The Australian government has announced that unvaccinated travellers can enter Australia from today.
Unvaccinated Australians, as well as certain visa holders, have been allowed to enter the country since earlier this year, but from today (6th July 2022, Wednesday), all visitors will be able to travel to and from Australia without being required to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status.
A statement from the Department of Health and Aged Care said that decision had been made based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer. It adds:
Travellers must still comply with any remaining Covid-19 requirements of airlines and shipping operators, as well as other countries and states and territories.
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These include the wearing of masks on inbound international flights, as well as state and territory orders mandating masks on domestic flights.
Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, said:
The Australian Government makes decisions on Covid related issues after considering the latest medical advice. The Chief Medical Officer has advised it is no longer necessary for travellers to declare their vaccine status as part of our management of Covid. Unvaccinated Australians, as well as certain groups of visa holders, have been able to travel to Australia for some time. We will continue to act on the medical advice as needed.
Since February 2022, fully vaccinated international travellers are allowed to enter Australia, marking the first time since the onset of COVID-19 in March 2020 that most international travellers were able to visit the country.
What do you think of Australia opening up to unvaccinated travellers? Let me know in the comments section below.
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