Australia: Relaxation of Border Restrictions Forthcoming
November 22, 2021
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At a Glance
Effective December 1, 2021, the Australian government will be introducing new rules that will result in the relaxation of entry and quarantine requirements for certain types of temporary visa holders and citizens. The changes include:
- Certain fully vaccinated temporary visa holders will be able to enter Australia without obtaining a travel exemption, as currently required; and
- Fully vaccinated citizens of Japan and the Republic of Korea who hold a valid Australian visa will be able to enter Australia quarantine-free to participating states and territories in Australia
The situation
Effective December 1, 2021, fully vaccinated eligible temporary visa holders, including Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa holders, will be able to enter Australia without obtaining a travel exemption, as currently required. Fully vaccinated Japanese and South Korean citizens will also be able to enter Australia quarantine-free to participating states and territories in Australia.
A closer look
| CHANGE | DETAILS | IMPACT |
| Entry without travel exemption for eligible visa holders |
|
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| Quarantine-free entry for Japanese and South Korean citizens |
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Eligible Japanese and South Korean citizens will benefit from a relaxed entry rule which will result in a faster lead time to enter and possibly work in Australia. |
Background
- Phased re-opening of Australia’s borders. The changes are in line with the Australian government’s National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response which involves phased measures of re-opening from a pre-vaccination phase to a post-vaccination phase that will re-open Australia’s borders to international travel.
- Growing list of quarantine-free countries. Japan and South Korea will be the latest additions to a growing list of countries that will be eligible for quarantine-free travel into Australia. Starting on November 21, 2021, fully vaccinated Singaporean citizens were allowed to enter Australia quarantine-free and quarantine-free travel with New Zealand recommenced on November 1, 2021.
Looking ahead
It is likely that additional visa subclasses will be added to the list of ‘eligible’ visa holders who will be able to enter Australia without obtaining a travel exemption and more countries will be added to the list for quarantine-free travel as Australia continues to re-open its borders to international travel.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19-related travel bans, restrictions and concessions, among other information, check Fragomen’s dedicated website.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
