Tag: Requirement

  • This Latin American Country Has No Set Income Requirement For Its Digital Nomad Visa 

    This Latin American Country Has No Set Income Requirement For Its Digital Nomad Visa 

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    Latin America is increasingly being hailed as a top destination for digital nomads, who come from all around the world to experience the wonders that this continent can bring.

    Some come for warm weather or the interesting blends of cultures, some come for stunning landscapes, while many more digital nomads come to this continent to stretch their dollar further. 

    Building int Montevideo

    The good news is that the countries of Latin America are offering more and more digital nomad visas, providing the chance for remote workers to stay longer than a traditional tourist visa would allow. 

    Some counties, such as Colombia and, more recently, Argentina and Ecuador, have become digital nomad hotspots, while others are just starting to follow suit. 

    The latest Latin American country to offer a digital nomad visa? Uruguay.

    Colourful Street Market Selling Fruits, Vegetable and Produce. Montevideo, Uruguay Flag

    Why Uruguay?

    You can find Uruguay on the South Atlantic Coast, nestled between its more famous neighbors of Brazil and Argentina. Some might confuse it with Paraguay, but rest assured, this country very much has its own identity.

    The best time to visit is in the summer from November to April, when the weather is warmer. Those who have lived here mention that the vibe during the rest of the year can feel a bit more subdued when the cooler weather keeps most inside.

    Now, if you are coming from anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, you are likely used to this and will find ways to keep yourself busy and can duck into the numerous cafes to get some work done while warming up.

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    Woman using a laptop during a coffee break, hands close up

    One thing that those who come here mention quite often is the level of freedom you will feel in Uruguay as compared to other countries in Latin America. This, coupled with the friendliness of the locals, really helps digital nomads feel at home. 

    As many with real-life experience of living here will tell you, Uruguay is not a budget designation for digital nomads, although any internet search might tell you otherwise. Digital nomads who have called this country home for a while will be the first to tell you that the actual costs they faced in their day-to-day life are much higher than a simple Google search will lead you to believe.

    However, those who are coming from the U.S. or U.K. will likely still find lower prices on just about everything than they would back home. 

    Woman biking on the boulevard along Pocitos beach in Montevideo, Uruguay. Montevideo is the capital and the largest city of Uruguay

    Most digital nomads base themselves in the coastal capital city of Montevideo, a city that offers most of the creature comforts from back home with a much different vibe.

    There are many reasons Uruguay is perfect for digital nomads, and the new digital nomad visa adds just another reason to give this diverse country a try. 

    The Fine Print

    As the latest country to pass legislation that will allow digital nomads to stay in the country while they work remotely, Uruguay’s digital nomad visa is an attractive choice for those looking to log on from somewhere different than home. 

    Whitewashed Villa Casapueblo In Punta Ballena, Close To Punta Del Este, Uruguay, South America

    While not officially coined a digital nomad visa, what the county offers is a Provisional Identity Card, or “Hojas de Identidad Provisoria”. Once only offered to those who worked for a company within Uruguay, they are now expanded for anyone who works remotely for any company, foreign or national. 

    This Identity Card allows those who receive it to stay and work in Uruguay for six to twelve months, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency. 

    Aerial View Of Punta Del Este, Uruguay, South America

    The process for Uruguay’s Provisional Identity Card is a bit different than other countries, and to be honest, it seems much easier and more straightforward. 

    You enter the country on a tourist visa and then apply online for the identity card once you are already in the country. The online application has been noted to be quite simple, and you must sign an affidavit that states you can financially support yourself while in the country. 

    This is much different from most countries that want actual proof of income falling within a certain bracket. 

    Cobblestone Laden Street Lined With Historical Colonial Era Houses In Colonia Del Sacramento, Uruguay, South America

    With no actual salary requirement, this opens up Uruguay as a great home for those who freelance or do any job that you cannot prove on paper you make a certain amount of money. 

