Sydney reopens to tourists, rest of Australia remains closed | Abroad

So far, only Australians or permanent residents of Australia can enter the country, subject to a 14-day quarantine obligation. But New South Wales, which recently emerged from lockdown and where more than 70 per cent of the eligible population has been vaccinated, is now taking the lead in changing the rules.

From November 1, foreigners will be able to travel to Sydney Airport if they can prove they have been vaccinated and submit a negative coronavirus test before boarding the plane. In this case, they will be exempted from any form of quarantine. Non-vaccinated travelers will remain quarantined in a medical hotel.

New South Wales announcement of the national plan to reopen Australia’s borders is expected. “We cannot live here in a hermit kingdom. A lot of businesses depend on tourism for their trade and business,” said Dominic Perrottet, Prime Minister of New South Wales. Current rules allow at least 2,000 tourists a week to access Sydney airport, which has been one of the most Airports were the busiest in the world before the pandemic.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed the NSW decision but said the reopening of the state would be in phases. “I want to be clear: Not everyone will be able to enter Australia at the same time,” it seems.