Oct 1, 2021 - World

Australia plans to lift 18-month travel ban for fully vaccinated citizens

Erin Doherty

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces a plan to 'live with the virus' during a press conference at Parliament House — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks at a press confernece at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on August 23, 2021. Photo: Rohan Thomson/Getty Images

Australia on Friday announced plans to lift its travel ban for fully vaccinated citizens starting next month.

Why it matters: The announcement comes 18 months after Australia imposed some of the world's most severe border restrictions — trapping most Australians and permanent residents in the country, and preventing thousands of others outside the island nation from returning home.

Driving the news: The new policy will enable fully vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents to travel abroad when 80% of the local adult population is vaccinated, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

Vaccinated residents returning to Australia will be required to complete a seven-day quarantine at home.
No date has been set for opening borders to international tourists.

What they're saying: "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," Morrison said.

"We’ll be working towards complete quarantine-free travel for certain countries, such as New Zealand, when it is safe to do so," Morrison said.

Go deeper: Cabin fever in "Fortress Australia" due to slow vaccination rate

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Australia plans to lift 18-month travel ban for fully vaccinated citizens

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