For Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents

Once home quarantine pilots in New South Wales and South Australia are complete, it is anticipated states and territories will be ready to roll out:

• 7-day home quarantine for Australian citizens and Permanent Residents who are fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA Approved Vaccine). Travel caps for this cohort will be removed.

• 14-day Hotel quarantine and travel caps will remain for anyone who is not double vaccinated with a vaccine approved or recognised by the TGA.

Exemptions for those who are unable to be vaccinated due to age or a medical condition will be treated the same as those who are fully vaccinated.

While the system is set to commence in November, the above program may occur at different times for different states and territories based on their individual vaccination rates.

Recognition of Covishield/Coronavac, Quarantine-Free Travel and Vaccination proof:

In addition, the following has been announced to support the opening of restrictions:

• Quarantine free travel for certain countries, such as New Zealand, will be considered when it is safe to do so. While there was no specific mention of other countries, it is expected these will be named as and when agreements are under consideration.

• Testing is expected to continue to be required for international travel.

• Internationally recognised proof of vaccination will be accessible to Australians travelling abroad via a globally accepted QR Code.

• To assist the large number of Australians who can return, flights into any state or territory that agrees to 7-day home quarantine will be facilitated.

• The TGA has published its initial assessment of the data on the protection offered by common vaccines around the world – particularly in India and Asia.

• The TGA are set to ‘recognise’ a number of these vaccines, including Coronavac (Sinovac) and Covishield (AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India).

What does this mean for non-Australian Citizens and Permanent Residences?

Much to the dissappointment of students, skilled migrants, and those desperate to reunite with the Australian partners, children and families, the joint statement released did not mention travel changes for non Australian Citizens/Permanent Residents.

In a press conference today, 01 OCT 2021, Prime Minister Morrison verbally stated that it is expected students and skilled migrants will take next priority, and can look forward to travelling to Australia ‘next year’. Exactly when remains to be seen, however we do anticipate announcements in the coming months.

While the above may not be the welcome news many temporary visa holders and prospective applicants had hoped for, it is a step forward in Australia’s National Plan to Get Australia back to normal. We look forward to bringing you more good news over the coming months, and seeing so many of you being able to move forward with your life in Australia. 

Source: Joint media statement – Next Steps to Reopen to the World