Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora Colm Brophy has welcomed the news of the lifting of the majority of Australia's COVID-19 pandemic-related travel restrictions for fully vaccinated visa holders.
Statement By Minister Brophy
In a statement published on gov.ie, Minister Brophy said, "I welcome the news that from today, Monday, 21 February 2022, most regions of Australia will reopen to all fully vaccinated visa holders without restrictions or exemption requirements. Irish citizens living in Australia have never felt further from home as they have during the pandemic. The reopening of unrestricted international travel between our countries brings renewed joy and will raise the spirits of our diaspora in Australia and their family and friends here in Ireland, who have endured long and painful separations.
"The states and territories within Australia have different requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated international arrivals. Irish passport holders should make sure to check the rules at their point of arrival before making arrangements to travel. Arrivals into Western Australia, including the City of Perth, will have to quarantine on arrival until at least 3 March.
Additional Statement
Minister Brophy added in the statement published on gov.ie, "The welcome news from Australia coincides with the latest update to Ireland's Digital COVID Certificate service allowing Irish passport holders living abroad to update their certificates to include any additional COVID-19 vaccine boosters recognised in Ireland. With access to updated EU-DCCs reflecting booster doses, it will be easier for Irish people living in Australia or elsewhere abroad to travel back to Ireland or anywhere in the EU. This is a demonstration of the Irish government's commitment to our diaspora and to facilitating a return to normal international travel as restrictions imposed to combat the pandemic recede."
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