Australia Considers Allowing Entry for Foreign Tourists

On December 13 last year, President Moon Jae-in and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who were on a state visit to Australia, are smiling brightly after taking a commemorative photo before the expanded talks held in the Grand Committee Room inside the Canberra Parliament House.

Australia, which has closed its borders for nearly two years to prevent the spread of COVID-19, is considering allowing foreign tourists to enter the country.

According to major foreign media on the 6th, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, "I hope we can safely open the borders and welcome visitors as soon as possible," adding, "I believe that time is not really far away." He also explained that the reopening of the borders will be promptly discussed during the Australian Parliament session starting on the 7th.

Australia closed its borders in March 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, and in recent months has allowed limited entry to its citizens, residents, skilled foreign workers, and international students.

Prime Minister Morrison's remarks came amid reports by local media such as The Herald Sun, citing anonymous senior government officials, that foreign tourists may be allowed entry within 2 to 3 weeks. The reports also mentioned that there could be a government announcement following the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting as early as the 7th.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews also said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on the same day that the decision to open the borders is "very close." She added, "We do not yet have all the information needed to make the decision, but we are very close to (opening)."

However, Minister Andrews stated that "foreigners entering Australia must have a valid visa and show proof of completed vaccination or exemption; otherwise, they may be deported."

In Australia, nearly 95% of those eligible for vaccination aged 16 and over have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Although the Omicron variant continues to spread recently, hospitalization and death rates remain stable.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.