UPDATE (30/11/21):Â Since this blog post was published, the Australian government have pushed back the date in question by two weeks, to 15th December 2021.
In breaking news this morning, the Australian Government has announced some major changes to Australia’s borders, to commence from the 1st December 2021.
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Fully Vaccinated Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible visa holders, can travel to and from Australia WITHOUT the need for a travel exemption.
This is welcome news to everyone! Here’s a bit of an explanation on the fine print.
What does “fully vaccinated” mean?
You are considered to be fully vaccinated if you’ve completed – at least 7 days ago – a course of a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved vaccines, including mixed doses. The vaccines on the market which are currently approved by the TGA are:
- AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
- AstraZeneca Covishield
- Pfizer/Biontech Comirnaty
- Moderna Spikevax
- Sinovac Coronavac
- Bharat Biotech Covaxin
- Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV
- Johnson & Johnson / Janssen-Cilag COVID Vaccine (single dose only)
You’ll need to prove your vaccination status when leaving or entering Australia. Depending on the State or Territory you arrive into, you may also be eligible for relaxed quarantine requirements. However, this does vary by State, and we suggest you keep a close eye on the website of the State that you intend to enter. You can read an overview of each State and Territory here.
We recommend also that you take note of the incoming requirements for people planning to enter Australia.
What is an Eligible Visa Holder?
The list of eligible temporary and provisional visas is below. Note the list does not include any permanent residency visas, or partner visas, as these people are already exempt anyway. And note that in future other visas may be added to the list.
Humanitarian and Refugee Visas.Â
- Subclass 200 – Refugee
- Subclass 201 – In-Country Special Humanitarian
- Subclass 202 – Global Special Humanitarian
- Subclass 203- Emergency Rescue
- Subclass 204 – Woman at Risk
- Subclass 449 – Humanitarian Stay (Temporary)
- Subclass 785 – Temporary Profection
- Subclass 790 – Safe Haven Enterprise
Other VisasÂ
- Subclass 300 – Prospective Marriage
- Subclass 400 – Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)
- Subclass 403 – Temporary Work (including Australian Agriculture Visa and International Relations Visa)
- Subclass 407 – Training
- Subclass 208 – Temporary Activity
- Subclass 417 – Working Holiday
- Subclass 457 – Temporary Work (skilled)
- Subclass 461 – New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship
- Subclass 462 – Work and Holiday
- Subclass 476 – Skilled Recognised Graduate
- Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage
- Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate
- Subclass 489 – Skilled Regional (Provisional)
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
- Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored REgional (Provisional)
- Subclass 500 – Student
- Subclass 580 – Student Guardian
- Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent (Temporary)
- Subclass 988 – Maritime Crew
What about Visitor Visas?
Visitor Visas (651, 601, and 600) are NOT included in the list. This means that potential visitors will still need to apply for, and be granted, travel exemptions before entering Australia. The Department’s website gives a list of the categories of people who may be granted a travel exemption upon application.
Is it the right time to go ahead with a Visa application?
Many people have been waiting to commence a visa application until the time is right. If this is you, and you’re interested in starting an application for any of the visas listed above, today’s announcement should finally bring you the certainty you’ve been looking for.
It’s a great time to connect with us and explore what opportunities may now be available to you.
If you haven’t already done so, complete our Visa Eligibility Form so we can assess what you’re eligible for.
If you’ve already contacted us, we’d love to refresh our understanding of your situation. Click here to reconnect with us.
