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Travel to Australia: latest advice as all Covid restrictions lifted

australia can we visit travel holidays 2022 - Getty Images
australia can we visit travel holidays 2022 - Getty Images

Australia will lift its last remaining Covid travel restrictions this week.

From midnight on July 6, travellers arriving in Australia will no longer have to show proof of vaccination or fill out a digital declaration form. The move marks the end of significant pandemic-related travel rules in the country, which spent much of the last two years essentially cut off from the rest of the world.

When announcing the news on July 3, Clare O’Neil, minister for Home Affairs, said: “As more and more of us travel internationally and we get more confident in managing our risk of Covid, our airports are getting busier.

“Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports, but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers to choose Australia as a destination.”

Australia began tentatively reopening in November 2021 and has steadily reduced its rules ever since. Currently, unvaccinated Australians are permitted to enter the county while tourists without the jabs must apply for an exemption.

With the need to take a test before travel removed earlier this year, only the requirement to wear face masks on planes and in airports will remain after Wednesday. However, a new complication has emerged for unvaccinated travellers as flag carrier Qantas will reportedly still require passengers to be vaccinated. 

Our guide explains everything you need to know when travelling to Australia.

Can unvaccinated tourists visit Australia?

From July 6, proof of vaccination will not be required to enter Australia, meaning travel to the country will be restriction-free.

However, the Daily Mail has reported that Qantas will still require passengers to have be inoculated against Covid, in defiance of the nationwide easing of restrictions. The airline also has a vaccine mandate for its staff.

Do travellers need to take a test?

Travellers to Australia are no longer required to take a Covid test before travel or upon arrival in the country, regardless of vaccination status.

Do I need to fill in any paperwork before travelling?

Australia’s digital passenger declaration (DPD), which allows travellers to upload proof of vaccination, will be scrapped from July 6. However, there are plans to introduce a paper passenger card at some point in the near future.

nightcliff beach darwin australia - Getty Images
nightcliff beach darwin australia - Getty Images

Do I still have to wear a face mask?

For now, travellers to Australia are still required to wear face masks on flights and in airports. Face masks are also still required on domestic flights.

Are flights to Australia operating at normal levels?

While schedules remain slightly reduced and prices are often much higher than before the pandemic, there are plenty of options when flying to Australia.

British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways are running flights to the country from the UK, with layovers in Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Singapore. Qantas is running flights from Heathrow to Darwin, continuing to Sydney.

Reader Service: Are you wondering what you need to do before flying? Or when you need to buy travel insurance? Learn more about the Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance service and find answers to your questions.