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Overseas travel exemptions scrapped for fully vaccinated Australians

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Kimberley CainesThe West Australian
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VideoPrime Minister Scott Morrison told Sunrise he was "looking forward" to reopening the country.

Fully vaccinated Australians are just days away from being able to jet off overseas without seeking an international travel exemption.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the new changes on Wednesday, that give double-dosed Australians the ability to travel freely to other countries without first having to seek permission from the Department of Home Affairs.

The international border ban will be lifted from November 1.

It comes as Singapore will reopen its border to vaccinated-only Australians from November 8, who will not be required to quarantine on arrival.

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Fully vaccinated Australians are just days away from being able to jet off overseas without seeking an international travel exemption.
Camera IconFully vaccinated Australians are just days away from being able to jet off overseas without seeking an international travel exemption. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Mr Morrison said more than half a million Australians had already downloaded the international COVID-19 vaccination certificate to prove their vaccination history when entering another country.

“I can announce today that last night the Health Minister signed off on the fact that from November 1 Australians who are double vaccinated will be able to travel overseas as we have flagged and we are looking forward to that,” Mr Morrison told Sunrise on Wednesday.

“The national plan is working. The national plan provides for this. The national plan is about opening Australia up and that is because the vaccination rates are climbing so high.

“Today I can tell you Australia’s first dose vaccination rate is now higher than the United Kingdom. (It’s) already higher than the United States and that is as a percentage of the whole population so well done Australia.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said more than half a million Australians had already downloaded the international COVID-19 vaccination certificate to prove their vaccination history when entering another country.
Camera IconPrime Minister Scott Morrison said more than half a million Australians had already downloaded the international COVID-19 vaccination certificate to prove their vaccination history when entering another country. Credit: Rohan Thomson/Getty Images

Health Minister Greg Hunt said Australians who wanted to head overseas would need to provide proof that they were fully vaccinated, with the second dose occurring at least seven days prior to travel.

“These changes will also facilitate travel by children under 12 years of age,” Mr Hunt said.

“We want Australians to be able to reunite with their loved ones, whether it’s for births, weddings or just to visit family. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect our community against COVID-19.”

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said she looked forward to further easing restrictions over the coming weeks and months as more Australians became fully vaccinated.

“Before the end of the year, we anticipate welcoming fully vaccinated skilled workers and international students,” Ms Andrews said.

“Our system of border exemptions has kept Australia free from widespread COVID transmission for more than 18 months, but as Australia’s vaccination rate continues to climb, and the end of the year approaches, the Morrison Government stands ready to once more welcome a significant number of fully vaccinated people across Australia’s international border.”

Under the Singapore-Australia bubble deal, Australians will be able to travel quarantine free to the island nation from November 8, along with 10 European countries.

The new vaccinated-only travel lane will be open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and their families as well as business travellers and international students.

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