The Albanese government announced that from 12:01 AM on 6 July 2022, Australia will finally end its COVID-19 entry restrictions.
The international border finally opens in full – more than two years after the pandemic began.
“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,” Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said.
With this decision, filling out a Digital Passenger Declaration is also no longer required. The DPD system is supposed to replace the paper-based incoming passenger card, but Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said the technology still “needs a lot more work to make it user friendly”.
Passengers are still required to fill out a paper-based incoming passenger card.
The Department of Home Affairs has also released the following notes:
- People entering Australia do not need to provide evidence of vaccination status
- People entering Australia do not need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration
- People leaving Australia will not be asked to provide evidence of their vaccination status
- Unvaccinated visa holders do not need a travel exemption to travel to Australia
“Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers to choose Australia as a destination… And for Australian citizens, with the removal of these requirements, returning home will be much easier,” said O’Neil.
Incoming arrivals still need to follow any remaining rules of airlines and shipping operators, like wearing masks on inbound international flights.
Travellers must remember that domestic rules still vary by state. For those who got COVID-19, most states and territories require you to report test results if using a rapid antigen test (RAT) and self-quarantine for seven days or until you no longer have symptoms.
For state-specific restrictions and additional post-arrival testing requirements, make sure to check the following pages:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Western Australia
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Australian Capital Territory
The information provided is for general use only and should NOT be taken as Migration Advice. For information about your circumstances, please contact Milestone Migration for immigration assistance.
