NSW scraps hotel and home quarantine for overseas travellers

From November 1, fully-vaccinated travellers arriving into Sydney will no longer need to enter any form of quarantine.

By David Flynn, October 15 2021
NSW scraps hotel and home quarantine for overseas travellers

Fully-vaccinated Australians returning home from overseas will no longer need to enter quarantine in Sydney from November 1 as NSW becomes the first Australian state to drop mandatory quarantine.

"Hotel quarantine and home quarantine are a thing of the past" declared NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet at a press conference this morning.

As of November 1, the only requirement will be that people arriving into NSW – which mainly happens through the state's Sydney Airport gateway – must be fully-vaccinated with an approval shot, and take a Covid-19 test before boarding their flight to Australia.

That date also sync up with reports earlier this week that NSW could unlock its borders and permit international as soon as November 1, based on estimates that the state will pass the 80% vaccination milestone around October 18.

The state has been trialling a seven-day home quarantine program as it prepared to end hotel quarantine, but Perrottet says even this measure will no longer be needed.

"For double vaccinated people around the world, Sydney, NSW, is open for business," he said. "We will work closely with the Commonwealth to ensure protections are in place so we keep people safe (as we) rejoin the world."

On the back of this announcement, Qantas will bring forward the restart of flights from Sydney to London and Los Angeles to November 1, and is considering an earlier take-off for flights from Sydney to several other destinations including Singapore, Fiji and Vancouver, which were slated for December 18.

For returning Aussies, not for tourists

However, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has over-ruled Perrottet on welcoming double-jabbed international tourists to NSW as part of the move to abandon quarantine, insisting this is "about Australian residents and citizens first."

Morrison said "the Commonwealth government has made no decision to allow other visa holders, student visa holders, international visitors... to come to Australia under these arrangements."

"They are decisions for the Commonwealth government and when we are in a position to make that decision down the track, obviously in NSW, they will be able to do so if they are vaccinated without having to quarantine."

Travel on flights into Sydney from November 1 will be restricted to Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate families and parents.

As of November 1, NSW will also remove its caps for overseas arrivals, provided once again that all travellers have been fully-vaccinated with a shot approved by the national Therapeutic Goods Administration.

That list currently includes Pfizer, AstraZenica and Moderna, and is being expanded to embrace the Chinese Sinovac (but not Sinopharm) and India's Covishield. 

However, Ayres said that 14 days of hotel quarantine will still be used for arrivals who are not fully vaccinated, with those quarantine spaces "capped at 210 people per week."

Perrottet also took a swipe at Western Australia's insistence on keeping its state borders closed, saying that people from NSW would "be travelling to Bali before Broome."

As for visitors from overseas: "If you want to come here, stay in New South Wales and stay in Sydney. Have a great time here before you (go) home and spend up big."

Also read: Australia’s restart of international travel could move to November 1

15 Sep 2021

Total posts 12

YAY!

Freedom!

Bring it on!

05 Mar 2015

Total posts 411

Fantastic news! I wonder if Qantas is going to bring back SYD-LAX and SYD-LHR A380s even sooner now? Actually Sydney-London might be an issue unless Singapore can once again be made the stopover.

17 Feb 2020

Total posts 15

Great news at last!

A common sense approach, that will hopefully be followed by your the other Premiers. 

17 Feb 2020

Total posts 15

Great news!

Hopefully other Premiers follow the NSW example soon.

01 Nov 2017

Total posts 19

Is Darwin A380 capable?

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

11 Oct 2014

Total posts 693

The real question Australians should be asking is: "When did NSW assume the current Federal Rights to determine Immigration Policy?"

Whilst I personally applaud NSW's wish to try to accelerate our progression out of COVID, it is particularly and noticeably sad that the current Federal Government is clearly MIA (missing in action) and that the individual states are now seemingly free to do as they like. That is not how our national Constitution is written or meant to work.

Gladys generally managed the NSW response with a competent state-based policy and would occasionally place a well considered bit of pressure on the Federal Government to push them along. It seems that our new Premier is intent on usurping control and assuming that he has the ability to determine Federal policy. Big mistake.

He has spoken with ABC News this morning and is alleging that he has been in contact with the Federal Government. An alternate view s coming from the Federal Government, with a big fat but decisive 'no comment' being issued. I guess somebody will need to run in and wake up our snoozing PM ?

