International students waiting to return to Australia might finally have their patience served. The PM confirmed that the country will open from December 15 to eligible visa holders: international students and skilled migrants. Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said that the country would open as planned, and that the plan was decided on with advice from the PM, the National Cabinet and the Chief Medical Officer.
According to the update, international skilled and student visa holders, as well as humanitarian, working holiday, and provisional family visa holders, should be able to cross the border starting December 15. The easing of restrictions means that fully vaccinated visa holders will no longer be required to secure an exemption to travel into the country.
The December 15 arrival plan is mainly planned for students from VIC, NSW and Tasmania , since students can start their travel plans immediately. But for other states, the state governments will decide on the exact date for completely reopening of the states.
Despite the closing of Australia’s border, 250 foreign students returned to the country on December 6 under the New South Wales International Student Arrival Plan. Students from over 15 countries participated in the pilot program, including Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, China, and Canada. On December 24, a second flight carrying students is planned to arrive in Sydney.
State-wise Border Opening News
Today, WA has officially released it’s statements about when it’s borders will open. The Western Australian Government has announced 05 February 2022 as the State’s official border reopening date . No quarantine is required for arrival, but you have to be fully vaccinated before travelling, and there will be a RTPCR test on arrival.
As vaccination rates rise in New South Wales and other jurisdictions, limits on the spread of the coronavirus are poised to loosen even more. For the first time, unvaccinated persons in NSW will be allowed to enjoy the same freedoms as those who have been vaccinated. While density constraints will be removed, there remain a few guidelines to follow.
Masks will be required on public transport and planes; at airports; and indoors for front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated.
However, masks will be strongly encouraged in settings where you cannot social distance. QR code check-ins will be required mainly at hospitals, care facilities, gyms, funerals, pubs, music festivals, personal services and non essential retail stores.
Also, fully vaccinated international travelers will no longer need to quarantine when they arrive in NSW from December 15. However, people must still do a PCR test and if they are not fully vaccinated, quarantine on arrival for 14 days.
After December 15, Victoria’s mask mandate is scheduled to be modified in retail settings, bringing it in line with NSW’s provisions.
The Victorian Government, however, has been unable to confirm the changes because to the state’s new pandemic legislation.
The new regulations will replace Victoria’s state of emergency tomorrow, barring the government from predicting rule changes or making them public before they go through “appropriate processes.”
Travelers from anywhere in Australia will be permitted to enter Tasmania starting December 15, as long as they are properly vaccinated. Within 72 hours of travel, those from high-risk locations must return a negative test result. If they return a negative PCR test 72 hours before their arrival, fully vaccinated overseas tourists will likewise be exempt from quarantine beginning December 15.
