This story has been updated - point 7 (the last line) has been added.
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer has announced that, with effect from today, December 15, Australia’s border measures (created in response to the COVID-19 Omicron variant, which restricted travellers who have been in eight Southern African countries) have now ceased.
The eight destinations are: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
According to an Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade notice, for travellers going to Australia from one of these eight destinations, Australia’s standard current border requirements now apply. These include:
- Providing evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result within three days of travel to Australia
- Completion of the Australia Travel Declaration, including a declaration of vaccination status
- Compliance with any additional testing or quarantine measures required by the State or Territory you arrive in – the notice says the State documents will be updated “shortly”.
In line with these changes, the travel advisories for Australians to all eight destinations have been reviewed and lowered to “Reconsider your need to travel”.
Additionally, according to an announcement from the State of New South Wales, where Sydney is situated, fully vaccinated travellers from the eight countries will no longer need to quarantine in that state. Those who are in quarantine may leave only 72 hours after arrival in NSW, and the notice says these people will be contacted regarding their release.
Arrivals from the eight countries must now follow the rules for all arrivals in NSW.
- They must go straight to their accommodation.
- Self-isolate for 72 hours – pax are required to remain in a room separate from the other members of the household, leaving the accommodation only for tests. They are required to wear a mask when travelling to the test centre, only in a private vehicle, ride-share or taxi.
- Get a PCR test within 24 hours of arrival. Testing is free.
- Get another PCR test on day 6.
- Be cautious until the negative result from day 6 test is obtained.
- A day 12 test is recommended but not mandatory.
- Arrivals are restricted to Australian citizens, New Zealand residents living in Australia, permanent residents, immediate family, and certain visa types eg students.