    Once granted, you are allowed to stay in the country for six months, and to extend for another six you must show proof of vaccination in Uruguay as well as a clean criminal record for any place you have lived longer than six months in the previous five years. 

    For more information on the Uruguay Provisional Identity Card, it’s best to refer to its official website (Spanish). 

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  • Colombia Drops Vaccine Requirement For All International Travelers

    Colombia Drops Vaccine Requirement For All International Travelers

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    After three years of imposing strict health controls at its outer borders in a bid to keep COVID variants from being imported, Colombia has dropped the vaccine requirement, allowing all international travelers to visit without disclosing their immunization status.

    Aerial View Of Isla Baru, An Island Off The Cartagena Coast, North Colombia, On The Caribbean Sea, South America

    Authorities have silently removed all vaccine and most pandemic-related mandates affecting tourists seeking entry into the South American country – as per the latest update published by IATA. This has been confirmed by one of our staffers who just entered the country without restriction.

    But what does this mean in practice, and are there any requirements left for visiting Colombia now that vaccination is no longer mandatory?

    What Has Changed Since The Latest IATA Update?

    A Cobblestone Street Lined With Colorful Houses In Guatape, A Small Colonial Town In The Antioquia Department Of Colombia, South America

    According to the Travel Regulations Map maintained by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where changes in border rules are tracked, Colombia has ceased requiring foreigners to present COVID proof of entry, based on the update dated May 4, 2023.

    In other words, tourists will no longer be expected to present proof of vaccination boarding a Colombia-bound flight in their home country, or instead, undergo pre-travel testing, nor be subject to further checks landing at their destination.

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    Colonial Era Street Lined With Historical Houses In The Old Center Of Cartagena, North Colombia, A City Straddling The Caribbean Coast, South America

    This is great news for unvaccinated travelers, particularly those coming from the United States, who had had their movements into and out of Colombia restricted before, from being banned to being forced to present a negative test for entry later on.

    There is still one requirement that hasn’t been done away with:

    The CheckMig Form Remains Mandatory, But No COVID-Related Questions

    filling out form online

    While pandemic-era entry rules are no more, the Colombian Government has kept the CheckMig form in place, and completing it is now the only requirement for flying to Colombia. Additionally, questions related to immunization have been removed from the form.

    Whether you’re vaccinated or unvaccinated, you must simply fill it out at most 72 hours and up to one hour before departure.

    The CheckMig platform is Colombia’s pandemic-era solution for pre-travel registration. It serves as a travel permit, seeing that without completing it, you may be denied boarding or entry into Colombia. Fortunately, it is free to apply for, and all travelers are now treated the same, irrespective of vaccination.

    You can find the form here.

    No Vaccination Or Testing

    An American Traveler Holding Up A US American Passport Case As They Wait To Board An International Flight At The Airport

    To sum it up, traveling to Colombia, you are no longer expected to present a:

    • Vaccination certificate indicating a complete vaccination course; or
    • A negative antigen test undertaken prior to departure; or
    • Undergo isolation upon arrival when unvaccinated, or having failed to complete a vaccination course; and
    • Present mandatory COVID health insurance

    As confirmed by the Colombian Consulate in Paris, France, the country has officially reinstated its pre-pandemic entry regulations. As long as they satisfy visa requirements and present a valid and ‘undamaged’ passport, foreigners will be granted entry hassle-free.

    Woman at Airport

    As a matter of fact, one of our editors-in-chief has just landed in Colombia today and has been able to verify that a vaccine or test certificate is indeed not required, either upon check-in at the airport or crossing the international border.

    It is worth noting U.S. and Canada passport holders can remain in Colombia for up to six months without applying for a visa in advance, making it one of the easiest South American countries to travel to, unlike neighboring Brazil, which has recently shut its doors to North Americans by imposing a new tourist visa.

    Why Visit Colombia In 2023?

