Two years after the world’s strictest Covid-19 regulations were imposed in Australia, the Government has decided to open its borders to tourists. On Sunday, one day ahead of the border relaxations, the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, was quoted as saying,
“Pack your bags and carry your money – there are plenty of places to spend it”.
In 2020, the country closed its borders to all international tourists amid a massive outbreak of the Coronavirus. At the time, the country witnessed the highest infection rate globally and was forced to close its borders to all but returning citizens. “Fortress Australia”, as it was called after the measures, cost businesses over AUD 3.6 billion (USD 2.59 billion) per month. The tourism sector witnessed the most significant drop in business in the country during this time. International tourists to the island nation make up an estimated 70% of visitors to the country. Various tour operators have expressed relief and delight at opening the country’s borders.
Completely vaccinated tourists can visit for a vacation to the island nation from today, assisting and augmenting the country’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
The revival of foreign tourism underscores a crucial breakthrough for coronavirus recuperation strategies. But, then, the Government vastly restricted past arrivals in Australia to the country’s citizens, permanent residents, and international pupils.
Overseas travel bugs can now arrive into all Australian states and territories without quarantining themselves. Western Australia is set to open its borders after March 3rd 2022.
The border reopening declaration arrives after Australia’s borders locked up on March 20th, 2020, to contest the spread of the Coronavirus after it was detected in several continents across the globe.
Approximately 60 international flights will arrive in the preliminary 24 hours after the border reopening. Planes will fly from numerous nations like the USA, Canada, the UK, Singapore, Japan, and the UAE.
New rules for tourists in Australia
The people entering the Australian geography must have inoculated two doses of a pre-approved COVID19 vaccine. However, the Government has not yet made a booster dose compulsory.
Unvaccinated tourists who do not possess a medical exemption must subject themselves to a hotel quarantine for 7 to 14 days, depending on their arrival situation.
Visitors also need to undergo a PCR or rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arriving at their lodging and mustn’t travel in public transportation.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison reassured citizens that the reopening of its borders was a deliberate and safe measure. The PM urged itchy feet individuals to pack their bags and book a holiday to the island nation.
Tourism Australia is expending USD 40 million to lure international tourists towards the Commonwealth of Australia. The island country entices most tourists from New Zealand, South Korea, China, Japan, the UK, the US, and Singapore.
