Australia to open borders to vaccinated travellers

Australia will open its borders to all vaccinated tourists and business travelers from February 21 in a further relaxation of pandemic restrictions announced Monday.

Australia imposed some of the world's toughest travel restrictions on its citizens and permanent residents in March 2020 to prevent them from bringing COVID-19 home. When the border restrictions were relaxed in November in response to an increasing vaccination rate among the Australian population, international students and skilled migrants were prioritized over tourists in being welcomed back to Australia. Prime Minister Morrison said visitors must have proof of vaccination. "Events earlier in the year should have sent a very clear message, I think, to everyone around the world that that is the requirement to enter into Australia," Morrison said.