06 Feb 2021

Total posts 59

Scooters probably spitting chips because he didn't get to make the announcement, hence a terse no comment.  I do wonder though whether this has been fully thought through in terms of immigration and customs arrangements. 

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

18 Aug 2020

Total posts 34

Whinge whinge whinge.  Every other state has been doing whatever they want.  NSW needs to move forward.

AJW
AJW

16 Nov 2011

Total posts 580

As the federal government has been saying for 18+ months quarantine is a state issue. 

As for immigration, unless I am mistaken the federal government had already announced the lifting of restrictions. 

And frankly do you think nsw would do this without knowledge of the Federal Government. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

29 May 2020

Total posts 35

They aren't determining the immigration policy.  The federal govt can still say who can come in and out.  All the NSW govt is doing is saying that they won't require quarantine.

19 Jun 2020

Total posts 20

I think Josh Frydenberg mentioned the state premiers have discretionary powers under the 2015 bio security act. (Not sure if I got the name of the act correct). He clearly intimated its time to wind back. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

28 Oct 2011

Total posts 464

No, NSW did not determine Immigration policy, it's determined its own quarantine policy - which it has delegated authority from the Commonwealth to do (as was given to all the states by the feds at the start of Covid).

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

11 Oct 2014

Total posts 693

Hi John,

Perrottet clearly did seek to determine Immigration policy by firmly stating that foreign tourists would be allowed to enter Australia from the 1st November, 2021. 

That was the issue that caused the PM to spring to attention in his 2:35pm Press appearance to make a clear and decisive statement that the Immigration Policy would ONLY include Australian citizens and their immediate family, as well as permanent residents - not foreign tourists. 

The quarantine policy - as you mention - is a State policy, under delegated Authority. However, Immigration matters and Quarantine policy are two quite different matters.

@AJW - the Federal Government has developed and released a four stage plan for emergence by the nation from COVID. That plan is still current and is the love-child of the Department of Immigration and the Department of Homeland Security.  

When NSW passed the 80% first jab point last weekend, we (Australia) moved from Stage A to Stage B. The total removal of Immigration restrictions on foreign individuals entering Australia for tourism purposes, does not occur until Stage D - which we are nowhere near.

As to your question on whether I would "think that NSW would do this without the knowledge of the Federal Government" - the answer is two-fold. 1) No, Gladys would NOT have done this. 2) Yes - Perrottet actually made a statement in his morning briefing today alluding that he had discussed this with the Federal Government. 

However, the new Premier was faced with the revelation that his letter to the PM was dated today - by the PM. So, yes - dumb stuff does happen, especially when you get inexperienced individuals in places of power, or 'presumed' power in this case.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Jun 2014

Total posts 209

Yes, QF1/2 services operated through there in Mar 2020. Not a full payload to LHR from there though I don't believe.

16 Aug 2017

Total posts 21

Correct, I was on the first LHR-DRW and it was not full and most of the luggage didn't make it, both due to weight.

08 Jul 2015

Total posts 26

Darwin Airport is actually a RAAF base. It can take the biggest aircraft in the skies.   

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Jun 2014

Total posts 209

Yes, not to mention a NASA space shuttle alternate.

QF

11 Jul 2014

Total posts 986

I’d be asking if the A380 is ready for the Darwin Runway , it’s not the flattest runway anyone has seen.

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1202

A380s can land at DRW. I was there a few years ago when an EY380 diverted there for medical emergency. The A380 is actually very good for runway loading given its size. 

DRW does not have A380 triple gate so boarding and deboarding a full plane would be slow but not impossible

QF

11 Jul 2014

Total posts 986

Good to see common sense to restart the economy, watch NSW boom in a head start against the other states.

Majority of states don't need a 'restart' as their economy never stopped.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

12 Mar 2017

Total posts 4

Majority of other states are country towns in comparison! Ha! Sydney is an international hub that does the heavy lifting for all of Australia - just saying!

Some state economies are referred to as "welfare states", the interesting thing I saw after checking the world covid data is that eventually covid gets into the whole community. It's just a matter of time before a state gets slammed by covid.

traveller240468

so what ?

