Highlights
- All visa holders will soon be able to travel to Australia without declaring Covid-19 vaccination status or obtaining an exemption.
- Mask rules stay in place.
- The changes come into effect from 12.01 am on Wednesday, July 6 2022.
Following changes to the Biosecurity Act, the border restrictions enforced in response to COVID-19 will also be dropped this week.
While the requirement to fill out a digital passenger declaration (DPD) will be scrapped, the mask rules for incoming flights will remain in place.
Health minister Mark Butler stated that travellers must still comply with any remaining COVID-19 requirements of airlines and shipping operators, as well as other countries, states and territories.
“This currently includes wearing masks on inbound international flights. State and territory orders mandating masks on domestic flights also remain in place," said Mr Butler.
The Albanese government announced the changes would come into effect on Wednesday, July 6 - based on advice from Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly.
COVID-19 border restrictions to be lifted from midnight on Wednesday 6 July 2022. Source: AAP
The home affairs minister Clare O’Neil said this is ‘great news’ and the passengers will find this as one less thing to worry about while travelling.
"Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports but will also encourage more visitors and skilled workers to choose Australia as a destination,” said Ms Neil.
It will also no longer be necessary to complete a Maritime Travel Declaration for those arriving by sea.
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COVID-19 vaccination requirements to be lifted for international arrivals in Australia
SBS Punjabi
04/07/202203:14
