Australia fully reopens borders after two years

Hugs, tears, and flowers filled the arrival hall as international arrivals touched down at the Sydney International Airport on Monday. Australian well-wishers handed out toy koalas and cookies to the travelers. Fifty-six flights landed Monday in Australia, more than half of them in Sydney. Australia imposed some of the world’s strictest travel restrictions since March 2020 and only began allowing in its citizens and some visitors late last year.

What are the arrival requirements? Authorities said fully vaccinated visitors would not need to isolate. Unvaccinated travelers would quarantine for 14 days at a hotel at their expense. Travelers can visit all states except Western Australia, which will reopen to visitors on March 3. Federal Tourism Minister Dan Tehan, who was at the Sydney airport to welcome arrivals, said he expects Australia’s tourism market to make a strong rebound.

Dig deeper: Read Amy Lewis’ report on Australian universities’ dependence on Chinese students.