Everyone gets covid eventually. Doesn't kill you if vaccinated.

Sure about that? There are some families who will have lost vaccinated loved ones who will prove you wrong.

I agree  100% Get Vaccinated 

01 Jul 2021

Total posts 35

This is why NSW is one of my favourites states hooray for them

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

07 Dec 2014

Total posts 170

"That list currently includes Pfizer, AstraZenica and Moderna" ... I understand that although Johnson & Johnson/Janssen isn't being used in Australia, it has been given TGA approval as well some months back (presumably the manufacturer applied).

XWu
XWu

09 May 2020

Total posts 569

@andyf

The key is what is meant by “TGA-approved” (btw J&J is approved for use in Australia)

Googling “COVID-19 vaccines not registered in Australia but in current international use - TGA advice on "recognition"” brings up a list of vaccine not approved for use in Australia but recommended by TGA for “recognition of vaccines not registered in Australia” for international travellers (note that the list also discussed those vaccines not recommended for recognition)

This would be important for NSW government if their intention is to open to international students and tourists from China and India whereby one Chinese (Sinovac) and one Indian-made AstraZeneca vaccine are regarded as recognised vaccines.

Furthermore the other issue is whether the post double vaccination period of 10-14 days needed to occur before travellers are considered to be vaccinated, so NSW will have to figure that bit out as well.

Only time will tell what the details are.

Interestingly this may inadvertently result in a short term medical tourist boom in certain intermediary countries like Singapore whereby travellers from countries with non approved vaccines would arrive, and get their vaccines and stay in the country for 3-5 weeks before flying off to Australian or other destinations. It would of course require commercial access to Pfizer or Moderna vaccine (as currently the vaccine program is government run and for residents not short term travellers) as well as quarantine residential arrangements.


Qantas

22 Oct 2012

Total posts 317

I'd love to see the earlier return of the A380s, but Qantas will be restrained by extensive staff training requirements and maintenance requirements after such a long shutdown of those aircraft and crews.

01 Jul 2021

Total posts 35

We can only hope and knowing Qantas yes we probably will get A380 flights earlier

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

11 Oct 2014

Total posts 693

Well, with SQ now committing to some 2021 A380 flights, at least there might now be some room at the ASP parking lot for QF to bring a couple of frames back to OZ and gradually prepare them for re-introduction to the network, on a sliding scale?

Otherwise, if QF remains with their Apr-May plan for June 2022 re-introduction, they'd be potentially ceding a significant marketing advantage (and some market share) to SQ which would amount to six months. 

AJW
AJW

16 Nov 2011

Total posts 580

Qantas doesn’t need to bring frames back to Australia to get them ready for service. The reason the A380’s are storage at Victorville is because they have their maintenance base just down the road at LAX. They would be capable if f getting them ready for service. 

Also there are two undergoing heavy maintenance and possibly cabin refit which could be brought back quickly. Bigger issue is getting crew ready. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

11 Oct 2014

Total posts 693

AJW - yes, I know exactly why QF chose to store them in the US desert. 

You miss my point though. As we are seeing - on a very regular basis - the estimations and policies of all our experts seemingly change at will. QF as a conservative managed company has a 'projected feel' for when they feel that the A380's should be re-introduced to the network. Initially that was a late 2023-early 2024 timeframe.

As is being seen (and experienced now), these schedules are not 'fixed in stone'. The initial timeline was modified to second half 2022 less than 3 weeks ago. It is clear that Government policy and 'market demand' will determine the actual, real return to service dates - and you can be quite sure that QF will be watching that.

There is a trusted and true Boy Scout saying known as "Be Prepared". My point was that QF could pull 2 frames back to Australia, where they could be stored short-term if progress is slower than anticipated. Conversely, with the ability to perform maintenance and rehabilitation quickly in both LAX and in Australia / Singapore or Phillipines, there are clear advantages in having multiple maintenance facilities.

When you look at the other A380 operators, EK, QR and BA are already moving on re-introducing their fleets. Just today, the Sydney Morning Herald is leading with a story that SQ is placing 320,000 sale tickets up for Australia (and that is virtually all SYD capacity) for November and December. So, clearly there will be demand over the Nov 2021-Feb 2022 period, if nothing else. That increasing stability or return to service will only give the public more incentive to book holidays, some O&D VFR travel and maybe the green shoots of business travel.  

