Overseas travel in Nov?

AUSTRALIA’s ban on outbound international travel could be lifted in about eight weeks time, as the Federal Government continues to insist that the vaccination targets agreed to under its four-stage National Plan will be adhered to.

It’s understood a range of measures were discussed in Canberra last night, including progress on implementing a link to the Australian Immunisation Record which would once again allow Australians to leave the country freely.

Earlier this week Tourism Minister Dan Tehan told travel industry representatives that the 80% threshold of full vaccination for eligible Australian adults would apply based on the national average, meaning that “laggard states” would not hold up progress, particularly with strong immunisation rates in the highly populated NSW and Vic.

“The national plan makes very clear that once we hit that 80% mark then outbound travel will take place, and also that we can put in place arrangements for inbound travel as well”.

Further details are expected to be provided in the coming days, including proposed arrangements for new state-based quarantine arrangements for vaccinated travellers.

At current rates NSW and Vic will reach 80% by Nov, while Nine Publishing suggested Qld and WA may take longer but would still achieve 80% at some time in Dec.

The Govt is also in discussions with foreign administrations about recognition of vaccine status, with initial plans to only accept immunisations approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration.