Many parts of the globe are open again for international travel. One of the few remaining holdouts is Australia and the Oceania region in general. Here are the latest updates about when Americans can fly to Australia.
Australia Entry Requirements
The Australian government currently has a travel ban for all non-essential travel because of the Covid-19 threat. This border closure is one of the strictest in the world.
United States citizens are unable to visit Australia under most circumstances. This is unfortunate news for world travelers who love the Land Down Under (or have a stack of Qantas miles). However, it is possible to get a travel exemption to enter Australia for several reasons:
- Escort an Australian citizen or permanent resident minor (only one escort per child)
- You are an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- An immediate family member of an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- New Zealand citizen who usually resides in Australia
- Eligible business reasons
You can apply for an exemption at least two weeks but less than two months before your planned arrival date. It's possible to apply within two weeks due to a close family member's death or critical illness. A negative pre-arrival test within 72 hours of arrival is also necessary if you qualify for an exemption. You will also need to observe the local safety guidelines and quarantine requirements.
These entry requirements resemble what most countries had in the opening weeks of the pandemic.
Can Dual Citizens Enter Australia?
The U.S. Embassy to Australia states that travelers with dual United States and Australian citizenship are not guaranteed entry. They will need to apply for an exemption just like non-residents and non-Australians but may have higher approval odds.
Just like it's difficult to fly into Australia, it's challenging for current Australian residents to depart the country. People with temporary visas may be able to leave the country but cannot return to Australia.
Australian Quarantine Rules
If you can enter Australia, you will need to observe the local quarantine policy and curfew restrictions to avoid legal fines and penalties. International visitors should anticipate self-quarantining for 14 days at a hotel or designated facility. The quarantine location is at the port of entry.
Much of the nation is currently under a local lockdown to a different degree. The rules vary by state and city. The affected regions include:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
The latest batch of stay-at-home orders comes in response to the Delta variant.
Before the lockdowns, quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand was permitted. However, this was the only border opening for international travel to Australia.
Summary
Australia has some of the strictest international travel restrictions. Its border will most likely stay closed for the indefinite future. Nearby countries also have similar restrictions. The Maldives is one of the only "nearby" countries you can visit.
Flying to Central America and the Caribbean are the best international travel routes from the United States as they have more accessibility.
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