AUSTRALIA
Travellers to and from Australia will no longer have to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status from Wednesday under a change to rules announced by the Australian Government yesterday.
From 12.01am on 6 July, people will be able to travel freely regardless of their COVID vaccination status, Australia’s Federal Health and Aged Care Minister, Mark Butler said.
The decision to amend the nation’s Biosecurity Act 2015 to remove the requirements was based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, the Minister said.
“The Australian Government makes decisions on COVID related issues after considering the latest medical advice,” said Mr Butler.
“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.”
Travellers must still comply with any remaining COVID-19 requirements of airlines and shipping operators, as well as other countries and states and territories.
This currently includes wearing masks on inbound international flights. Australian state and territory orders mandating masks on domestic flights also remain in place, the Minister said.
