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 10-room motel located in Kojonup, Western Australia, at the heart of The Great Southern Region of WA. All rooms in Cornwall House Accommodation are airconditioned and equipped with ensuite bathrooms.
The rooms are non-smoking, and they come with Wi-Fi, a television, a refrigerator, and tea & coffee making facilities. This motel also has free onsite parking, and rooms have reverse cycle air-conditioning. To book this motel, guests may call on +61898310214 or email stay@cornwallhouseaccommodation.com.au.
The Palms Motel Dubbo
The Palms Motel Dubbo is a comfortable accommodation located in New South Wales’s Orana Region. Ideal for families and solo travellers, this motel is known for its tropical feel, especially with its towering palm trees and saltwater pool. Important note: only vaccinated individuals are allowed to check in to this motel.
The motel has air-conditioned, non-smoking rooms, Wi-Fi, a television with Netflix, and barbeque facilities. In addition, they offer free breakfast tray service, delivered by staff straight to the guests’ doorsteps. They also have free car parking.
If you are eyeing a vacation in Dubbo, book with The Palms Motel Dubbo by calling 1800 185 322 or sending an email to bookings@tpmd.com.au .
The Savoy Hotel
The Savoy Hotel Double Bay is one of the best value small hotels in Sydney. This hotel offers personalised accommodation services and features excellent facilities. Some of the in-room amenities offered are tea & coffee making facilities, flat screen television, ensuite bathroom, and reverse cycle air conditioning. The rooms in Savoy Hotel are also non-smoking.
Many alfresco cafes and restaurants, fashion boutiques, and other attractions of Double Bay are easily accessible when you choose The Savoy Hotel as your Sydney accommodation. The hotel also comes with free parking.
To book a room or enquire about reservations, call 1800 811 846 or send an email to info@savoyhotel.com.au.
Garden Court Albury
Garden Court Motel is a luxury accommodation in New South Wales that is built to exceed guests’ expectations. Their rooms come with plush beddings, and the interior boasts of a cosy atmosphere sure to provide peace and comfort to guests staying over. Some in-room amenities include a flat screen TV, microwave, and spacious bathrooms.
From double rooms to two-bedroom apartments, Garden Court Motel provides various options to its guests. To book rooms, you may call (02) 6021 6244 or send an email to info@gardencourtmotel.com.au.
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!