Australia Ends Most Remaining Travel Restrictions

The days of travel bans and restrictions in Australia are largely over, with the government officially ending the Biosecurity Emergency Period yesterday. The Australian government initially invoked this emergency period on 15 March 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic was in its infancy. The federal government then continuously extended this period for a total of 25 … Continued

Australian Passport Processing Times Blow Out

Australian passport application and renewal processing times have increased dramatically in recent weeks as more Aussies prepare to travel overseas again. In the months before Australia removed its international travel ban in late 2021, many people reported that their passport applications were processed in just a few days. But demand has since picked up considerably, … Continued

Australia to End Pre-Flight COVID Testing

People arriving in Australia will no longer be required to get a pre-departure COVID-19 test, effective from 17 April 2022. This is the date that the federal government’s current Biosecurity Emergency Determination period will lapse. Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed yesterday that, “following medical advice”, the government will not renew this when it expires next month. … Continued

Singapore Ends Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL)

Singapore will scrap its Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme, with quarantine-free travel to Singapore available to anyone who is vaccinated from 1 April 2022. There will still be some basic entry requirements to travel to Singapore under the new “Vaccinated Travel Framework” (VTF), which will replace the VTL scheme from next month. But arriving passengers … Continued

New Zealand Reopens to Australians on 13 April 2022

Australians will finally be allowed to travel quarantine-free to New Zealand once again on 13 April 2022, with the New Zealand government yesterday announcing the much-anticipated reopening of the country’s border. From 11.59pm on 12 April, Australians will be allowed to enter New Zealand without needing to quarantine. Travellers will just need to be fully … Continued