It's Official! Australia to Reopen Its Borders in November, Recognises Chinese Vaccines

Australia plans to reopen its international borders in November, allowing citizens and permanent residents who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to return home. This marks the end of a border closure policy that has lasted 19 months.

At a press conference this morning, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that the international travel ban is expected to be officially lifted in November, once Australia's vaccination rate reaches 80%.

All Australian citizens and permanent residents who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed to undertake a 7-day home quarantine upon returning to Australia. Those who have not been vaccinated will still be required to complete a 14-day hotel quarantine at a government-approved facility.

Exit restrictions on fully vaccinated Australian citizens and PR holders will also be lifted.

In addition, the new border reopening policy strictly requires all international travellers returning to Australia to have been vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), including the recently approved Chinese and Indian vaccines.

The reopening dates will vary across states, with New South Wales expected to welcome returning travellers first. The Queensland Premier stated that a plan would be developed and reopening arrangements announced once official documentation is received from the federal government.