It's Official! Australia to Reopen Its Borders on 21 February

Australia's borders have been closed for nearly two years, and today it has finally been officially announced that on 21 February the international border will reopen to those who are double-vaccinated.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that, under the new medical advice, the new border rules will take effect on 21 February. He said: "The condition is you have to be double-vaccinated to come to Australia. That's the rule, and so everybody has to abide by it."

Under the current border controls, only Australian citizens and permanent residents and their family members, holders of certain visas, and those who have applied for exemptions can enter the country. From 21 February, Australia will open to all fully vaccinated visa holders.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said that unvaccinated travellers will still need to apply for a travel exemption to come to Australia, and if they are permitted to enter, they must undergo hotel quarantine.