Closed for more than 700 days: Popular long-distance travel destination opens borders for tourists again
Created: 02/22/2022, 11:07 am
By: Franziska Kaindl
For almost two years, Australia has largely kept its borders closed due to the corona pandemic.
Now tourists are finally allowed to enter again.
"The wait is over," said Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, according to a report by the German Press Agency (dpa).
"My message to tourists around the world is: pack your bags, come and have one of the greatest experiences imaginable - the experience you've been waiting for." Welcomed after more than 700 days of closed borders Tourists from all over the world are finally back down under.
A double vaccination is a prerequisite for a quarantine-free holiday
.
In addition, travelers must take a PCR or antigen test within 24 hours of arrival.
However, they are not allowed to use public transport from the airport to their accommodation.
Those who have not been vaccinated must apply for an exemption.
A hotel quarantine applies to them after entry.
Corona loosening: Tourism in Australia should be boosted again
Australia expects 56 international flights at the country's airports by Tuesday (February 22), more than
1.2 million people worldwide have visas
and can enter, Morrison said.
He doesn't mince his words: "Don't forget to bring your money with you, because you will find many ways to spend it," said the Prime Minister.
Read here
: Federal government wants to relax corona travel rules before the Easter holidays.
The figures from the Australian government for 2019, the year before the crisis, show how important tourism is for the country: Up to September alone, Down Under welcomed
around 8.7 million international travelers
who spent around 45.2 billion Australian dollars (around 28.8 billion euros ) expenditure.
With the corona pandemic, this income collapsed almost completely.
So it's no wonder that Alan Royce, head of the Australian airline Qantas, among others, spoke of a "great day for everyone in the tourism industry" due to the opening of the border, according to dpa.
Also interesting
: Corona high-risk areas: Anyone returning from these countries must adhere to strict entry rules.
Vacationers can now visit Australia again.
© Dirk Rueter/Imago
Almost two years of separation for many Australians and their loved ones and friends
Not only tourists, but above all relatives from abroad were happy about the relaxation of entry into Australia.
The reunion of families and friends caused
emotional scenes at the country's airports
.
The first plane to land in Sydney reunited a woman with her best friend from the United States, for whom she had postponed her wedding four times, according to media reports.
There have only been significant entry relaxations in December 2021 for professionals, international students or other eligible visa holders.
There were also travel corridors to countries such as New Zealand, Japan and Singapore.
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