Seems to me that there is substantial capacity being expected by respected industry players, don't you think?

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

16 Jan 2018

Total posts 56

Respect respect respect! I could not believe we have politicians with balls and leaderships!

'National Plan' in tatters from both sides. Federal gov't no where to be seen.

This is gonna be an interesting one

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Jun 2014

Total posts 209

Agreed but frankly it's a "two can play that game scenario". On one hand for months many of the COVID free states have been leisurely dithering on their border reopening plans rather than commit to a date or vaccination target that would enable a clear pathway to reunifying the county.

Now the tables are beginning to turn and NSW is rightfully pushing ahead with international opening despite the initial national plan stating a national average of 80% must be met. Why on earth would we do that if many states won't even open up to their own residents located in other states once that target is met.

15 Oct 2021

Total posts 2

While this is great news for travellers it creates a real mockery of Australia's federal system in which the Commonwealth is responsible for our national borders and quarantine. It will also create anomalies. Most others state premiers seem to be sticking to the agreed federal plan of 7-day home quarantine. So what we are likely to end up with is most travellers preferring to arrive in Sydney - that's where all demand for international flights will go (which no doubt will create some issues for the airlines). But what does this mean for state borders? If NSW is operating a different system, then other states and territories will need to keep state border controls in place for some time to prevent travellers flying into Sydney and hopping directly onto a domestic flight. This is a very clear example crying out for a national approach or it will simply entrench the patchwork approach we've seen to COVID-19 so far. We really need to hear from the federal government because they are the ultimate arbiters over international arrivals.

28 Aug 2020

Total posts 5

Couldn't agree more filmfanatic. 

This is great for NSW but perhaps to Mr Perrottet's surprise not everyone lives there. 

I'm from Victoria and I will refrain from saying what I really think of our premier other than I dislike him, his policies and his reluctance to reopen. 

I don't see how this will go down well with him, the premiers of the other States, Territories  and republic of WA. (Seriously though well done to them for keeping COVID free.)

  We need an agreed national approach which I thought we had and agreed. 

I understood the quarantine although managed by states was federal mandated? How the f*ck is this going to work. Has Scotty agreed to it?  We are meant to be opening up Australia as a group effort with all the states on a national roadmap. Just seems to me everyone is doing their own fu*king thing and it will be a complete mess. 

This great in theory but a terrible idea really. 

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

18 Aug 2020

Total posts 34

The other states went off the plan at the first possible opportunity.  Dom has changed that cozy dynamic.

XWu
XWu

09 May 2020

Total posts 569

@Xyzxzz

I agreed that we needed a national approach but from my perspective, certain states had never abide to the national strategy for more than a few months when it suits them, and then throw off the facade when it doesn’t.

GlaBer made some remarks about how the National Cabinet agreement almost always come down to the most restrictive measures insisted by some states, but she had stuck to the agreement struck by the National Cabinet as much as I can tell.

Looks like DomPer had no qualms about pushing the limit since the other states (from the NSW perspectives) had been cherry picking what they will follow for the last 12 months and he certainly didn’t wait long enough to show what NSW is prepared to do ahead of the next national cabinet meeting.

At least we now know what the main agenda will be then.

26 Mar 2020

Total posts 69

Its a great idea as the other states and premiers need to get with the times - "we are in late 2021" not still living in 2022.

NSW have simply now caught up with the rest of the world like Europe, USA and UK in terms of vaccine rates and but also learning to live with Covid.

Home quarantine was never going to work and a logistical nightmare and frankly when you have such high levels of vaccination it makes zero sense to continue to quarantine fully vaccinated travellers. 

British Airways - Executive Club

10 Apr 2015

Total posts 13

Qantas has opened flight bookings to/from UK / LA from 1st November, same schedule as the 15th November re-start.

Singapore Airlines - The PPS Club

11 Sep 2015

Total posts 46

kimshep and filmfanatic have nailed it.  Control of entry AND exit into and from Australia is squarely in the hands of the Federal Border Force and they need to confirm what will happen on Nov 1st. 

Scotty from Announcements (he must be fuming that NSW stole his thunder)  should be getting very concerned right now as to his ability to influence States. Perhaps he's too busy biting his nails to the quick about Climate Change and how he can drag the Nats along in order to avoid world shame.

