COVID-19 DPD scrapped

THE Australian Government is seeking to address skilled worker shortages and ongoing airport delays by cutting the red tape needed to enter the country.

Yesterday, Australia’s Federal Home Affairs Minister, Clare O’Neil, confirmed the scrapping of the Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) for travellers to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status following changes to the Biosecurity Act.

The update will become active from this Wed, and follows medical advice from the Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly, who said it was “no longer necessary for travellers to declare their vaccine status as part of our management of COVID.”

O’Neil added the latest changes would lighten the stress currently experienced by Australian travellers in what continues to be a challenging travel environment.

“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 Aussies get back to travelling overseas,” 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,” she added.

The Minister also noted that after listening to feedback about the DPD, “it needs a lot more work to make it user-friendly”, confirming that the plan is still for the digital form to replace the paper based incoming passenger card “in time”.

Those arriving by sea will also benefit, no longer needing to complete a Maritime Travel Declaration, however airlines, cruise ship operators and other countries may still have specific requirements to comply with.