Media release

Tourism Australia has welcomed the return of overseas tourists on 21 February 2022, with the first international flights touching down in Australia since the reopening to all fully vaccinated travellers, and other visitors. 

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan joined Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison at Sydney International Airport to greet the first international tourists to arrive on our shores in almost two years.

“Australia's health and economic response to the pandemic has been among the best in the world, with one of the highest vaccination rates and low mortality,” Mr Tehan said.

“We are successfully managing the pandemic and learning to live with the virus. Australians are travelling overseas, and we are welcoming international visitors to our country.

“International tourists will come here to see our iconic attractions, sample our world-leading food and drink, learn about our Indigenous culture, and enjoy the Australian way of life.

“Australia is the best country in the world and we're excited to be sharing it with the rest of the world again.”

Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said the tourism industry has been looking forward to the return of international tourists.

“At Tourism Australia we are so excited to be welcoming back international visitors who make up a critical part of our visitor economy,” Ms Harrison said.

“We know Australia remains an incredibly desirable destination for international visitors and we can’t wait to once again share all of the unforgettable tourism experiences we have to offer here in Australia.”

“There is no doubt the last two years have been very challenging for the tourism industry, and whilst recovery will take a bit of time, operators can’t wait to say g’day and welcome back international tourists.”

Tourism Australia launched the campaign, Come and Say G’Day - Don’t Go Small. Go Australia, into key Western markets, such as the USA and UK, ahead of the border reopening.

Come and Say G’Day - Australia is Yours to Explore, which launched in Singapore ahead of its reopening, will continue to be rolled out in markets in Asia.

Travelling to Australia

• From 21 February 2022, visa holders who are fully vaccinated with two doses of a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved COVID-19 vaccine can travel to Australia quarantine-free, without the need to apply for a travel exemption. 
• To be eligible to enter Australia, international travellers must:  
  • hold a valid Australian visa.
  • be fully vaccinated with two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and provide proof of vaccination status.
  • Present a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) within 24 hours of departure or a Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure (unless a medical exemption applies).
  • Complete an Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before departure.  
• Fully vaccinated visa holders can enter all states and territories quarantine-free from 21 February 2022, except for Western Australia.  
• Travellers will need to comply with requirements in the state or territory of their arrival, and any other state or territories that they plan to travel to. Information on entry requirements is updated regularly so it is important to check the latest requirements before travelling. Travellers are also encouraged to check any requirements for stopover destinations that they are transitioning through. 
• For requirements for travel into specific states and territories in Australia, visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website | State and Territory Information.
• For more information on travelling to Australia visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs I Department of Home Affairs