Press release
Minister for the Diaspora welcomes lifting of most COVID-19 travel restrictions for Australia
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy, has welcomed the news of the lifting of most COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions to Australia for fully vaccinated visa holders.
Speaking today Minister Brophy said:
"I welcome the news that from today, Monday, 21 February 2022, most regions of Australia will reopen to all fully vaccinated visa holders without restrictions or exemption requirements. Irish citizens living in Australia have never felt further from home as they have during the pandemic. The reopening of unrestricted international travel between our countries brings renewed joy and will raise the spirits of our diaspora in Australia and their family and friends here in Ireland, who have endured long and painful separations.
"The States and Territories within Australia have different requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated international arrivals. Irish passport holders should make sure to check the rules at their point of arrival before making arrangements to travel. Arrivals into Western Australia, including the City of Perth, will have to quarantine on arrival until at least 3 March.
"The welcome news from Australia coincides with the latest update to Ireland’s Digital COVID Certificate service allowing Irish passport holders living abroad to update their certificates to include any additional COVID-19 vaccine boosters recognised in Ireland. With access to updated EU-DCCs reflecting booster doses, it will be easier for Irish people living in Australia or elsewhere abroad to travel back to Ireland or anywhere in the EU. This is a demonstration of the Irish Government’s commitment to our Diaspora and to facilitating a return to normal international travel as restrictions imposed to combat the pandemic recede."
From Monday, 21 February 2022, all fully vaccinated visa holders can travel to most regions in Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption. This includes Bridging, Visitor and any other visa types that allow travel to Australia. Unvaccinated visa holders will still need a valid travel exemption to enter Australia. Learn more: Vaccinated travellers - COVID-19 and the border (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The State of Western Australia including the city of Perth, will maintain some local restrictions, including a 7 day mandatory quarantine. Full details of these are available on the website of the Western Australia authorities at www.gov.au.