Travellers planning a trip to Australia can expect the strict restrictions and entry requirements to relax just in time for the upcoming holidays. Starting December 1, the country will open its international borders to foreign travellers with eligible visas, including working holidaymakers. Are you vaccinated and up for an extended trip Down Under? Here, we put together everything you need to know when planning a trip to Australia.
Who Can Travel To Australia?
Starting December 1, fully vaccinated Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible visa holders will be able to travel to Australia without travel exemption. According to Australia’s prime minister Scott Morrison, eligible visa holders include skilled workers and international students, as well as working holidaymaker, humanitarian, temporary, and provisional family visa holders.
Vaccine Exemptions
Exceptions may be granted to travellers who can provide acceptable proof that they can’t get vaccinated due to medical reasons. There are also arrangements in place for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children from ages 12 to 17. Children under 12 years of age are considered fully vaccinated for travel purposes.
International Safe Travel Zones
Four countries—New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, and Korea—are part of the international safe travel zones. This means that fully vaccinated citizens of these countries can travel from their home countries to Australia quarantine-free without needing a travel exemption.
What Is The Working Holiday Maker Program?
For travellers who want to see the best of Oz, the Working Holiday Maker program is an excellent option. It grants visitors from participating countries and between 18 and 30 years old a 12-month visa to Australia—and they can even work in the country during this extended vacation! Through this program, eligible visitors can have a longer holiday in the country, get to know the local landscape better, and see more of the iconic attractions.
The visa costs AUD495. The application process can take up to three months.
Find out more about the Working Holiday Maker program here.
What About Quarantine—Is It Required?
Travellers are expected to comply with the quarantine requirements in their destination state or territory. As of writing, New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory have announced that they will allow quarantine-free international travel.
Travel Requirements
- Proof of vaccination, either an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate if you were vaccinated in Australia or a foreign vaccination certificate
- Negative PCR test result taken within three days before departure
- Australia Travel Declaration accomplished at least 72 hours before departure
Things To Do In Australia
Not that you’ve made it Down Under, it’s time to start crafting your travel bucket list! The boundless land of Australia is home to innumerable natural and cultural attractions—even with a year-long visa under your belt, you’ll never run out of things to do!
- Discover the perfect white shores of Whitsunday Islands
- Journey to the spiritual heart of Australia and marvel at Uluru’s sacred sites
- Go on an epic road trip along the Great Ocean Road
- Hop on a hot air balloon ride over Byron Bay
- Marvel at the vibrant marine world with a scuba diving and snorkelling tour of the Great Barrier Reef
- …and many more!
For the latest travel news and awesome travel deals, visit KKday.
*Featured photo via Pixabay