Damon Mcknight
Australia has implemented various measures to control the spread of COVID-19. These measures include vaccine mandates, testing, and quarantine requirements for travellers. While some countries have imposed mandatory vaccination for international travel, Australia has not explicitly stated that vaccination is required for incoming or outgoing flights. However, certain airlines and states within Australia have implemented their own regulations regarding vaccination and testing for travellers.
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What You'll Learn
International travellers to Australia must be vaccinated
International travellers to Australia must be fully vaccinated. This has been a requirement since November 1, 2021, when New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria reopened for international travel. However, the specific requirements depend on the state and the traveller's country of origin. For example, vaccinated Singaporeans can enter NSW and Victoria without quarantine as of November 21, 2021.
For international travellers, proof of vaccination is required to enter Australia. Additionally, a negative COVID-19 test result before departure is generally necessary, and another test may be required on arrival. It is important to note that each state in Australia has its own border policies, so travellers should check the specific requirements for their destination state.
Unvaccinated travellers face more stringent regulations and restrictions. Some airlines have expressed concerns about flying unvaccinated passengers to Australia due to the small caps allowed and the potential impact on their operations. Furthermore, unvaccinated individuals may be subject to quarantine requirements, with rules varying by state and age group. For instance, in NSW and Victoria, unvaccinated adolescents aged 12 to 17 must undergo testing and home quarantine upon arrival.
It is worth noting that some airlines, such as British Airways, do not require their crew to be vaccinated or to disclose their vaccination status. However, these crew members must self-isolate until they return a negative test within 24 hours of their arrival in Australia.
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Domestic flights in Australia don't require vaccination
Australia has not implemented any federal policy requiring vaccination for domestic flights. Qantas, one of the major Australian airlines, has stated that there is "no suggestion that a vaccine would be required for domestic travel" or travel to New Zealand. Qantas has also stated that it will continue to follow the relevant government and health advice regarding vaccination requirements and make decisions with the health and safety of passengers and crew in mind.
Similarly, Virgin Australia has expressed that it is "highly unlikely" that they would make vaccination mandatory for domestic flights. They have also stated that they do not plan to place restrictions on vaccinated travellers for domestic travel. Both Qantas and Virgin Australia have dismissed claims that they would ban vaccinated individuals from boarding their flights.
However, it is important to note that some Australian states, such as New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, have implemented specific entry requirements for unvaccinated individuals, particularly for international travel. These requirements may include mandatory quarantine periods and negative COVID-19 test results. Additionally, some airlines, like Emirates and Singapore Airlines, have indicated that their services to Sydney and Melbourne are designated for "eligible passengers only," which typically refers to those who are fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved vaccine.
It is always advisable to stay updated with the latest information and guidelines provided by the Australian government and individual airlines regarding travel requirements, as these policies are subject to change.
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Qantas and Virgin Australia deny banning vaccinated passengers
In May 2021, Qantas and Virgin Australia denied claims that they were considering banning vaccinated passengers from boarding their planes. This was in response to a social media video that went viral, which falsely asserted that vaccinated individuals would be barred from flying because they are infectious. Qantas and Virgin Australia dismissed these allegations, with Qantas specifically expressing support for COVID-19 vaccinations among its passengers.
However, in September 2021, Qantas confirmed that it would ban unvaccinated passengers from travelling on international flights. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce stated that this mandate was intended to protect vaccinated passengers and ensure their safety while flying. Qantas has actively promoted vaccination, with CEO Alan Joyce stating that "getting vaccinated is an important step that every Australian can take that brings us that little bit closer to life as we knew it." Qantas has also offered rewards and incentive programs for vaccinated members, including prizes such as free flights, hotel stays, and fuel discounts.
Qantas has been a strong advocate for vaccination, making it mandatory for its 22,000-strong staff, including frontline employees such as cabin crew, pilots, and airport workers. The airline has expressed its commitment to protecting its colleagues, passengers, and the community at large. Qantas aims to resume international travel by November at the earliest, with a focus on ensuring safe travel for vaccinated individuals.
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Unvaccinated flight crew face stricter regulations
Unvaccinated flight crew also face stricter regulations regarding their transport to their place of isolation. They must travel by the most direct route and are not allowed to make any stops. Additionally, they must wear face masks at all times, unless they are travelling alone in a private vehicle. Transport drivers must adhere to the requirements in their Transport Plan and ensure that the vehicle is thoroughly cleaned after transporting unvaccinated crew.
In Queensland, unvaccinated air crew are subject to specific guidelines. Unvaccinated Queensland-based air crew, Australian Defence Force air crew, and international air crew who have been in a country other than Australia or a safe travel zone country within the 14 days before arriving in Queensland must adhere to quarantine measures. Unvaccinated domestic air crew who have travelled on crew-only flights with crew from outside Australia or safe travel zone countries are also subject to these requirements.
To ensure compliance with quarantine measures, airline operators must provide private transportation for unvaccinated air crew travelling to and from their residence for permitted purposes, such as COVID-19 testing or mandatory regulatory training. This transportation must be in a private vehicle without any passengers other than fellow crew members from the inbound or outbound flight. Public transport is strictly prohibited.
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Vaccinated travellers from Singapore can enter Australia without quarantine
As of December 21, 2021, vaccinated travellers from Singapore can enter New South Wales and Victoria in Australia without having to quarantine. This development came after a three-week suspension and applies to all forms of travel, including tourism. However, fully vaccinated international travellers arriving in New South Wales and Victoria must get a Covid-19 PCR test within 24 hours of arrival and isolate until they receive a negative result.
According to New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet, this announcement simplifies the process and ensures that Australia's two biggest cities have a consistent approach. The decision is expected to boost the tourism industry in both countries and benefit Australians returning home.
It is important to note that the pilot program is only open to vaccinated Singaporean citizens, limiting the number of eligible travellers. Additionally, passengers arriving in New South Wales and Victoria who are not fully vaccinated must still undergo a 14-day mandatory hotel quarantine.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia has been working towards reopening its borders and facilitating travel for vaccinated individuals. Qantas, a major Australian airline, has actively promoted vaccination through ad campaigns, emphasising the link between vaccination and the resumption of global travel.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no suggestion that a vaccine is required for domestic travel within Australia. However, some airlines such as Qantas have stated that they will only accept fully immunised travellers on their international services.
Children under 12 are exempt from vaccination rules and will not need to quarantine on arrival, provided their parents are fully vaccinated. Children aged 12-17 who are unvaccinated will need to test within 24 hours of arrival and quarantine at home for 7 days.
Unvaccinated flight crew must self-isolate for 14 days or until they depart Australia. They also face more stringent regulations than vaccinated crew regarding transport to their place of isolation.
Vaccinated flight crew must self-isolate until they return a negative RAT test, taken within 24 hours of arrival.
Most countries still require a negative COVID test for international arrivals, regardless of vaccination status. Australia requires proof of vaccination with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved vaccine.
