Parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents are able to enter states and territories that have reached 80 percent double dose vaccination targets.
They are now eligible to apply for a travel exemption to enter Australia from November 1.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews says the changes will reunite families long separated by the pandemic.
“For more than 18 months, many families with parents overseas have missed weddings, funerals, the birth of grandchildren…,” Minister Andrews said.
Andrews says now they can “once more hold their grandchildren, and gather in person to share life’s significant milestones.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Friday that parents are now considered under the travel rules to be immediate family.
“I know that will be very welcome news to Australians right across the country who were hoping to be reunited with their family members, their parents who are overseas,” he told reporters.
Parents are subject to eligibility requirements, including proof of vaccination.
Parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents can apply for a travel exemption through the Department of Home Affairs Travel Exemption Portal.
