The Federal Government has changed the requirements for international arrivals at airports, with passengers no longer needed to declare COVID-19 vaccination status from 6 July.
The decision to amend the Biosecurity Act 2015 to remove these requirements was based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer.
Changes from 6 July include:
- Passengers travelling to Australia will no longer be required to provide evidence of vaccination
- Unvaccinated visa holders will not require a travel exemption
- Passengers will not be required to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration (Air)
- Passengers departing Australia will not be required to provide evidence of their vaccination status
Travellers must still comply with any remaining COVID-19 requirements of airlines and shipping operators, as well as other countries and states and territories.
This currently includes wearing masks on inbound international flights. State and territory orders mandating masks on domestic flights also remain in place.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, said the Chief Medical Officer has advised it is no longer necessary for travellers to declare their vaccine status as part of our management of COVID.
“Unvaccinated Australians, as well as certain groups of visa holders, have been able to travel to Australia for some time,” Mr Butler said.
“We will continue to act on the medical advice as needed.”
Relaxation of restrictions removes another hurdle
Brisbane Airport (BNE) has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to make it easier for travellers to fly in and out of Australia.
Chief Executive Officer of Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC), Gert-Jan de Graaff, said the changes will have a two-pronged positive impact.
“This removes another hurdle for international travellers as they weigh up which country to visit. Australia is competing for every tourist dollar, and for thousands of potential visitors, this will make us a more attractive destination.
“Once visitors land, these changes will also speed-up the time it takes for people to be processed through our terminals.
“We know the travel industry globally is facing staffing challenges as we gear back up to pre-COVID levels, and this will certainly help.”
Passengers flying to Australia will still be required to wear masks on all international flights.
As the primary gateway for overseas tourists entering Queensland, Brisbane Airport is now seeing daily passenger peaks of 10,000 people through its International Terminal.
On 2 July 2022, Air Canada resumed services from Brisbane to Vancouver.
In October 2022, United Airlines will launch the Brisbane to San Francisco route.