COVID-19: Reopening plan to be implemented

The Australian government will reopen its borders and reduce restrictions dependent on the percentage of the country’s vaccinated population.

Key Points:

• After 70% of the population has been vaccinated, the government will:
  • Return the incoming passenger cap for unvaccinated arrivals to 6,060 arrivals nationally per week and increase the cap for fully vaccinated arrivals.
  • Allow a capped entry of student and economic visa holders (186 and 482 visas).
  • Reduce quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travelers.

• Once 80% of the population has been vaccinated, the government will:
  • Remove all caps on returning fully vaccinated Australians.
  • Lift all travel restrictions for fully vaccinated Australians leaving the country.
  • Increase the capped entry of student, economic and humanitarian visa holders.
  • Slowly reopen international travel with select countries.
• After 80% of the population has been vaccinated, the government will gradually:
  • Reopen its borders to all international travel.
  • Remove all caps on international arrivals and quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travelers.
  • Allow unvaccinated travelers to enter the country but subject them to pre- and post-arrival testing as well as a quarantine.

Additional information: The Australian government has yet to announce which vaccines it will recognize for travel and immigration purposes.

BAL Analysis: Australia expects it will reach 70% vaccination status in late October or early November and the 80% vaccination status in December of this year. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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