If you are hoping to visit Australia soon, you will have to wait a little longer.
Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt announced on Tuesday that the country had extended its international travel ban by another three months.
The ban – called the ’emergency period for human biosafety’ – would expire on March 17, according to 7 News. Now it will expire on June 17, according to Hunt’s announcement.
The country’s travel ban has been in place since March 2020.
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In his announcement, Hunt said that “the COVID-19 situation abroad still poses an unacceptable risk to public health for Australia, including the emergence of more transmissible variants.”
Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt announced on Tuesday that the country’s travel ban would be extended by another three months until June 17. (IStock)
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Hunt also said that extending the ban “would ensure that the Australian Government has the powers to take the necessary measures to prevent and control COVID-19.”
“Extending the emergency period for a further three months is about reducing the risk to everyone’s health and safety,” Hunt said.
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In addition to extending the travel ban, Australia is also extending current emergency protocols, including “pre-departure testing and the use of masks for international flights; restrictions on the entry of cruise ships within Australian territory; restrictions on outbound international travel for Australians; and restrictions on trade of retail outlets at international airports, ”reads the announcement.
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However, the restrictions and travel ban were not set in stone. Hunt said it could be changed or appealed if the situation improves.
“In particular, the Australian Government continues to work closely with state and territorial agencies, national health committees and the cruise industry to develop a framework for the increased resumption of cruise ships in a way that is commensurate with the risk to the public sector. health, “Hunt said. .
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According to the Australian Department of Health, the country’s borders are excluded for all but Australian citizens, residents, immediate family members and some travelers who have been in New Zealand for 14 days – but not Auckland – before entering Australia.