Australia Prepares New International Travel Regulations

Illustration (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - The Australian government is preparing new international travel regulations to make it easier for both its citizens and tourists to return to visit the country.

"Our government is setting a framework for how international travel will look in the coming months", said Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison quoting by Antara, Saturday.

The new regulations are the first to quarantine for seven days at home for Australian citizens and permanent residents who have been fully vaccinated with vaccines used in Australia or vaccines recognized by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Second, a managed quarantine of 14 days for anyone who has not been vaccinated or has been vaccinated with a vaccine that is not approved or recognized by the TGA.

Australians and permanent residents who have not been vaccinated, for example, if they are under 12 years of age or for medical reasons, will be considered vaccinated.

"States and territories will start this program at different times given the varying vaccination rates, but we expect the system to start in November", Morrison said.

Australian citizens and permanent residents who have been vaccinated with TGA-approved vaccines overseas can visit their local GP or pharmacist in Australia to update their COVID-19 vaccination status on the Australian Immunization Register.

In the coming weeks, the government will finalize the process for citizens to show their vaccination status if they already have a TGA-approved vaccine.

Residents who have received vaccines not recognized by the TGA, or who were not vaccinated, will be required to undergo a 14-day managed quarantine upon arrival.

Four COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and registered with the TGA, including Pfizer (Comirnaty), AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Moderna (Spikevax), and Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.

The TGA has also received suggestions that the Coronavac (Sinovac) and Covishield (AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India) vaccines could be considered as recognized vaccines for incoming international travelers in addition to the four vaccines.

"The recognition of the vaccine supports Australia in being able to repatriate citizens who have been vaccinated with the vaccine abroad and can open it up to other groups, such as international students who have been vaccinated with the vaccines in their countries, such as Indonesia, India, and China", said Morrison.