The federal government could allow some Australians vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel overseas within 6-8 weeks under a pilot program, health minister Greg Hunt reportedly told parliamentary colleagues on Tuesday. According to The Guardian, fully vaccinated Australians could soon be permitted to leave the country without having to apply for a travel restriction exemption. People … Continued
On 25 March 2020, the Australian government banned its citizens and permanent residents from leaving the country without a travel exemption as an emergency coronavirus measure. Fourteen months later, the temporary ban is still in force (with the exception of travel to New Zealand) and there are no signs of it being repealed anytime soon. … Continued
Earlier this year, Devon Indig’s partner Shalini needed to fly to the Netherlands for three months to care for her ageing mother. With Australia’s border closed and a high risk of getting bumped off a return flight back to Australia, it was a difficult and risky endeavour. It could have also been very expensive. There … Continued
Australia’s international borders will not reopen to most countries until at least mid-2022, the federal government has predicted in this week’s budget. “Inbound and outbound international travel is expected to remain low through to mid 2022, after which a gradual recovery in international tourism is assumed to occur,” according to budget documents. The truth is … Continued
Qantas says it has already sold “a lot” of international flights for travel in late 2021 and early 2022, with the UK and United States among the most popular destinations. Other than trans-Tasman and ad-hoc repatriation flights, Qantas has not operated international passenger flights since March 2020 due to Australia’s ongoing international border closure. But … Continued