Authorities in Australia said the country is unlikely to fully open its borders in 2021 even if most of its population gets vaccinated as planned. However, citizens, permanent residents and those with exemptions are allowed to enter Australia if they complete the 14-day hotel quarantine at their own expense.
The Australian government closed its borders for non-nationals since March last year.
As of today, the country allows entry only for people coming from New Zealand with whom it started travel bubble late last year. Travel bubble is an agreement signed between neighbouring countries to allow operation of airlines across their borders. Australia has also discussed the travel bubble with other low-risk countries such as Japan, Taiwan and Singapore.
As per international media reports, thousands of Australians were stranded abroad. Returning to the country would mean they will have to pay at least AUD 2300 to quarantine in a hotel for 14 days.
The country has scheduled COVID-19 vaccination programme towards late February.
Australia has so far reported about 22,000 cases and over 900 deaths.
Experts have attributed much of Australia’s success to its swift border lockdown and a hotel quarantine system for people entering the country.
Phub Gyem
