Australia’s International Travel Reopening Phases
The countdown begins for Australia’s return to international travel. The government recently published its four-phase plan to exit lockdown, revealing that borders will reopen once 80% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison shared detailed insights about this strategic plan to transition away from lockdown. Underpinned by vaccination targets, the plan aims to methodically lift local and state-wide restrictions while gradually reopening international borders. Below, we break down each phase and its implications for travel.
Phase A (Current Phase)
Australia is currently in Phase A of the plan, which is a suppression stage. Several states and territories are in lockdown as officials strive to manage the virus through extensive vaccine rollouts.
Phase B (Transition Phase)
Transitioning to Phase B will occur once 70% of the eligible population is vaccinated. During this phase, lockdowns should be less likely, and unique regulations will be established for vaccinated individuals. Entry for student and business visa holders will be capped, along with newly devised quarantine instructions for vaccinated travelers.
Prime Minister Morrison stated, “We will allow capped entry of student and economic visa holders, subject to quarantine arrangements and availability, and will introduce new reduced quarantine arrangements for vaccinated residents.”
Phase C (Consolidation Phase)
Once the vaccination goal is achieved, Australia will advance to Phase C, which will occur when 80% of the adult population is vaccinated. During this phase, international borders will gradually reopen, with no caps on returning vaccinated Australians. Additionally, vaccinated individuals will be allowed to travel abroad. The travel bubble with New Zealand will also be expanded to include countries with comparable vaccination rates.
As Morrison noted, “There will be a gradual reopening of inward and outbound international travel with safe countries, those that have the same sort of vaccination levels that Australia.”
Phase D (Final Phase)
The final phase of the government’s plan will mark a return to pre-pandemic conditions, where COVID-19 can be managed effectively, allowing for a sustainable return to international travel.
“The final phase will see the opening of international borders. Quarantine will apply only for high-risk inbound travel, focusing on minimizing community cases without ongoing restrictions or lockdowns,” Morrison affirmed.
Currently, there is no definitive timeline for when Australia will progress through these phases; it largely depends on vaccine availability and distribution. However, Morrison anticipates that Australia will reach Phase B before the end of the year. As of now, approximately 14% of the population is fully vaccinated, according to statistics from Our World In Data.
Australia is known for its stringent international travel regulations, which have played a key role in effectively controlling the virus spread. The current strategy also incorporates contact tracing, mask mandates, social distancing, and targeted lockdowns during outbreaks.
This article was first published on May 6 and updated on June 30, 2021.