    Aerial View Of The Guatape Lake Region In The Antioquia Department Of Colombia, South America

    Home to breathtaking and surprisingly diverse scenery, which comprises Andean peaks, dense tropical jungles, including a sizable portion of the Amazon rainforest, and a pristine coastline bounded by the Caribbean Sea, Colombia is the perfect natural world destination.

    In Guatape, the historical heart of the Antioquia department, guests will find colonial-era, cobblestone towns and the landmark Rock of Guatape, which boasts a stunning panorama of the lakes below, while those crossing the Tatacoa Desert will be mesmerized by a Mars-like arid landscape.

    Within driving distance of the town of Nobsa, in the Valley of the Sun, tourists will be met with rolling green hills dotted with vineyards and small traditional settlements.

    Colorful Houses Lining A Historical Cobblestone Paved Street In Guatape, A Colonial Town In The Antioquia Department Of Colombia, Latin America

    Those venturing as far North as the Caribbean coast, on the other hand, will find vibrant city breaks, crystal clear beaches, remote islands surrounded by turquoise waters, and a rich Afro-Colombian heritage.

    Recently, Colombia also launched a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), enabling remote workers to stay in the national territory for up to two years as long as they can prove a stable source of income and meet the remarkably low financial threshold for visa applicants.

    At last, following years of uncertainty and COVID regulations, Colombia is open and eager to welcome you.

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  • U.S. Drops Covid Testing Requirement For International Arrivals By Air

    U.S. Drops Covid Testing Requirement For International Arrivals By Air

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    It was announced earlier today that the U.S. will be dropping its requirement for all international arrivals by air to provide a negative Covid test result in order to enter the country. All Covid testing restrictions to travel to the United States will no longer be effective as of 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 12.

    It was first reported by CNN early on Friday that the Biden administration would be dropping the requirement, and it was later confirmed by the new White House press secretary, Kevin Munoz.

    According to the announcement, the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention will reassess the rule after 90 days, taking into account any possible new variants that might emerge.

    travelers at a departure terminal at the airport in the United States

    Testing Requirement Has Been In Place Since January Of 2021 – To End June 12, 2022

    The Covid testing requirement for air travelers to the U.S. began back in January of 2021. When it was first introduced, the requirement was for all travelers aged 2 and over to show a negative rapid antigen test result taken at least 72 hours from departure.

    Then in November, the administration tightened the requirements to only 1 day for all unvaccinated U.S. travelers, keeping the 3-day window for fully vaccinated travelers. At the same time, all unvaccinated non-U.S. citizens in barred from entering the country (with limited exceptions).

    Covid testing requirements for travel to the United States were further tightened in December in the midst of the Omicron wave, and it was required for all travelers aged 2 and over to the US to show a negative Covid test result within one day of travel, regardless of citizenship.

    And the 1-day testing window has remained in place ever since.

    covid test counter at airport

    Testing Restrictions Only Apply To Air Travelers

    It’s important to note that these new travel rules will only apply to international air travelers, as the land border between the U.S.-Mexico and the U.S.-Canada doesn’t require travelers to show a negative Covid test to enter.

    According to the official US government guidance, all non-US travelers via land or sea might be required to show proof of full vaccination against Covid, however. This rule has been in effect since January 2022.

    Here are the current testing requirements in the US:

    • All passengers arriving via air to the US (mainland USA as well as its territories) must show a negative Covid test result taken no later than 1-day from their flight departure.
    • Testing requirements apply to all persons over the age of 2, regardless of Covid vaccination status.

    As of June 12, 2022, these requirements will no longer be in effect.

    Starting June 12, the 1-day negative test requirement ends for:

    • Returning U.S. citizens, both vaccinated and unvaccinated
    • International arrivals, only fully vaccinated, as a vaccine requirement still exists for non-U.S. citizens to enter.

    What About The Vaccine Requirement For International Travelers?

