Australia reopens all borders closed by the COVID epidemic and invites travelers back.

After nearly two years of closure, Australia has fully reopened its international crossings to tourists who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus. Throughout the day, more than 50 international flights will arrive in the country, with 27 landing at Sydney Airport. The tourism industry was decimated when the government closed its borders in March 2020. With borders fully reopened, Australia’s Omicron coronavirus epidemic looks to have peaked. The vast majority of Australia’s pandemic total of about 2.7 million confirmed cases has been identified. Since November, skilled migrants, overseas students, and backpackers have been permitted to enter Australia.
“It’s a party out here, music playing, smiles on people’s faces, they’ll be dancing soon, I’m sure,” Tourism Minister Dan Tehan said from Sydney airport as he greeted visitors with a jar of Vegemite, an important Australian staple, and plush Koala toys.
Tehan predicted a “very significant” return in the tourist business, with Qantas Airways Ltd planning to fly over 14,000 people into Australia this week.