IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Australian government has eased entry restrictions for individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • Under a change that took effect Dec. 15, fully vaccinated travelers will be able to enter Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption if they hold certain visas, including but not limited to:
    • Subclass 400 – Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visas.
    • Subclass 403 – Temporary Work (International Relations) visas.
    • Subclass 407 – Training visas.
    • Subclass 408 – Temporary Activity visas.
    • Subclass 457 – Temporary Work (Skilled) visas.
    • Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage visas.
    • Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate visas.
    • Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visas.
    • Subclass 500 – Student visas.
  • Individuals on a bridging visa awaiting the outcome of their visa application still need a travel exemption to enter or exit Australia.

Additional Information: The Australian government intended to ease its entry restrictions on Dec. 1 but postponed their implementation because of the Omicron variant. Travelers should check health and quarantine requirements for the state or territory which they are entering. More information on specific state and territory requirements can be found here. When traveling to Australia, individuals will be required to show airline personnel their International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) or foreign vaccinate certificate that meets Australian travel requirements.

BAL Analysis: Eligible fully vaccinated visa holders will face fewer barriers when traveling to Australia. Additional visa subclasses may be added over time as the virus situation improves. 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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