Tears before bedtime I fear.

AJW
AJW

16 Nov 2011

Total posts 580

The PM is talking now and this is only for citizens and permanent residents plus their close family. 

It’s not business, students or tourists at this time. 

QFF

16 May 2016

Total posts 66

Everyone ignoring the fact that the Fed Govt makes the call on foreign visitors, not NSW Govt.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

28 Oct 2011

Total posts 464

NSW isn't changing immigration policy. It is changing its own quarantine policy. Like all states, it was given delegated quarantine power by the Commonwealth in March last year. NSW is just using that delegated power. Just like Qld, Vic and WA have done.

15 Jul 2020

Total posts 6

Well ScoMo just said no to international travellers. Australian citizens, residents and immediate family (to now include parents) only.

Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer

12 Apr 2017

Total posts 207

Scomo will change very quickly to allowing International visitors as well.

26 Mar 2020

Total posts 69

it will change as a Fully vaccinated Englishmen, Frenchmen or Yank would i assume pose the exact same level of risk as a fully vaccinated Australian?

06 Feb 2014

Total posts 29

While I fully support the need to accelerate reopening, it does feel a little bit like playing Russian roulette by taking out almost all protections straight away. If the whole world was at a decent level of protection that meant significant mutations were highly unlikely, then its a different story.

But there is a serious risk that, if there is a new 'delta' strain come about that is not well countered by existing vaccines (i.e. whatever is next in the greek alphabet ha - not my strongpoint), then its likely to wreak havoc before any serious detection takes place and we could be in a world of bother. Certainly recognise we can not be a hermit kingdom forever, but not sure the risks have been fully appreciated and factored in to decision making. Hopefully there may be some reasonable 'arrivals based testing' requirements to put some of those checks and balances in. 

What a joke Scomo and his National Cabinet arrangements are however. Horrendous that NSW, rightly or wrongly, is now basically making decisions on international borders on behalf of at very least NSW, ACT and Vic, and in reality the whole of Australia, and it seems without even talking to other jurisdictions prior, or to those that in reality are meant to hold the pen on international border arrangements.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

11 Oct 2014

Total posts 693

As @awboj (above) indicated above, Scomo just (at 2:35pm newscast) put Perrottet back in his box. 

According to the PM, the NSW situation will apply ONLY to Australian citizens, returning residents (as well as citizen's families). International students, immigrants and foreign tourists are specifically excluded - and apparently won't be considered until Part D of the National Plan comes into effect. 

Perrottet had indicated that his NSW policy would include foreign tourists immediately. It also turns out that he had written to the PM n this issue ... today. Clearly, this stuff-up was totally unco-ordinated and lacked any formal knowledge or approval. Not the brightest start ... 

The lack of co-ordination is frankly .. stunning. I guess that our PM is salivating in his 'vaccination' success - despite it being State-driven and sadly lacking in certain states. Perrottet has managed to wrest the spotlight away from Scotty, who is probably fairly grateful. On other matters, the PM (or Minister for Prevarification) has finally decided to attend a certain Scottish Climate-Change event - and will undoubtedly be able to happily return via Sydney (and hence avoid quarantine, whilst popping into to Cronulla for a quick family visit).

Who loves a 3 ring circus ? 

06 Feb 2014

Total posts 29

What a mess hey! I suspected that something such as what has occurred this afternoon might be the result. 

Whoever is advising Mr lots of kids about who he should be consulting with before making his big promises and big calls is not doing a very good job.

Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer

02 Dec 2016

Total posts 47

It doesn't matter if the international tourists don't return next month. It will happen by early next year anyway. It is a clever and deliberate ploy by Dom to push the re opening agenda and putting pressure on the other recalcitrant states to re open, not just internally, but externally too.

It is great that the hotel and home quarantines are eliminated. Sooner or later, the other states will be forced to do the same, which is the best thing to happen to this country. If we don't open and let go of restrictions and quarantines, when we are 80-90% vaxxed, when then ?! Don't forget that people still need to do the PCR test before departure and after arrival.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

14 Oct 2012

Total posts 46

The best news I've had all week!  I wasn't prepared to quarantine on return, but was hoping by early next year it would be scrapped.  This provides certainty and confidence for the airlines, travelers, hotels etc.  As a MEL based traveler I'm glad to be going out via SYD - also an opportunity to get back into the SYD Q First lounge...     

