Australia to scrap vaccine requirements for arrivals

Australia’s home affairs minister Clare O’Neil announced the changes to Australia’s international entry requirements on Sunday, saying the country’s Biosecurity Act had been amended accordingly following advice from chief medical officer Paul Kelly.

“Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers to choose Australia as a destination,” she said. “I know anyone who has travelled internationally since the borders have opened will find this as one less thing to worry about.”

The DPD was originally introduced last September, requiring visitors to upload proof of their vaccination status or exemption to a digital app ahead of travelling to the country. It replaced the original paper-based passenger arrival form.

The changes to Australia’s entry requirements also cover arrivals by sea, with maritime travel declarations for cruise ship passengers also removed under the announcement.

But Australia’s health minister Mark Butler reminded travellers they must still comply with restrictions such as mask-wearing on inbound flights, as well as Covid requirements imposed by other countries.