Dust off your suitcases because the Federal Government has outlined the plan to reopen Australia\u2019s international borders from November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed earlier today that Australia\u2019s international border will reopen for states which have reached 80% vaccination rates, with New South Wales amongst the first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Within weeks, large parts of the country will be moving to Phase B and then to Phase C of the National Plan to safely reopen Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under Phase C, international travel is on track to reopen safely to fully vaccinated Australian travellers. Many countries around the world have now safely reopened to international travel and it will shortly be time for Australia to take the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following completion of home quarantine pilots in New South Wales and South Australia, it is anticipated that states and territories that are ready to do so will roll out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Australian citizens and permanent residents who cannot be vaccinated – for example if they are under 12 or have a medical condition – will be treated as vaccinated for the purposes of their travel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Prime Minister says states and territories will begin this program at different times given their varying vaccination rates but we expect the system to commence in November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Australians who want to travel overseas once restrictions are removed will be able to access an internationally recognised proof of vaccination document in the coming weeks to prove their vaccination status abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proof of vaccination for international travel will include a QR code that is readable globally, and will comply with the standards set out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Engagement with commercial airlines and foreign governments has already begun to ensure they are familiar with the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Prime Minister also confirmed the Federal Government is working towards completely quarantine-free travel with countries such as New Zealand when it is safe to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Testing is still expected to be a requirement for travellers, with the Federal Government saying Rapid Antigen Tests may be used but that is still subject to further medical advice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s time to give Australians their lives back. We\u2019ve saved lives. We\u2019ve saved livelihoods, but we must work together to ensure that Australians can reclaim the lives that they once had in this country, and we must work together to achieve that goal. That\u2019s what the national plan is all about. Australia will be ready for takeoff very soon,\u201d Mr Morrison said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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