International Arrivals WA to Double in November 2021
Western Australia (WA) Premier, Mark McGowan yesterday announced that the international arrivals cap to WA will double from 20 November 2021, when the State expects to reach a 70% double-dose vaccination rate.
This will allow 530 people to enter WA from overseas each week – an increase from 265 people. Here’s what you should know.
- What this means for families and skilled workers from overseas
- What will be the process for international arrivals to WA?
- Update on WA’s Roadmap to Re-open International Travel
What This Means for Families and Skilled Workers From Overseas | International Arrivals WA
Throughout the pandemic, caps on international arrivals have caused delays and difficulties in securing flights.
Additional flights may become available as a result of the cap increase, however flights are likely to remain expensive. The increase will return international travel to conditions before international arrival caps were halved in July 2021.
Current inbound travel restrictions still apply:
- Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents and New Zealand Citizens usually resident in Australia can return to Australia without applying for a Travel Exemption.
- Immediate families of Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents and New Zealand Citizens who are usually resident in Australia may need an Inbound Travel Exemption depending on their visa status – read more here.
- Individuals with a Travel Exemption for Compassionate or Compelling reasons can enter, as well as workers from overseas with a Critical Skills Travel Exemption.
It is unclear at this stage whether any group will be prioritised as part of the arrivals cap increase.
What Will Be the Process for International Arrivals to WA? | International Arrivals WA
In WA, the arrivals process is currently the same for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers. International arrivals to WA will have to:
- Undertake self-funded hotel quarantine for 14 days
- Complete mandatory COVID-19 tests on day two, five and 13 of their quarantine
- Take COVID-19 tests on day 17 and 21 after arriving in WA (following quarantine).
Update on WA’s Roadmap to Re-open its International Border
As per our previous article, Mr McGowan plans to re-open WA’s international border from late January or early February 2022 when the State expects to reach a 90% double-dose vaccination rate. Some media outlets have reported this could be reached in late February.
Mr McGowan said a specific date for re-opening the international border will be announced once WA reaches an 80% double vaccination rate.
At that point, WA will re-open its border to fully vaccinated interstate and overseas arrivals without the need to quarantine, but COVID-19 tests will be required. Unvaccinated international arrivals will still need to quarantine.
Source: WA Government
As announced by Health Minister, Greg Hunt last month, the re-opening of international borders will involve a staged approach.
Interstaff | Over 30 years of visa and migration experience
Changes to prepare for the re-opening of WA’s international border are occurring at a more rapid pace as vaccination rates increase.
Should you wish to get advice on your visa and travel options, we encourage you to call Interstaff’s Migration Agents on 08 9221 3388 (Perth) or 02 7200 2567 (Sydney) or 03 8319 0902 (Melbourne) or +61 8 9221 3388 (International) or get in touch here.
Our team have opened up more consultations to assist in the lead-up to Christmas. You may also wish to connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn to keep up-to-date on Australian international travel.
Source:
Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents
WA Government Media Statement – Mark McGowan
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