International borders to open in November

The ban on international travel will be lifted sometime in November, allowing fully vaccinated Australians to return home. 

“It’s time to give Australians their lives back. We’ve saved lives. We’ve saved livelihoods, but we must work together to ensure that Australians can reclaim the lives that they once had in this country,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Friday.

The federal government announced that Australian citizens and permanent residents fully vaccinated – with a TGA-approved vaccine – will be able to quarantine at home for 7 days.

Unvaccinated Australians will still be required to undergo quarantine at hotels or dedicated facilities for 14 days. Flight caps will remain in place for those who are not vaccinated.

PM Scott Morrison went on to announce a global QR code for vaccination status once international travel resumes.

“Australians who want to travel overseas once restrictions are removed will be able to access an internationally recognised proof of vaccination document,” he says.

“That will be in the coming weeks, to prove their vaccination status abroad. And that proof of vaccination for international travel will include a QR code that is readable globally.”

More key points:

• Australian citizens and permanent residents who cannot be vaccinated – for example, if they are under 12 or have a medical condition – will be treated as vaccinated for the purposes of their travel
• The changes mean there will be no travel restrictions if you are a vaccinated Australian entering or leaving our shores
• The government will work towards completely quarantine-free travel for certain countries, such as New Zealand
• Australians who want to travel will be able to access an internationally recognised proof of vaccination document to prove their vaccination status abroad. The proof of vaccination for international travel will include a QR code that is readable globally
• To maximise the number of Australians who can return, the government is also offering facilitated flights into any state or territory that agrees to commence seven-day home quarantine trials for returning Australians.

The national reopening plan has linked international travel resuming when the 80 percent vaccination rate is reached. NSW is expected to reach its target before other states and territories. 

International travel was originally expected to recommence on December 17.