‘Danger zone’: Australian travellers locked out of Europe and US as Omicron surges

·

More borders are closing to Australian travellers as the Omicron variant causes one of the biggest surges of COVID-19 cases in the world.

The United States and Europe have this week both downgraded Australia’s travel safety rating, making it significantly harder for Australians to visit. 

In an official directive, the European Council listed Australia, Canada and Argentina as “COVID-19 danger zones” due to surging Omicron case numbers, and they were removed from the EU’s travel white list.

The directive, which applies regardless of vaccination status, means people wanting to undertake non-essential travel to Europe from Australia could face restrictions ranging from a total ban on entry to having to quarantine or face extra testing requirements.

Greece dissented from the European Council’s decision to ban Australian travellers.

Cyprus, Greece and Italy dissented from the European Council’s decision to ban Australian travellers.

This comes as the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also issued a warning to avoid travel to Australia, listing the country as “Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

The CDC places a destination at level four when more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents are registered in the past 28 days.

The Chief Executive and Founder of Flight Centre, Graham Turner, told The Sydney Morning Herald that although he was taken aback by these developments, he was confident the restrictions would be lifted quickly as case numbers stabilise in Australia.

Australia is listed as red on the CDC map.

“Things will open up fairly quickly… I will be surprised if most countries have many restrictions after [the next few weeks or months],” Mr Turner said.

These restrictions come just as it has now become easier for Australians to get home.

International arrivals no longer need a PCR test to enter Australia, instead a rapid test within 24 hours of departure will be accepted.

If travellers contract COVID-19 overseas, they only have to wait seven days instead of 14 before flying home.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Trump demands Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ amid escalating tensions with Israel

US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”

Young dancers shine at Kogarah Greek Orthodox Parish’s first cultural fundraiser

The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah held its inaugural Parish Greek Schools and Dancing School Fundraising Dinner.

Funding boost for The Cottage Kitchen’s community meal program

The Cottage Kitchen run by the St Nectarios Parish and Community in Burwood, Sydney has received a welcome boost, with a $3,171 grant awarded

Rebetiko revival: Melbourne event transports guests to the heart of 1920s Greece

The Hellenic Women's Network of Victoria, in collaboration with EEAMA, hosted a vibrant cultural afternoon dedicated to Rebetiko.

Builder George Lavrentiadis faces jail after illegally flattening historic SA beach shacks

George Lavrentiadis has apologised in court after illegally demolishing two historic beach shacks on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula.

You May Also Like

Treaty of Lausanne: Virtual lecture presents consequences of historic peace treaty

The virtual legacy, based off the anaysis of expert perspectives, puts the Treaty of Lausanne's lasting legacy in question.

South Melbourne qualify for Australia Cup Round of 32

It was a tense match against St Albans Dinamo FC, but South Melbourne's victory sees the club return to the Australia Cup Round of 32.

Penelope Katsavos recovers in hospital after attack outside South Yarra Greek Orthodox church

Penelope Katsavos is recovering in hospital after being bashed outside Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox church in South Yarra.