From Wednesday, travellers will be allowed to enter and leave Australia without needing to disclose their COVID vaccination status.
Health minister Mark Butler issued a statement at the weekend announcing the entry requirement changes would come into effect from 12.01 am on July 6.
“The Australian government makes decisions on COVID-related issues after considering the latest medical advice.
“The chief medical officer has advised it is no longer necessary for travellers to declare their vaccine status as part of our management of COVID,” Butler said.
The government has amended the Biosecurity Act 2015 to reflect the eased requirements for travelling to Australia.
The government has ordered an urgent review of Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine contracts, as new subvariants sweep across the country and case numbers remain high.@Mark_Butler_MP is the Federal Health Minister and he joins us shortly.
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The minister further noted people flying in and out of the country needed to continue to abide by the rules of other countries, states and territories. State and territory orders mandating masks on domestic flights remain in place.
Airlines and shopping operators would also have their own rules, such as continuing to wear masks for inbound international flights.
“Unvaccinated Australians, as well as certain groups of visa holders, have been able to travel to Australia for some time.
“We will continue to act on the medical advice as needed,” Butler added.
Qantas firm on vaccination rule for overseas arrivals
From Wednesday international visitors to Australia will no longer have to show proof of Covid vaccination to enter the country unless they are flying in on a Qantas flight.