Lexi Webster
Western Australia has kept its borders closed for over two years, even to travellers from other parts of Australia. On 13 December 2021, Prime Minister Mark McGowan announced that Western Australia would open its borders on 5 February 2022, allowing fully vaccinated travellers to enter the state without quarantine. However, the Omicron variant caused a spike in infections, and the state premier postponed the reopening until booster rates were higher. As of February 2022, Western Australia's border restrictions remain in place, impacting sports events and travellers alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of border closure | More than two years |
| Travel restrictions | Stringent |
| Travellers from other parts of Australia | Not allowed |
| International travellers | Need a travel exemption and an Australian visa |
| Vaccination status | 80% double vaccination expected to ease travel restrictions |
| Omicron variant impact | Rising number of infections |
| Border reopening | Postponed indefinitely |
| Exemptions | Available for compassionate reasons |
| Quarantine requirements | 14-day mandatory quarantine in a designated facility |
| Border pass | Required for vaccinated border zone residents |
| Testing requirements | Negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours for international travellers |
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What You'll Learn
- Western Australia's border restrictions impact sports events
- The Omicron variant caused Western Australia to postpone opening its borders
- Confusion over Australia's mishmash of COVID border closures
- Australia's international border was closed for almost two years
- Exemptions and requirements for international travel to Australia
Western Australia's border restrictions impact sports events
Western Australia has kept its borders closed for over two years. Even travellers from other Australian states were not allowed to enter. On 13 December 2021, Prime Minister Mark McGowan announced that Western Australia would open its borders on 5 February 2022. However, the Omicron variant's rapid spread led to the postponement of this reopening. The state premier, following medical advice, decided to delay the reopening until booster coverage was higher. The current booster rate in Western Australia is 28%, and it is expected to reach 40% by 5 February. The premier will not open the borders until this figure reaches at least 80%.
Western Australia's stringent border restrictions have impacted sports events in the state. Cricket Australia moved the Ashes series finale from Perth due to these restrictions. The players, their families, and the match and broadcast staff would have had to complete a 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Western Australia. The emergence of the Omicron variant and the state's low booster rate have led to the postponement of the border reopening, impacting sports events planned for early 2022.
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions have significantly affected sports and physical activity in Western Australia. During the early stages of the pandemic, gyms, indoor sporting facilities, playgrounds, and outdoor gyms in public spaces were closed. Organised community sports were cancelled, and schools were closed, reducing children's opportunities for physical activity. Studies have shown that while overall physical activity levels among children remained unchanged, there was a shift from organised physical activity to unstructured play and increased screen time.
The Western Australian government recognised the importance of physical activity for children's development and implemented measures to mitigate the impact of restrictions. The COVID-19 Cross Border Sport Fund was established to support grassroots sports clubs and associations financially impacted by the restrictions. Eligible clubs could receive up to $1,000 to assist with fixed costs incurred during the peak restriction period. This fund was part of the NSW Government's Community Sport Recovery Package, aiming to help local sports organisations stay afloat during the pandemic.
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The Omicron variant caused Western Australia to postpone opening its borders
Western Australia has kept its borders closed for over two years. On December 13, 2021, Prime Minister Mark McGowan announced that Western Australia would open its borders on February 5, 2022, allowing fully vaccinated travellers to enter the state without quarantine. However, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus caused a change in plans.
The Omicron variant, which emerged in late 2021, posed new challenges due to its high transmissibility and ability to evade vaccine protection. In Western Australia, as in many other places, the number of infections surged. Recognizing the escalating health risks, Premier McGowan made the difficult decision to postpone the border reopening indefinitely. He cited the low booster vaccination rate, which was only around 28% at the time, far below the desired target of 80%.
The delay in border reopening was a disappointment to travellers eager to visit the state, and it also impacted the tourism industry, which had already started preparing for the expected influx of visitors. McGowan acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the need to prioritize public health. He labelled the situation a ""new state of emergency,"" stating that allowing unrestricted travel could lead to a flood of COVID-19 infections across Western Australia.
While the border remains closed, Western Australia has relaxed some COVID-19 rules. As of February 5, certain travellers, including those attending funerals, court proceedings, or visiting terminally ill patients, are allowed to enter the state after testing and quarantine. The government has not provided a new date for the border reopening but has indicated that it will be reviewed in the coming weeks and months. The focus is on increasing booster vaccination rates to provide better protection against the Omicron variant.
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Confusion over Australia's mishmash of COVID border closures
Australia's varying state-by-state approach to COVID border closures has caused confusion, inconsistency, and frustration among travellers. The emergence of the Omicron variant has further complicated the situation, with Western Australia, in particular, postponing its border reopening despite initially announcing a February 5, 2022, reopening date.
