Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Australia has confirmed it will lift a ban next week that has prevented its own citizens travelling overseas without permission.
Australians have spent 19 months under some of the world’s strictest border rules, in an effort to keep out Covid-19.
From 1 November people will no longer need an exemption to leave the country – provided they are fully vaccinated.
Only Australians are eligible but some rules for foreigners will be relaxed soon, the government said.
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said that before the end of the year, they are anticipate welcoming fully vaccinated skilled workers and international students.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison had foreshadowed the reopening of Australia’s border, saying it was “time to give Australians their lives back”.
The changes have been met with delight by Australians and others globally. Many have spent long periods separated from loved ones.
Mr Morrison has said Australia is “very close” to agreeing to a travel bubble with Singapore. On Tuesday the Asian city-state said it would allow fully vaccinated Australians, permanent residents and their families to enter without quarantine from 8 November.
But states such as Queensland and Western Australia have threatened to keep their borders closed until vaccine rates are even higher.
Tags: Australia, australia tourism, Tourism
