Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that Australia will finally reopen to all fully vaccinated visa holders, tourists, business travellers, and other visitors from 21 February. Visa holders who are not fully vaccinated will still require a valid travel exemption to enter Australia and will be subject to state and territory quarantine requirements.

The announcement was welcomed and rejoiced by the travel industry. Here are some of the comments and reactions to Australia’s reopening.

Philip Goh, IATA’s regional vice president for Asia Pacific, comments:

“Today’s announcement by the Australian government to open its borders to all vaccinated travellers from 21 February 2022 is greatly welcomed by the airline community and a big step forward.  The Asia Pacific region has been very cautious in its approach to border restrictions so far but in recent weeks, we have seen growing momentum towards relaxation of travel restrictions – in the Philippines, Thailand, and to some extent New Zealand. We urge other governments in the Asia Pacific to look at similarly further easing their border restrictions so as to enable aviation businesses to accelerate their much-needed recovery and to bring maximum benefits to their economies.”

Jo Sully, vice president and regional general manager, Asia Pacific, American Express Global Business Travel, says:

“American Express Global Business Travel welcomes the announcement from Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to re-open the country’s borders to international travel from February 21, 2022.

Business travel is the backbone of our global economy – the engine room of commerce and a vital connector of cultures. Re-opening the border signals Australia’s return to the world stage. We are open for international business, ready to help clients, colleagues, partners and suppliers re-connect across the global community.

Over the past two years, the industry has helped essential workers and business professionals get where they need to be. Our collective commitment to safety and wellbeing remains paramount – giving us the agility to keep travel managers and travellers informed and supported every step of the way.”

Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO at Advantage Travel Partnership, comments:

After almost two years of closed borders, the news that Australia is reopening its borders to fully vaccinated travellers feel rather symbolic – as one of the countries that have had some of the toughest measures on travel, this feels like another positive step in the right direction.

However, we must still think about what the requirements are for each of the different territories in Australia, and this needs to be made really clear so that anyone travelling to Australia can plan accordingly. Australia is only welcoming fully vaccinated travellers which will continue to complicate travel for children over 12 who have not received their second vaccine dose.

As the world starts to reopen, and with a key destination like Australia finally removing its Covid19 border measures for vaccinated international travellers, families can start to reunite, businesses can re-engage face to face with their clients and the travel industry can start helping their customers plan. Travel remains complicated and it has never been more important to seek the advice of a trusted travel agent to help book your trip and navigate the various travel restrictions.