Relaxed travel exemptions from 1 December 2021

On 22 November 2021, the Prime Minister announced the removal of travel exemptions for certain temporary visa holders who are fully vaccinated to take effect from 1 December 2021.

This predominantly applies to Students, certain skilled visa, Working Holiday visa, and refugees. It does not apply to tourists.

Importantly, this simply removes the need for travel exemptions, and mandatory quarantine arrangements still remain in certain States/Territories.

What visas do this apply for?

The following visa holders can travel to Australia without a travel exemption from 1 December 2021:

Notable absences are Visitor visas (including eVisitor / ETAs), and Bridging Visa holders. The Department have indicated that additional visa subclasses may be added over time.

What is considered to be fully vaccinated?

Australia considers individuals to be fully vaccinated if they have completed a course of a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved or recognised vaccine (including mixed doses). Current approved vaccines are:

• Two doses at least 14 days apart of:
  • AstraZeneca Vaxzevria;
  • AstraZeneca Covishield
  • Pfizer/Biontech Comirnaty;
  • Moderna Spikevax;
  • Sinovac Coronavac;
  • Bharat Biotech Covaxin;
  • Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (for 18-60 year olds).
• Or one dose of:
  • Johson & Johson / Janssen-Cilag COVID vaccine.

It does not current include the Sputnik V, Novavax, or Convidecia vaccines yet.

At least 7 days must have passed since the final dose of vaccine for you to be considered fully vaccinated, and you must provide a foreign vaccination certificate that meets all of the requirements outlined on the Australian Passport Office’s website.

Travellers with acceptable proof that they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, and children under 12 can access the same travel arrangements as fully vaccinated travellers. Unvaccinated (or partially vaccinated) children aged 12-17 may still travel with a fully vaccinated parent/guardian.

Do I still need to quarantine?

Each State / Territory still make their own rules regarding quarantine, so we strongly recommend double checking the relevant requirements before purchasing any flights.

Presently, fully vaccinated travellers to the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria do not need to undertake any quarantine on arrival.

Travel Bubble Arrangements with fully vaccinated Japanese/South Korean citizens

Additionally, from 1 December 2021, fully vaccinated citizens from Japan and Korea who hold a valid Australian visa will be able to enter Australia quarantine free to relevant State/Territories (please see section above regarding quarantine).

Travellers must:

• Depart from their own country;
• Be fully vaccinated (per above) and have proof of their status;
• Hold a valid Australian visa.

What do I need to do before flying to Australia?

Before travelling to Australia, all passengers must undertake the following:

1. a negative PCR COVID test (taken 72 hours or less before your scheduled departure) which you will need to show to your airline; and
2. complete an Australian Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before your departure to Australia.

Next Steps

We’re extremely pleased to see the relaxation of travel restrictions into Australia. Contact us by email at [email protected] or phone +61 3 9016 0484 if you have any further queries.

This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult an immigration professional for up to date information.