The Australian government has announced that from 15 December 2021, fully vaccinated eligible visa holders can now travel to Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption. Eligible visa holders are people who hold the following visas:
International students and skilled migrants to re-enter some states from 15 December
Health Minister Greg Hunt has confirmed international students and skilled migrants will be able to enter some states from Wednesday, 15 December 2021. The long-awaited return of visa holders was paused for two-weeks earlier this month, amid concerns about the global spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19.
Since that announcement, Australia’s booster rollout has been fast-tracked and medical experts now believe the variant may be milder than the Delta strain. Mr Hunt says it is now safe to slowly open the international border.
“That reopening is scheduled, will be going ahead, and has been reaffirmed over the weekend after consultation with the prime minister, with the national cabinet meeting, and with advice from the chief medical officer,” he said.
Note: Additional visa subclasses may be added over time.
This is in addition to the exemptions outlined on: Travel restrictions and exemptions.
To be considered an eligible visa holder you must hold one of the following visas. If you have applied for the visa but it has not yet been granted, you are not an eligible visa holder.
Note: Temporary visa holders who are not included in the new arrangements for eligible visa holders, may apply for an inwards exemption before they leave.
Under these arrangements, travellers must:
- Be fully vaccinated with a completed dosage of a vaccine approved or recognised by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
- Hold a valid visa for one of the eligible visa subclasses above
- Provide proof of their vaccination status
- Present a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken within three days of departure.
Travellers to Australia must comply with the quarantine requirements in the state or territory of their arrival, and any other state or territory to which they plan to travel.
Related:
From 15 December 2021, Australia will also welcome back fully vaccinated citizens from Japan and the Republic of Korea. Under these arrangements, citizens of Japan and the Republic of Korea who hold a valid Australian visa will be able to travel from their home country quarantine-free to participating states and territories, without needing to seek a travel exemption.
Under these arrangements, travellers must:
- Depart from their home country
- Be fully vaccinated with a completed dosage of a vaccine approved or recognised by the TGA
- Hold a valid Australian visa
- Provide proof of their vaccination status
- Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within three days of departure.
For further information or assistance on applying for any of the above visas, kindly contact us for a FREE and PRIVATE CONSULTATION at our KL office at 03-2300 2380 / 012-238 1380 or our Melbourne office at +614 5077 2380 / +614 3358 8377 or email to: info@auslife.com