Emerging at the end of 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 or more commonly known COVID-19 virus has affected everyone worldwide. It is a respiratory virus capable of attacking through the aerosol and droplet infection pathways – making it a severely infective virus. Some existing medicines work partially, and the search for a fully functional vaccine is still ongoing.
To date, several variants with fluctuating virulence but increasing infectivity have surfaced – doing the job of countering this virus more difficult. Due to its spread through contact between persons, the global countries had to impose several restrictions on the arrival or departure of people. To date, the situation hasn’t returned to its previous state. You can get the recent data from proficient migration law practitioners.
The recent statistics
Even after the advent of several vaccines, COVID-19 is still affecting the population of Australia significantly. According to the Department of Health report, State and territories – the total number of cases has reached 238969 people with 2126 deaths. The 20-29 age group has been affected most severely for both male and female populations–as per the National Interoperable Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NINDS) data.
These statistics suggest that to curb the spread of the virus – the best method is to reduce contact with an infected person or limit the movement altogether. As the virus started becoming a global phenomenon, the borders of different countries, including Australia, closed for outside entry. In recent times, it is admitting people selectively – so, it is better to resolve any confusion from the most recommended immigration lawyer perth wa before applying.
The Current Status Of Entry And Exit From Australia
The entry to Australia requires an exemption from the appropriate authority for partially or non-vaccinated individuals from overseas. The permissions may differ according to their group and vaccination status. Here is the latest info on the requirements to enter or exit Australia:
- The traveller must provide proof of vaccination at least seven days before the international travel into and out of Australia. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) should permit or recognise the vaccine.
- The person(s) wishing to enter Australia must produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test when checking in for an Australia-bound flight. The report must have the date of the PCR test within three days of the flight’s scheduled departure.
- Children under 12 can travel out of the country without exclusion.
- These rules also applied to the people holding a temporary visa and vaccinated in another country – including Australian residents, international students, and tourists.
- People providing evidence that they cannot get vaccination due to medical reasons are also allowed to travel overseas.
Only fully vaccinated Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible visa holders do not need to apply for a travel exemption when traveling to and from Australia. Any other party will have to apply for an exemption from the appropriate authority. You have to consult with the most experienced visa lawyers Perth for the correct information. In addition, they may have to abide by the passenger caps and quarantine regulation in place, according to the State and territory of the entrance.
The Approved And Recognized Vaccines
As stated earlier, fully vaccinated individuals do not require any exemptions to travel to and from the country. Australian regulation allows mixed vaccination, and full vaccination courses of the TGA–recognised vaccines will be sufficient to enter the country. The below table contains the name and dosage information of the vaccine applicable for the Australian states and territory:
| Serial No | Manufacturer | Vaccine name | Dosage information |
| 1 | AstraZeneca | Vaxzevria | Two, at least fourteen days apart |
| 2 | -do- | Covishield | -do- |
| 3 | Pfizer/Biotech | Comirnaty | -do- |
| 4 | Moderna | Spikevax | -do- |
| 5 | Sinovac | Coronavac | -do- |
| 6 | Bharat Biotech | Covaxin | -do- |
| 7 | Johnson & Johnson/ Janssen-Cilag | COVID Vaccine | Single dose |
The Australian government will consider you fully vaccinated only if seven days have passed since the final dose in an immunisation course. Moreover, the authorities consider the inclusion of two different doses of different vaccines – as long as those vaccines are listed as “approved and recognized” by the TGA.
Australian authorities will consider you fully vaccinated only if you have received the doses and the vaccines according to the prescribed list. Point to note, if your country of origin has different vaccine eligibilities or follows another vaccination schedule – you will not be considered under the category of “fully vaccinated” and have to apply for an appropriate exemption.
Proof Of Vaccination
The “proof of vaccination” document is essential for coming into and departing from Australia and must be presented without question upon query by the relevant authority. This proof includes vaccination received in Australia or other countries. The relevant info about the proof of vaccination is mentioned below:
- Australian citizens going away or returning to Australia must provide an international COVID-19 vaccination certificate (ICVC) to confirm vaccination.
- They can get their ICVC through the government MyGov portal – or you can ask your visa lawyerfor additional information. The airline staff will check your ICVC at the time of check-in when you are departing to or from Australia.
- Anyone wishing to travel to Australia – including Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members aged 12 years and higher – must present a vaccination certificate issued by the country where they have received the vaccination.
- The vaccination certificate must mention the vaccine, and it must be among the “approved and recognised” list of the TGA. The traveller will need to confirm their vaccination status on the Australian Travel Declaration form and the Digital Passenger Declaration.
Exemption Categories
The Australian government has specified certain categories for awarding exemption from travel restrictions, enabling the qualifying person to enter Australia without an individual exemption. Any individual belonging to the following category qualifies for an automatic exemption:
- An Australian citizen or permanent resident or their immediate family members.
- New Zealand citizens who regularly live in Australia and their immediate family members.
- A person staying in New Zealand or Australia for two weeks or more nearly before arrival by air in Australia.
- A diplomat endorsed to Australia, including their immediate family members (each family member must hold a valid subclass 995 visa)
- Any person entering Australia as a transit passenger for 72 hours or less
- Airline staff, naval crews, including marine pilots.
- A person who holds a Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) visa
Fully vaccinated persons from Singapore, South Korea, and Japan also enjoy exemption to enter Australia without serving the quarantine period. You should contact experienced Migration Lawyers Perth of your choice for detailed information.
