Australia, the four phases of the plan to reopen borders

Is Australia ready to reopen its doors to the world? No! The country has implemented strict restrictions during the past year and a half, effectively barring anyone from entering. The only ones allowed, or almost allowed, have been Australian citizens. They were given the option to return home at any time, provided they underwent the necessary tests and a mandatory 14-day quarantine period within a chosen facility.

Updates come from Scott Morrison, Australian prime minister, who explained the national plan for reopening. This will consist of four phases and, surprising as it may seem, will begin with new restrictions on flights.

Australia, phase 1

Currently theAustralia is in the first phase of the plan, which is likely to last until the end of 2021. The goal is to bring down cases of infection as much as possible. Making the population safe is a crucial step in order to cope with new and large arrivals from abroad.

For the time being, therefore, it is good to cancel from one's plans the idea of treating oneself to such a trip. In fact, the government will even proceed to a cut of about 50% of trade routes at major airports. At present, there are about 6 thousand passengers per week, set to reach approximately 3 thousand. "We are going to reduce the pressure on quarantine facilities generated by the increase in Delta variant cases."

Australia, phase 2

The second phase is also not about the tourists. Looking ahead to next year-unless there are resounding events such as a sharp, steady, and prolonged decline in contagions over time-we assume a return to previously active restrictions. This will affect unvaccinated Australian citizens returning home.

There will also be increased restrictions for vaccinees with Australian citizenship. No "foreigners" will therefore be allowed, at least in the first phase of 2022, with some exceptions, which may range from trade to politics.

Australia, phase 3

At this stage of the plan to reopen Australia will finally begin to talk about removing restrictions. Even this time, however, the government intends to focus primarily on citizens and not tourists. The leisure travel sector will continue to suffer for a long time, it seems. Appointment set for next summer, if not beyond.

Phase three involves the Deletion of limits for all vaccinated Australians Who intend to return home. This means that there will no longer be a need to undergo the 14-day quarantine. Deleted limits also for international flights to foreign countries. Should cases elsewhere allow for this, bubble arrangements will also be considered. So the idea is to allow travel to Australia for tourists, as long as they take advantage of safe corridors, i.e., come from countries considered not at risk.

Australia, phase 4

The fourth step lets the imagination fly as far as the timing is concerned. Wanting to reason along the timeline of the first phase, it cannot be ruled out that the final step could be reached in 2023.

If all goes according to plan, they will be Travel allowed again for foreign tourists. For those vaccinated, there will be no need for quarantine. For others, however, one might opt for mandatory isolation or double testing, before departure and upon arrival.