Australia reopens to vaccinated Japanese

Dec 16, 2021 | News On Japan

Dec 16, 2021 (NHK) - Australia has eased its COVID-19 border restrictions to allow entry of fully vaccinated travelers from certain countries, including Japan.

The new measure, which took effect on Wednesday, covers Singaporeans and South Koreans as well.

Australia relaxed the ban it had imposed in March last year after progress in its vaccine rollout. Around 90 percent of people aged 16 or over in the country are fully vaccinated.

On Wednesday morning, many Japanese tourists and students could be seen arriving at Sydney Airport.

A woman who is planning to study in the country said she had waited for the opportunity for two years and was determined not to miss it.

Another woman said she is excited to see the family of her Australian boyfriend for the first time.

Infections are surging again in Australia, but the government is searching for ways to co-exist with the virus. It has not announced any changes to its plan to ease travel restrictions.

But some states are requiring travelers to self-quarantine upon arrival to curb the import of the Omicron variant.

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