The government of Australia has decided to end the requirement for international passengers travelling into the country to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
This rule modification is set to become effective from 6 July.
However, travellers will not be exempt from other Covid-19 restrictions, such as wearing masks on inbound international flights.
Existing rules regarding the use of masks on domestic flights will also remain in place.
The move is based on the advice of Australia’s chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, and follows an amendment of the Biosecurity Act 2015.
Australia health and aged care minister Mark Butler said: “The Australian Government makes decisions on Covid-related issues after considering the latest medical advice.
“The Chief Medical Officer has advised it is no longer necessary for travellers to declare their vaccine status as part of our management of Covid.
“Unvaccinated Australians, as well as certain groups of visa holders, have been able to travel to Australia for some time. We will continue to act on the medical advice as needed.”
Earlier in the year, Australia introduced a digital passenger declaration (DPD) for recording the Covid-19 vaccination status of international passengers.
With the latest move, such passengers will no longer be required to complete the DPD.
Australia home affairs minister Clare O’Neil said: “As more and more of us travel internationally and we get more confident in managing our risk of Covid, our airports are getting busier.
“Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers to choose Australia as a destination.”
After keeping its border closed for more than a year, Australia started reopening last November.
