Highlights
- Australia announces to reopen its international borders from February 21
- Since March 2020, the borders have been closed to non-Australians
- Separated families say 'they can't wait for the reunions'
Nearly two years after Australian borders slammed shut due to the pandemic, Australia is finally reopening for foreign travel.
Australia's borders will reopen to international tourists from all over the world from February 21, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced.
"If you are double vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming the world back to Australia," he said.
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said unvaccinated travellers will be required travel exemptions and have to follow state-specific quarantine requirements if allowed entrance.
Since the international border was opened late last year, only Australian citizens, residents and their families, skilled migrants and students have been allowed entry, provided they are double vaccinated.
A sigh of relief for many
In October 2021, the Australian border was opened to immediate family members of Australians and permanent residents, but many other visa holders in Australia were looking forward to seeing their families here.
Twenty-five-year-old Lovepreet Kaur is a student visa holder and young mum waiting to reunite with her parents.
Many in Australia were looking forward to seeing their families here. Source: Getty Images
She said she wasn't prepared to go through the life-changing experience of birthing and bringing up a child alone, without any family support.
"This was the time when my son would have loved having his grandparents around.
"It was impossible to visit our family overseas or to bring any family member here during this crucial time of my life," said Ms Kaur, who is a Melbourne-based mum of a two-year-old.
At last, we will have a sigh of relief after the hardest two years of our life.
"I can't wait to see my parents here in Australia," she said.
The tourism industry had been lobbying the government to lift the ban on tourists arrivals.
The announcement is a boost for tourist industry. Source: Getty
"During the next two weeks, the tourism industry will have the opportunity to gear up for welcoming international visitors to Australia, " Mr Morrison said.
He further said the new border rules will be implemented on February 21 after seeking further medical advice.
"The reopening is an important milestone in the development of Australia," he said.
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