Travelling to Australia During the Pandemic: What You Need to Know
November marks the start of Australia’s lift on its international arrival caps. Soon, Sydney Airport will become Australia’s gateway to people coming into the country. Yet, only selected individuals can go in and out of Australia amidst the global Covid-19 pandemic. Find out what to expect when travelling to Australia as you read along.
Who are authorised to travel to Australia?
Although Australia will be relaxing its policies regarding international travel, not everyone can immediately book a flight to the country. Only fully vaccinated citizens, permanent residents, and their families can travel to Australia starting November 2021. The recognised vaccines in Australia include Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.
The Federal Government will not be issuing some visas as well to lessen the number of people travelling to and from the country. This is also to prioritise the return of Australians who have long been stuck overseas throughout the pandemic.
Note also that after 1 November, temporary visa holders may leave the country. After that, however, they would not be allowed back in.
Is Australia going to fully open its borders in all its territories?
No, Australia will not be opening flights and encouraging travels in all territories. Instead, Australia will do a “gradual reopening” of its international borders in select areas only.
States like New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory with 80% full vaccination rates will be the first ones to open their borders. Tasmania and Victoria are also set to reach 80% in early November, while Southern Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland are due to reach the target by December.
However, reaching the 80% threshold does not automatically lead to a gradual reopening of a border. For example, areas like Western Australia are not expected to resume international travel until 2022. Meanwhile, other regions are looking to try out home quarantine programs to allow more international arrivals in the near future.
People travelling outside New South Wales from overseas will be subject to state border rules upon arrival in Sydney. That means these people would not be able to travel home without quarantining per state rules.
For more information on travelling to each Australian state or territory, you can stay updated at the following links: New South Wales
Queensland
South Australia
Northern Territory
What are your options for Australia accommodation?
As of the time of writing, travelling interstate in Australia is not yet fully permitted. Some restrictions still apply, and there are areas that are more difficult to visit than others.
Still, it would help to have booked accommodation for your planned visit to Australia.
Fortunately, travellers from overseas will find numerous lodging options all around the country. Here are some of the Aussie accommodations to look at if you are travelling to Australia soon:
Cornwall House Accommodation
Cornwall House Accommodation is a 12-room motel on the Albany Highway in Kojonup, Western Australia.
The Palms Motel Dubbo
The Palms Motel Dubbo is a motel at 39 Cobra Street, Dubbo.
The Savoy Hotel
The Savoy Hotel is a 40-room hotel in Knox Street, Double Bay.
Book Your Accommodation in Australia Prior to Arrival
Are you planning to travel to Australia from another country or interstate? Make sure that you know the most important details about the travel regulations before you hop on that plane. That way, you can make sure that you do not experience any complications during your trip.
It would also help to know more about your booked accommodation so that you can plot your daily itinerary accordingly. Happy planning, and we hope to see you Down Under soon!