The Biosecurity Emergency Determination relating to COVID-19 for Australia will not be renewed when it lapses on 17 April, resulting in changes to border requirements from 18 April.
The emergency period was a crucial early decision in Australia’s pandemic response. It has saved tens of thousands of lives as Australia avoided some of the worst outcomes from the early spread of the virus and now has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world.
As Australia moves towards living with COVID-19, the following emergency measures will also lapse:
- negative pre-departure tests for travellers entering Australia.
- restrictions on the entry of cruise vessels into and within Australian territory – announced on 15 March – will lapse on 17 April 2022.
- price gouging rules on rapid antigen tests – supply is strong and to date, more than 509 million RATs have arrived in Australia. The ACCC will still closely monitor the supply of RATS to ensure price gouging does not occur.
International travellers into and out of Australia will still be required to provide proof of double vaccination against COVID-19. Travellers will also still be required to wear a mask while on international flights based on medical advice. These measures will be implemented under the non-emergency provisions in the Biosecurity Act. The requirements for maritime arrivals will also be aligned with those on airlines, as part of the safety protocols for the resumption of cruising.
