#COVID19: 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.

It is understandable that this restriction caused a great deal of grief and rage for families who found themselves unable to reunite with their loved ones.

Families can now eagerly anticipate their reunification.

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% of their immunization targets have travel restrictions.

Parents in Australia are only permitted to visit those provinces and territories that have achieved 80% of their double-dose immunization goals.

At the time of writing, travel is restricted to New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. Tasmania could be the next state to open its doors to parents, as 76.12% of its residents are fully vaccinated.

These most recent vaccination rates can be found on the COVID-19 vaccine tracker.

Parents must also meet a set of requirements.

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

• The applicant must be the parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• The parent relationship must be one of the following:

Biological

Adoptive

Legal

Stepparent

Parent-in-law

• For parents to travel to Australia, they must have a valid passport, visa, and proof of vaccination.
• Parents are still subject to state and territory quarantine arrangements.

Allow us to assist you in reuniting with your family!

We’ve already applied for and received travel exemptions for three sets of parents! These parents will now be able to spend Christmas with their children.