15 Oct 2021

Total posts 2

But Victoria is keeping the seven-day home quarantine requirement (which I understand all the states and territories agreed to as part of the COVID roadmap). This effectively means other states will need to maintain border controls with NSW, so you may still need to quarantine when you travel from NSW to Victoria. It seems like a dog's breakfast and hasn't been well thought out / coordinated at all. We're meant to live in a federation but it's every premier for themselves.

Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer

12 Apr 2017

Total posts 207

Victoria will come into line with NSW once we achieve 80%, especially as we are likely to get close to 90% fully vaccinated.

28 Aug 2020

Total posts 5

Dictator Dan will use this as an excuse to delay opening international borders and go off the roadmap. As much as I like the new NSW guy, he has just given Dan a reason. 

 Seriously how are they going to stop people flying to Sydney and then getting a domestic flight to Melbourne. Are they really suggesting that we'll have permits still next year??? 

20 May 2020

Total posts 5

Prime Minister just announced applies to Australian citizens ONLY.  not tourists

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1426

Oldman Australian citizens and families including parents. I presume if the parents are not citizens they can come. Need to prove that at visa application which will be interesting. Children’s birth certificate perhaps.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

11 Oct 2014

Total posts 693

It's actually Australian citizens and their immediate families, as well as permanent residents only.

Overseas students wishing to return to Australia and foreign tourists are specifically excluded.

25 Jun 2021

Total posts 29

Whats the go with going back into QLD, id doubled jab are you ok?

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

03 Aug 2015

Total posts 5

How does this will work under current federal emergency measures that are in force until December?

https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/covid-19-emergency-measures-extended-for-a-further-three-months-0

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

18 Aug 2020

Total posts 34

They'll be repealed.

AJW
AJW

16 Nov 2011

Total posts 580

Stepandy the Feds had already announced the borders would open in November for citizens and residents to leave and return. All that has changed today is nsw saying no quarantine. 

Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer

12 Apr 2017

Total posts 207

Even as a Victorian I like Gladys a lot. I absolutely love the new guy in as the NSW Premier. Finally a State Premier with courage and vision.

Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer

12 Apr 2017

Total posts 207

For over a year whenever I said quarantine hubs would be a massive waste of money, I was castigated as if I was bringing death on every Australian citizen. Thank goodness for some common sense and realism in this stupid world. 

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 526

From the start I thought quarantine was an authoritarian overreaction to what is a self-limiting flu that 99.8% of people recover from. If my understanding of history is correct, the last time Australia mass quarantined all arrivals was about 150 years ago, but back then many arrivals were actually sick, from their long sea voyages. Many suffered from scurvy and various diseases that have all but been wiped out today.

During Covid, many countries never required quarantine or at most, home quarantine and yet they didn't experience the next coming of the plague like the Australian media has insisted we would, had Australia not instituted facility quarantine.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 526

Well, it's a start. A lot of flip flops and unexpected easing of restrictions happening almost simultaneously all over the world.

Here are a few other examples: Less than 2 weeks after reducing it's quarantine for both vaccinated and unvaccinated arrivals and reducing the number of tests post-arrival from 3 down to 2, Thailand announces quarantine free travel for fully vaccinated arrivals starting November 1. Initially 10 countries are mentioned, the next day it's 5 and now it's suddenly at least 38. Only difference with NSW is that a post arrival test is also being requested and thus a possible one night quarantine. 3 days ago, the understanding was that there would be no waiting at a hotel but again, that could change 5 times between now and the end of the month.

Also in November but suddenly the exact date is no longer known - the USA will reopen it's land borders with the caveat that all entrants need to be fully vaccinated. Only US citizens are exempt for now. By January, truck drivers will need to be compliant too. No test is required, only a vaccination certificate.

New Zealand is far behind with it's insistence that not only will foreigners need to be vaccinated to enter NZ as of November 1 onward, but they still need to do a 14 day quarantine. Who will go there?