Western Australia has maintained some of the strictest border restrictions in the country, with even travellers from other Australian states barred from entry. The state's Premier, Mark McGowan, has cited rising Omicron cases and low booster rates as reasons for delaying the border reopening. This decision has impacted both domestic and international travellers, with many having already made plans to visit the state.
Other states have also imposed varying travel restrictions in response to the Sydney COVID outbreak, causing confusion for interstate travellers. For example, those who have visited the Greater Sydney hotspot, including Wollongong, the Central Coast, and the Blue Mountains, face entry restrictions to states like South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria, and Queensland. Tasmania, on the other hand, rates these areas as "medium risk," allowing entry with a 14-day quarantine requirement.
The lack of consistency and coordination among state governments has led to criticism of Australia's mishmash of COVID border closures. Some argue that a nationally coordinated approach, focusing on contact tracing and quarantine, would be preferable to blunt border closures, which cause significant social and economic disruption.
Adding to the complexity, each state has its own rules regarding quarantine requirements, testing mandates, and eligibility criteria for entry. These rules can change rapidly, and travellers must stay up-to-date with the latest information to avoid disruptions to their plans.
As Australia moves towards reopening its borders, it is expected that the focus will shift to vaccination rates. Once states reach the 80% double vaccination dose target, travel restrictions are likely to be further eased, and the country will take another step towards welcoming back international travellers, including skilled migrants, international students, and eventually tourists.
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Australia's international border was closed for almost two years
Western Australia's border restrictions caused the relocation of the Ashes series finale, which was originally scheduled to be played in Perth. The state's stringent Covid-19 travel rules required players, their families, and staff travelling to Perth to complete a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. This decision was made to protect the health and safety of Western Australians, but it also impacted the freedom of movement for those within and outside the state.
The state's decision to keep its borders closed for over two years caused disruptions and confusion for travellers, with varying degrees of travel restrictions across the country. Border communities faced challenges due to the closure, and the state's high booster rate of 28% at the time was also a concern. The Premier aimed for an 80% booster rate before reopening, following the advice of medical specialists.
Western Australia's border closure was part of the country's effort to control the spread of Covid-19, but it also had economic and social implications. The state's decision to delay the opening highlights the complexities of managing a pandemic and the impact of new variants. Australia's international border closure during the pandemic was successful in keeping measles at bay, with no cases reported in 2021. However, cases have since risen, with 57 reported in 2024 and 28 in the first quarter of 2025.
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Exemptions and requirements for international travel to Australia
As of July 2022, travellers arriving in Australia no longer need to declare their Covid vaccination status or obtain a travel exemption. However, prior to this update, several requirements and exemptions were in place for international travel to Australia.
Firstly, it was important to note that Western Australia, in particular, had maintained its borders closed for over two years, including to travellers from other Australian states. Initially, it was announced that Western Australia would open its borders on February 5, 2022, allowing fully vaccinated travellers to enter without quarantine. However, the emergence of the Omicron variant led to a postponement of the border opening, with the state's premier citing the need for a higher booster rate before reopening. As of February 5, 2022, travellers attending funerals, court trials, or visiting terminally ill patients were granted exemptions to enter Western Australia, albeit with quarantine requirements.
For international travel to Australia in general, prior to July 2022, fully vaccinated visa holders for international travel purposes could enter without a travel exemption. Unvaccinated visa holders, on the other hand, needed to meet specific criteria, such as belonging to an exempt category or holding an individual travel exemption. Compassionate and compelling reasons could be cited for requesting an exemption, and it was recommended to already hold or have applied for a visa before submitting an exemption request. Additionally, travellers were required to use a digital pass, uploading their vaccination status before entering Australia.
Other requirements included adhering to Covid-related mandates, such as mask-wearing on inbound international flights and complying with airline and shipping operator protocols, as well as the regulations of other countries, states, and territories.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Western Australia is still closed to most international travellers. However, travellers who have been in New Zealand for at least 14 days can travel by air to Australia without an exemption.
All international travellers entering Australia must have a valid visa and a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours or less before their scheduled departure. They will also need to undertake a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a designated facility upon arrival.
Yes, there have been varying degrees of travel restrictions and border closures within Australia, particularly due to the Sydney COVID-19 outbreak. For example, those who have been in Greater Sydney on or after December 21, 2021, are restricted from entering certain states and territories, including Western Australia.
Western Australia had initially planned to open its borders on February 5, 2022, for fully vaccinated travellers. However, due to the Omicron variant and lower-than-expected booster rates, the reopening has been postponed indefinitely. It is now expected to happen when vaccination and booster coverage reaches the desired targets.
