COVID-19: Beginning November 1, Parents of Australians May Travel There!

When Minister of Home Affairs Karen Andrews revealed on October 22 that parents would be considered “immediate family” for travel to Australia starting on November 1, 2021, Australians were ecstatic!

After more than 18 months apart, families can get back together.

Only the immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents were eligible to petition for exemptions to come to Australia after COVID-19 caused the country’s borders to close.

These family members included partners, dependent children, and spouses. There were no travel exemptions available for parents.

Families who found themselves apart from their loved ones as a result of this rule understandably experienced great pain and rage.

Families can now anticipate seeing one another once more.

Many families with parents who live abroad have missed weddings, funerals, the birth of grandkids, and other important events for more than 18 months, according to Minister Andrews. I appreciate the perseverance and sacrifice of these families throughout this time. With the reform, grandparents of Australian citizens and permanent residents can visit their grandchildren again and get together in person to celebrate important life milestones.

Only states and territories with 80% immunization coverage are accessible for travel.

Australia has announced that only states and territories that have achieved 80% of its double-dose immunization targets will allow parents to travel there.

Travel is currently only permitted to New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory as a result of this restriction. Due to its people’ high vaccination rate—76.12%—Tasmania may be the next state to welcome new parents.

On this COVID-19 vaccine tracker, you may get these most recent vaccination rates.

Additionally, parents must fulfill a few prerequisites.

To be eligible for a travel exemption, parents of Australians must meet the following requirements:

• The candidate must be a permanent resident or the parent of an Australian citizen.

One of the following parent-child relationships is required:

• Biological
• Adoptive
• Legal
• Stepparent
• Parent-in-law

For travel to Australia, parents need to have a current passport, visa, and proof of immunization. State and territorial quarantine laws continue to apply to parents.