Australia is most likely to keep its borders shut until late 2021, as per the Australian government. The border closure rule will apply to international visitors and international students alike.
The comments were made by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in a statement following the annual announcement of the Australian Federal Budget, and is based on the assumption that a vaccine for Covid-19 will be widely available around the end of 2021.
“International travel, including by tourists and international students, is assumed to remain largely closed off until late next year”, Treasurer Frydenberg said.
The travel restrictions applies both ways too – meaning Australians most likely will not be allowed to go overseas until 2021 end, unless under exceptional circumstances.
Currently, overseas travel restrictions in Australia are in effect until December 17, 2020, but it is likely the restrictions will be extended.
Earlier, PM Scott Morrison would start opening the country to safe locations such as New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and some Pacific Islands. The Treasurer’s comments casts a shadow on the PM’s comments. However, a trans-Tasman travel bubble arrangement between New Zealand and Australia is in discussion, and has made significant progress. Under the travel bubble, Aussies and Kiwis will be allowed to travel to non-hotspot areas in each other’s countries without mandatory hotel quarantine.
