Aussies free to fly as global travel ban lifts
WITH just days to go before Australians can start travelling overseas again, DFAT has removed a broad “do not travel” global advisory that was put in place in March 2020.
Going forward, Smartraveller’s country-specific advice will be reinstated, but no country will be lower than a category 2 – “exercise a high degree of caution” – due to the ongoing risk of Covid-19.
The change comes as NSW, Victoria and the ACT prepare to allow fully vaccinated Australians and their families coming from overseas to bypass quarantine from Monday, and as Australia and Singapore finalise a quarantine-free travel bubble.
Fully vaccinated Australians will also no longer need an exemption to leave the country from November 1.
Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said moving forward, Australians would need to closely monitor what’s required of them when they travel overseas.
“We know it has been a difficult 18 months for Australians overseas trying to return, and for Australians with friends and family overseas,” Ms Payne said.
“The changes announced today are a vital next step in re-uniting Australian families and safely reopening Australia to the world.”
Tourism Minister Dan Tehan said the government was working to get international travel “back to normal as soon as we possibly can”.
“You have got to be fully vaccinated with your two doses to get out of Australia, otherwise you need to ask for an exemption,” he said.
“For all those who are fully vaccinated, as of Monday you are free to fly and leave the country and go wherever you want to go.”
Ms Payne said despite the changes on Australia’s end, border settings and quarantine in other countries would continue to change. “We strongly encourage Australians to closely monitor the Australian government’s travel advice available on smartraveller.gov.au,” she said.
“Australians will also need to consider the requirements of airlines, transit and destination countries, as well as return arrangements to Australia in making decisions.
“Fully vaccinated Australians who want to travel ... can download the international Covid vaccine certificate via MyGov to provide internationally recognised proof of their Covid-19 vaccinations.”