Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday that Australia’s borders will reopen to visitors on February 21, removing arguably of the world’s tightest and longest-running pandemic travel restrictions.
After a meeting of the national security cabinet, Morrison said, “It’s been over two years since we made the decision to close the borders to Australia.”
He announced the borders will reopen to all visa holders “on the 21st of February of this year,” adding, “if you’re double vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back to Australia.”
Australia’s borders slammed shut in March 2020 in the hope of protecting the island continent against a surging global pandemic.
For most of the time since then, Australians have been barred from leaving and only a handful of visitors have been granted exemptions to enter.
The rules have stranded nationals overseas, split families, hammered the country’s multi-billion-dollar tourist industry, and prompted often bitter debates about Australia’s status as a modern, open and outward-looking nation.
Every month of border closures has cost businesses an estimated US$2.6 billion (R40 billion), according to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The latest decision will see almost all remaining caps lifted.
It comes after the country’s long-standing “Covid-zero” policy was abandoned, vaccination rates rose and the once stellar track-and-trace system collapsed under a wave of Omicron cases.
Only a handful of countries remain closed to tourists – among them Japan, China, New Zealand and several Pacific Island nations.
For Australia’s travel and tourism sector – which struggled as visitor numbers fell almost 98% compared to pre-pandemic levels – the news brought elation.
“We’re very excited about being able to reopen,” said Tony Walker, managing director of the Quicksilver Group, which operates cruises, diving and resorts across the Great Barrier Reef.
“The last couple of years have been incredibly difficult for us,” he told AFP, urging people overseas to “come visit”.
During the pandemic, the firm went from 650 employees down to the 300 it has today.
Walker said he expected “it will take some time to recover” from the past two years.
Many tourism operators around Australia are experiencing staff shortages, given how few backpackers and working holidaymakers are coming to Australia.
Despite the announcement, travel within Australia will still be restricted. The vast state of Western Australia remains closed to most non-residents. It is currently easier to travel from Sydney to Paris than Sydney to Perth.
Share on Facebook «||»
Share on Twitter «||»
Share on Reddit «||»
Share on LinkedIn Read Related News On TDPel Media
Advertisement
Government of Australia has respond to Iranian official’s doing that Iranians will not be deported from Australia despite ‘threatening and intimidating’: Australian Government’s Response to Iranian Officials’ Actions The federal government of Australia has opted not to deport Iranian officials involved in harassing Iranian expatriates residing...
Time for ‘Eat Pray Love’ travels as Bali announces reopening of borders: Bali has long been a favoured destination for tourists from all over the world. The island, located in the Indonesian Archipelago, is known for its...
Ukrainian children among soldiers trained by military to defend their borders from Russian invasion (photos): Children as young as four have been pictured receiving military training at an intensive volunteer boot camp as Ukraine’s military intensifies its defensive efforts in anticipation...
Doctors Without Borders call on South Africa’s government to revoke Eli Lilly and Moderna’s COVID-19 and mRNA vaccine: The international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the People’s Health Movement (PHM) are calling on the South African government to...
FG lists borders for Nigerians fleeing Ukraine to Poland: Nigerians fleeing the Ukraine-Russian conflict can use the following borders to enter Poland, according to the Federal Government. On Saturday, February 26, Chairman of the...
Nigerians and other Blacks denied access to Poland borders: Nigerians and other Africans are being denied entry into Poland. Blacks, especially Nigerians, have remained at the border for four days and counting, according to...
How to Cross Borders Legally with Your Car: Everything You Need to Know: What You Need to Cross Borders Legally with Your Car Crossing borders with your car can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to...
Beyond Borders: Naked Attraction Star Dom’s Quest for Love Takes an Unexpected Turn, Tackling Long-Distance Challenges and Unearthing Unforeseen Connections: Naked Attraction star Dom faced a setback when his chosen date, Tamara, expressed reservations about a potential relationship due to “long-distance” issues. Despite this initial...
Love Across Borders: A Romantic Odyssey Interrupted by Family Boundaries in Nigeria: Title: A Wedding Cancelled: Traditional Probes and Abroad Boundaries A Startling Decision: Canceling the Wedding In a surprising turn of events, a family stirred headlines...
Patriotic Alliance leader, Gayton McKenzie, respondes defiantly to Defence Minister Thandi Modise’s criticism of the party’s involvement in patrolling the country’s borders: Patriotic Alliance Responds to Defence Minister’s Criticism on Border Patrol Defence Minister’s Disapproval Patriotic Alliance leader, Gayton McKenzie, responded defiantly to Defence Minister Thandi Modise’s...