Australia Removes Compulsory Testing for Vaccinated Travelers

Entry into Australia will soon be made even easier for holidaymakers who are fully vaccinated. As the Australian news portal ABC News reports, travelers from abroad will no longer have to take a PCR test before departure from April 17th.

According to the report, Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt also announced that other corona measures, including restrictions on cruise ships, are to expire in mid-April. You can then travel to Australia again, but travelers must be at least twice vaccinated.

Rescinded on the advice of the health adviser

Hunt is following the advice of the Australian government’s health adviser in lifting testing. “Given that vaccination requirements and masking requirements remain in place, the medical advice is that the test is no longer required,” said Australia’s health minister.

The continuing obligation to present proof of vaccination and the obligation to wear masks on airplanes are intended to keep the risk of skyrocketing infection rates low despite the lifting of the obligation to carry out tests. Hunt had previously consulted with the managing directors of the airlines Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia Airlines about maintaining the mask requirement.

Travelers must observe these rules upon entry

Tourists have been able to travel all over Australia again since March 3rd. After most states had already opened their borders to travelers from abroad on February 21, the state of Western Australia followed suit in early March .

But even if the obligation to test will soon be abolished, holidaymakers must meet a number of requirements in order to be allowed to enter Australia. In addition to a valid visa, travelers must present a valid vaccination certificate. Children under the age of twelve are exempt from the rule.

Unvaccinated persons may only enter Australia with a special permit. In addition, tourists must fill out an entry declaration including information on their state of health and accessibility at least 72 hours before entering the country. There is no quarantine requirement.