Vietnam is planning on reopening some parts of the country, starting with Phu Quoc to fully vaccinated visitors, now pushed back to around November 20. Unlike Phuket, initially only charter flights will arrive. It is unclear at this point, but it appears that vaccinated visitors in the first phase will be limited to their hotel and immediate surroundings for the first few days, not the whole island. Between December and February, there will be more areas of the country added.

I think Australia should at least consider reducing it's hotel quarantine requirement for unvaccinated arrivals down to 7-10 days, depending on where they are coming from. I don't see the point in insisting it's still 14 days.

Another question is - how will families travelling with unvaccinated children be treated? If the parents are vaccinated but the children are not, will quarantine be waived or will everyone be shoved into 14 day hotel quarantine?

Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer

12 Apr 2017

Total posts 207

This is an evolving story. What is now, will be different in a week and different again a week after that.

Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer

12 Apr 2017

Total posts 207

We have been brainwashed into thinking the world will never go back to normal. restrictions and quarantine to be around for many many years. Just look at Europe, they have snapped back as if nothing has happened! Fantastic. And don't start talking about increasing cases because of this. Humans are born, they live and then they die no matter what else we do. Some people want us to be born, lock ourselves away for ever, just in case, and then die! Crazy.

06 Oct 2021

Total posts 6

Scomo just said that it's a Commonwealth decision and none to be made by NSW. Haven't seen my family overseas for 19 months. I pay taxes in this country and I run a business. Doesn't feel good to be a second class citizens.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1426

TripTrap, there is no restrictions on you travelling or your family coming in if you are a permanent resident. Therein may be the catch.

"Get Vaccinated" the sooner the better, watch covid spread through Australia like a wild fire, NSW will be right not sure about QLD and WA.

23 Mar 2012

Total posts 98

Partly reversed by PM , once again we have mixed messages . 

XWu
XWu

09 May 2020

Total posts 569

Might be political tactics to push the envelope. 

Furthermore it could be a matter of 

“I am opening up to all vaccinated travellers with no quarantine”, 

“no, you are not, I have the final say who can come in without quarantine”

“Ok if you want them to be quarantined, you find and run the quarantine then”

ScoMo may allow incoming flights to SYD to be uncapped for Aussies but may still have limits in issuing visas to non residents. Either way DomPer will get to free up more Sydney hotels and reduce state costs and resources in running the quarantine program and pretty much fire up discontent in the lack of clarity of when borders are open in some states.

Politically a win win in NSW for the new premier trying to assert himself 

16 Aug 2017

Total posts 21

So Scomo contradicted this in his presser this afternoon.

“We are not opening up to everyone coming back to Australia at the moment. I want to be clear about that,” he said.

“In the first instance, it will be for Australian residents and their families. We will see how that goes and then we will [look] to other priorities set out as being skilled migration as well as [getting international] students to Australia and then we will move on to the challenge of dealing with international visitors to Australia.”



Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer

02 Dec 2016

Total posts 47

As a Victorian, i wish Dom was running Victoria instead of Dan and Sutton  ! Good on NSW for re opening Australia to the rest of the world and shattering the "Fortress" Australia mentality !

25 Jun 2021

Total posts 29

So thats a balls up Mr NSW Premier. Did not think he could over rule Federal Gov.  CDC have also said most people with COVID who then  died did not in fact die from COVID, very few. So is there a real and present danger out there? Just need to start getting on with our lifes. Strange as yet we have no travel bubbles! Singapore even have one with the UK, but not Australia wonder why when we have few deaths from COVID compared to the UK

26 Mar 2020

Total posts 69

I cannot believe its actually happening - had to pinch myself 

If it is only Australian permanents and citizens allowed to come and go, what happens when they are all back and there are only people going out on holidays, but no overseas tourists coming into Australia? Qantas will not have enough passengers to make it viable! Or am I missing something?

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1426

New if you do some dummy bookings there are only fully flexible fares coming into Australia so there is obviously enough demand without tourists. If you look at fares going out there are lots of sale fares, so it is going out that the planes aren’t full. Australians are still nervous travelling. Even a mild covid case abroad to a fully vaccinated person is enough to completely wreck a holiday and block you from coming back until all symptoms and signs of the bug have passed. Sensible nervousness I say.

