Western Australia reopens to international visitors from February 2022

AU$185 million fund will facilitate reconnecting Western Australia with the world

Western Australia will reopen its borders to international visitors on 5 February 2022.

The news follows an announcement earlier this month by the West Australian government of a new AU$185 million ‘Reconnect WA’ package.

The fund will help the aviation industry to re-establish international and interstate services that were disrupted by the pandemic, as well as targeting new routes.

When the borders reopen on 5 February, the following groups will be able to enter Western Australia quarantine-free: double-vaccinated immediate family members of adult Australian citizens and permanent residents, and double-vaccinated working holidaymakers.

All visitors will be required to present a negative PCR test result within 72 hours before departure, within 48 hours of arrival and on day six after arrival.

These interim testing arrangements will be subject to ongoing review.

The Australian government recently announced plans to allow vaccinated skilled migrants, international students and working visa holders entry from 1 December 2021, before suspending the move to 15 December because of the emergence of the Omicron variant.

The chief executive of Visit Victoria, Brendan McClements, said last week that there is a political desire to reopen, and a commercial rationale to help address workforce shortages in areas including hospitality.

He added that there was “increasing synchronisation” between the Victorian, New South Wales and federal governments over the reopening and required Covid-19 protocols.