More than 80% of the adult population in both states is now fully vaccinated.Īmid the celebratory reunions Monday, some travelers bore the emotional scars of the travel restrictions. So far, only the highly-vaccinated states of New South Wales and Victoria - home to Australia’s largest cities of Sydney and Melbourne - have relaxed restrictions on international arrivals.

A quota system also severely limited the number of people who could arrive each day.īut as Australia’s vaccination rollout accelerated in September and October, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said citizens and permanent residents who had received both their shots would be allowed to travel internationally and return home from Monday - with arrival quotas also lifted. Shortly after the start of the pandemic, the government said only citizens and permanent residents would be allowed to enter, and they would have to undergo two weeks of hotel quarantine. “I love you so much,” she said.Īustralia was one of the first countries to shut its borders to international travel in March 2020. One woman sobbed as she embraced her daughter in the arrivals hall in Sydney after returning from Los Angeles.

Partners tearfully reunited, some holding flowers, others brandishing signs.