore also announced that it would allow Australians to travel to the country without quarantine starting November 8.
“Over half a million Australians have already been able to download the international vaccine certificate,” The Prime Minister said.
“We are very close now to the reciprocal arrangements with Singapore.”
The changes to the exemptions were made in line with the rising vaccination rates across the country.
“We want Australians to be able to reunite with their loved ones, whether it’s for births, weddings or just to visit family,” Health Minister Greg Hunt said.
Under the current rules, Australians will need to prove that they are fully vaccinated by an approved or recognised vaccine via a secure QR code.
Although vaccines are only approved for people aged 12 and over, the travel changes will also apply to children under 12.
Those who aren’t vaccinated will still need an exemption to travel overseas and will be subject to travel caps.
As international borders are eased, Australian citizens, permanent residents and their families will be let into the country first.
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the Australian Government was looking to welcome skilled workers and international students back by the end of the year.
“I look forward to further easing restrictions over coming weeks and months as more and more Australians become fully vaccinated,” she said.
“The Morrison government stands ready to once more welcome a significant number of fully vaccinated people across Australia’s international border.”
The easing of international border restrictions comes as the Prime Minister said the first-dose rate in Australia had surpassed the rate in the United States.
“The national plan is working. The national plan is about opening Australia up and that is because the vaccination rates are climbing so high,” The Prime Minister said.
With AAP
Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.