XWu
XWu

09 May 2020

Total posts 569

One thing is for sure, as reported by the ABC

 Unlike previous overseas trips, Mr Morrison will not have to quarnatine on his return, after New South Wales announced it would scrap quarantine for fully vaccinated Australian travellers from November 1.”

As long as he stays in NSW for the next 14 days, that is. Unless the other states changes they border declaration requirements.

So ScoMo does has a personal win from this, just not a political one.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

03 Oct 2018

Total posts 6

Best news since March 2020! Hope, finally!

What a feeling! This is the best piece of news since March 2020. I have booked 3 sets of tickets exiting Melbourne, no more lockdowns please.

Emirates Airlines - Skywards

15 Mar 2019

Total posts 21

Mixed messages but the tone appears positive if light on details.

A few questions need to be answered.

Does this mean that the limit on incoming passengers is to be lifted? 

Are UK parents able to visit their children and grandchildren? If so, when would visas be granted?

What assurances do the airlines have in order to release extra seating?

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1426

David,

There is a cap on unvaccinated of not very many for vaccinated residents and citizens there is no cap. Parents are now included in the list of family members that can visit so presumably yes they can come with no quarantine if fully vaccinated.

Emirates Airlines - Skywards

15 Mar 2019

Total posts 21

Patrick

My understanding is that there is still a cap on overseas visitors even if they are parents of Australian residents/citizens. (Whether or not they are fully vaccinated). Consequently flights into Australia and still very, if not, prohibitively expensive. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 May 2018

Total posts 73

I am so pleased that a premier has the gumption to really stretch the North Korean satellites eg WA/VIC/Qld with their capacity to lockdown.. prevent domestic/interstate travel and restrict o/s travel. Qld for instance is off building a facility in Toowoomba for o/s arrivals .. against the advice of their own health department. They have fantasy ideas than international flights eg Emirates will be landing there regularly (check IATA requirements... that won't be happening). Tourism is almost on its last legs in Qld.. places have closed (eg Green island), staff laid off etc , businesses associated with travel have closed up north and on the Gold Coast and all they could manage today  was an huge rant from the so called chief health officer (my Gp was in the same class in med school - her comments on her would see me banned from here)..  and a scare campaign that covid had been detected in Cairn sewerage.  Another lockdown is on the cards.

 

07 May 2020

Total posts 151

Indeed it would be good news if Brad Hazzard decides to scrap quarantine for incoming travellers. Having come into NSW in the past 13 months, and left a few weeks ago, I am very familiar with the rules. It is all in the NSW Air Transportation Quarantine Health Order dictated by Hazzard. So whilst the news might be welcome, the reality will be in the repeal of the Health Order. I will believe it when I read it. Right now the Health Order says that all incoming passengers must proceed directly to 14 days mandatory hotel quarantine. The federal government has nothing to do with the state Health Orders. Scomo has been out of the picture for 18 months although he pretends to be in it!

06 Feb 2021

Total posts 59

Scooter from Announcements sat on the fence when Covid first started to appear, hence the States had to take charge of quarantining despite it clearly being a Federal legal responsibility. By doing that he lost authority, which he's now desperately trying to get back.  Hazzard, the other State health Ministers, and their advisors, really had no choice but to issues their dictates as there were none from Canberra. Whether we like them or not, and there have been some real stuff ups, it was the failure to take provide proper leadership from the Feds nationally that allowed this situation to develop where the States, both Labor and Lib/Nats, have gone off in different directions.  

07 May 2020

Total posts 151

IanJ....the reason why Morrison didn't invoke the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act 2015 to control quarantine in the early days is that there is a provision in that Act that the Commonwealth has to pay all costs related to the quarantine of someone. He simply didn't want to pay so left it up to each state to make their own Health Orders. Therefore each state acts independently regarding how they treat incoming passengers. I am sure Morrison now regrets his stingy decision.

06 Jun 2017

Total posts 28

Perrotet has jumped the gun. I shudder to think what he would have done had he been in charge and not Bereklian.

He would not have shut down any place in NSW when the current lockdown was put in place. He ignores the health advice and recommendations and this news is a clear demonstration of his aim to open up the state and it’s cities to everything and everybody no matter what the consequences. It’s fortunate that many have vaccinated…


Hi Guest, join in the discussion on NSW scraps hotel and home quarantine for overseas travellers