Most international flights to and from Australia will be banned until March 2021, at least after an extension of the "state of emergency". Thus, the Federal Government of Australia may impose restrictions on international flights and cruise ships.
During this period, just over 95.000 Australian residents received permission to leave the country after obtaining an exemption from the Australian Department of Home Affairs and Border Force.
Vaccination will not be possible until 2021.
Greg Hunt, the Australian Minister of Health, said that The first vaccinations will be performed in March 2021. However, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine must be approved by the Independent Therapeutic Assets Administration.
The government has purchased 10 million doses of Pfizer vaccine. Vaccination will be free for all people receiving health insurance, but will not be mandatory.
In accordance with Australia's National Vaccination Policy, the first people to benefit from the vaccine will be employees in the medical system, followed by the elderly. Those suffering from high-risk diseases will also be given priority vaccination (cancer, diabetes, etc.).
Mandatory vaccination for travelers.
The National Vaccination Policy suggests that those wishing to travel to Australia may be required to provide proof of vaccination. Otherwise, they will have to be quarantined for 14 days on their own money.
There will be exceptions for New Zealand and the countries that are part of the 'COVID-safe travel bubble', together with passengers who are exempt.
As for the mandatory vaccination, the airline Qantas is firm in position: "Get vaccinated or stay home"!