International travellers no longer have to show proof of their vaccination status when they visit Australia from 6 July. Photo Credit: GettyImages/JohnCrux
Even while most of the region began easing travel and entry
restrictions during the endemic period, Australia continued to operate
very strict border control protocols.
That is set to change, however, as of 6 July, when the country is
dropping all vaccination and testing requirements for travellers.
Australia follows Vietnam's playbook, which had become the first
Southeast Asian country to no longer require travellers to show proof of
vaccination and entry tests, as of 15 May.
In Vietnam, arriving passengers are requested to self-monitor their
health, especially for the first 10 days upon entry, and comply with
mask wearing regulations wherever required.
In Australia, travellers, vaccinated or unvaccinated, are still
required to comply with any mask mandates imposed by airlines, shipping
operators, on domestic and international flights, public transport,
cruise terminals and healthcare facilities.
Australian health minister Mark Butler said that even though
Australia has eased up on its vaccination requirement, the country will
still continue to “act on the medical advice as needed”.
Earlier, Australia had reopened its borders on 21 February, before
removing the need for any pre-departure or on-arrival Covid-19 testings
for passengers since 18 April.