In December 2021 a first step towards the reopening of the Australian borders had been taken. Indeed foreigners holding one of the 28 visas listed by the government and deemed to be a priority for economic recovery were allowed to enter the country. Since that date, people on Working Holiday Visas, international students or skilled workers can enter the country. On February 7, 2022, the government announced a reopening date for all visa holders, including tourists. Here is all the information on the current border situation and the conditions for entering the territory.

What visas are allowed to travel to Australia?

Australia took a first step towards opening its borders on December 15, 2021. From this date, the country allowed holders of several visa categories to enter. Remember that previously, the country’s borders were closed to foreigners. Here is the list of people authorized to come to Australia since December 15, 2021.

Working Holiday Visa Makers (417 & 462) and Students (500)

The announcement concerned WHV visas for all partner countries with Australia for the Working Holiday Program. But it also concerned international students, skilled workers, refugees, etc.

List of authorised Visas

Source : HomeAffairs

What to do if my visa expired before the opening of borders?

WHV makers who were not able to enter Australia because of the closed borders will be able to lodge a new application free of charge. They will be able to have a new visa for free if they still under the age limit or will get a refund if they are over it. Please also note that the age limit will be increased to 35 years old for UK passport holders.

Travellers on working holiday visas who had to leave Australia early due to the pandemic will be eligible for a waiver, or a refund depending on their situation.

Refunds and waivers are available for current or expired WHV holders who are not able to travel to Australia because of travel restrictions.

Both Refunds and Waivers applications are available through the immigration website.

For more information, check out : WORKING HOLIDAY AUSTRALIA: Visa Waiver or refund announced by the government

Reimbursement of visas for students and WHV arriving until March / April 2022 in Australia

The federal government has announced that it will grant a refund of visa fees to all students or backpackers arriving in Australia up to April 2022.

Student visa fees ($630) will be refunded for all those who arrived in Australia between January 19, 2022 and March 19, 2022. If this is your case, do not hesitate to apply for a refund.

Additionally, all backpackers with a Working Holiday Visa can get a full visa fee refund ($495). All those who arrive / have arrived in the country between January 19, 2022 and April 19, 2022 are concerned. Again, if you arrived during this period, do not hesitate to apply for a refund.

New Free of charge visa for those in Australia

People in WHV and who are in Australia can also benefit from a new visa free of charge. To be able to benefit from the free visa, it is necessary to be in Australia (Onshore application) and to have held a PVT before March 20, 2020. The visa application is made on the Australian immigration site.

Tourist visas

Since February 21, 2022, tourists are allowed to enter the country. No exemption request is necessary. However, in order to enter the country, you must be doubly vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved in Australia. Only 2 doses are required to enter the country (April 2022).

Tourists have represented a huge shortfall for the country and should thus help to revive the economy.

Conditions to enter Australia in 2022

To enter the country, you must meet the following conditions:

• Be fully vaccinated (2 doses)
• Have a valid visa
• Prove your vaccination status
• Present a negative PCR test carried out within 3 days of your departure or a negative rapid antigen test carried out under medical supervision within 24 hours before your flight. This condition disappears from April 17, 2022. After this date no test is necessary.
• You must also complete a Digital Passenger Declaration (formerly Australia Travel Declaration – ATD). The information in this statement helps determine if you will need to be quarantined upon arrival.

Approved vaccines in Australia

• AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
• AstraZeneca Covishield
• Pfizer/Biontech Comirnaty
• Moderna Spikevax
• Sinovac Coronavac
• Bharat Biotech Covaxin
• Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (for 18-60 year olds)
• Johnson & Johnson/ Janssen-Cilag COVID Vaccine
• Sputnik

Vaccine rollout in Australia

The vaccination campaign in Australia have started on February 22, 2021.

Australia mainly uses 2 different vaccines produced overseas, both requiring two injections. These are the Pfizer-Biontech vaccine and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

Number of doses administered and vaccination rate in Australia

Access to vaccine

COVID-19 vaccination will be free for everyone living in Australia. The Government will offer free vaccines to all people living in Australia to achieve the maximum level of coverage, including to visa holders in Australia to ensure the maximum possible coverage in Australia. Which means that the vaccine will be accessible and free of charge for everyone in Australia (WHV makers, international students, tourists etc).

Where to get vaccinated?

Vaccines are available in hospitals, at GP clinics, General Practices, Pharmacists, Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Services, and state-run vaccination clinics.

Vaccine Rollout and international travels

Passengers and crew on all international flights must wear a face mask during their flight and while in an Australian airport. Masks are not required for children under 12 years of age.

Source : health.gov.au