New South Wales – Announces Scrapping of Mandatory Quarantine for international Arrivals from 1 November
Federal Government – Parents of Australian residents and citizens now considered to be ‘Immediate Family Members’
This morning the premier of New South Wales (NSW) announced a proposal to open the states borders to fully vaccinated international travellers from 1 November 2021.
This surprise announcement will mean that anyone arriving from overseas, that can prove that they are fully vaccinated and can show a negative PCR test for COVID-19 before they board their flight, will not be required to quarantine on arrival.
New South Wales is the first and only state to make such an announcement. All other Australian states remain closed to New South Wales.
International arrivals will still be subject to federal government border restrictions. Restrictions on the arrival of international student and other temporary visa holders are still being imposed by the federal government.
More information about this latest announcement: NSW Media release https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/nsw-flying-towards-80-per-cent-double-dose-target
In addition to that, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has also announced that they will be looking at expanding the definition of ‘immediate family members’ to include the parents of Australian residents and citizens. This new definition would mean that the parents will be able to apply for a travel exemption and travel to Australia.
Now, in New South Wales case, that means that those family members will be able to come into Sydney if they are vaccinated and not have to quarantine, under the arrangements that the Premier has announced today. So, that is a welcome step forward.
This is very welcoming news for Australians across the country who are hoping to be reunited with their parents who are currently overseas.
More information about this latest announcement: NSW Media release https://www.pm.gov.au/media/press-conference-kirribilli-nsw-9
We will continue to provide ongoing updates. Contact Us if you have any questions about travelling to Australia.
