Houston College of Education Information and Career Counselling
After a long struggle with COVID-19 Australia only recently announced the reopening of its borders for travelers and international students but unfortunately, emerging concerns about the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has forced the government to enact a few new regulations.
The Australian Government has been analyzing the situation carefully and has stated its desire to continue with its plans to reopen its borders for international students on December 15, 2021. The prime minister, Scott Morrison said “We’re not going back to lockdowns, none of us want that.” and the Federal Minister of Health, Greg Hunt assured the current plans will be followed by saying “All of this is done on the presumption that we will recommence from December 15, but medical advice will guide our decision-making throughout.”
Various states and territories have taken different measures to combat the new variant. Almost every state and territory requires students and visitors to fill up entry forms almost a week prior to entry, take multiple COVID-19 PCR tests before and after arrival and self-isolate at their accommodation or place of residence for time periods varying according to the guidelines of the state or territory. However, students traveling to Queensland may not need to quarantine or take any tests if they meet certain conditions due to the majority of its population being fully vaccinated.
While restrictions and regulations differ depending on the territory and state some of the most recent updates are:
Transit within a state or territory is possible but rules may apply differently depending on the state or territory. As the Australian government is still assessing the situation, new updates may arrive soon and it is advised students act or plan accordingly.