    While a negative Covid test will no longer be required for air travelers to the US, unvaccinated non-US citizens and residents still won’t be able to visit the country for non-essential reasons.

    So even though the testing requirements have been dropped, the United States won’t be joining this list of countries that have dropped all of their Covid-related entry requirements for international arrivals just yet.

    Announcement Follows Months Of Pressure By Airlines And Travel Industry

    Many companies in the travel industry including most US-based airlines have been pressing the Biden administration for months to drop the testing requirement for international air arrivals, arguing that it is no longer effective as a number of other nations have dropped their requirements.

    Canada, Mexico, as well as many countries throughout Europe (including the UK) dropped their testing requirements while the US has held out. Many airline officials made positive remarks following today’s announcement.

    Girl in hat with backpack traveling in the airport

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  • 260 Companies Urge Biden To Remove Testing Requirement To Enter U.S.

    260 Companies Urge Biden To Remove Testing Requirement To Enter U.S.

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    The letter was signed by American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hilton, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Disney, and other relevant businesses and organizations in the travel industry

    Over 260 companies from the tourism industry made an urgent call on Thursday to the Biden administration to remove covid testing measures for vaccinated travelers to enter the United States.

    Covid 19 pcr test sample over map and next to passport

    Businesses and organizations in the US Travel Association sent a letter to the White House addressed to Dr. Ashish Jha, COVID-19 Response Coordinator. The main request states: “We encourage the Administration to expeditiously terminate the inbound testing requirement for vaccinated air travelers.”

    In the document, the parties involved explained that the country is at a new stage, that there is a stronger immunity in the population, and that all COVID-19 measures need to change too. They mentioned that people are going back to work, school, and other normal activities, demonstrating that there is a new healthier reality. 

    Businessmen with smart phone and tourists walking in new york

    The tourism industry in the US counts on international travelers for its recovery, and while the COVID-19 test is still mandatory to enter the country —even for vaccinated travelers— there will be an obstacle to succeeding in that process. 

    This was also addressed in the letter: “Given the slow economic recovery of the business and international travel sectors, and in light of medical advancements and the improved public health metrics in the U.S., we encourage you to immediately remove the inbound testing requirement for vaccinated air travelers.”

    traveler waiting to board airplane at  the airport

    The letter was signed by large and relevant corporations in the industry such as American Airlines, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Universal Parks and Resorts, Hilton, Marriott International, and Expedia Group. National associations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Travel Association, Airlines for America, and Cruise Lines International Association were also involved, as well as airports and other small and mid-sized businesses. 

    The Biden Administration has already made changes in other pandemic-related measures and provided alternatives like the free at-home test—that does not work for travel or entering the US— delivered a few months ago. The Tourism Industry expects a response regarding the request for the removal of the entry test soon and so do travelers. 

    Will This Letter Make A Change?

    It is not the first time the US Travel Association addressed the Biden Administration for urgent changes on travel measures related to the COVID-19. Last year, the president of the institution, Roger Dow, also requested new measures for the “Next Great Chapter” for the recovery of the industry, only this time the request is more precise.

    In the new letter, presented on May 5, requesting the removal of the COVID-19 test for vaccinated travelers, the organizations also presented data and other strong arguments, such as the economic costs of maintaining this measure. 

    According to the information provided in the document, compared to 2019 business travel spending was still below 56%, and international travel spending was 78% down. 

    Foreign governments with similar vaccinations and infection rates —like Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom— that have eliminated testing for international travelers we also considered as references in the statement. And they added: “Further, since the federal government does not require negative tests for entry at our land-border ports of entry with Canada and Mexico, it no longer makes sense to keep a pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement in place for vaccinated inbound international air travelers to the U.S.”

    Covid PCR test

    Businesses and organizations insisted that international travel is safer now and that the testing mandate is no longer necessary. The Washington Post reported a few weeks ago that the last government statement said by White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients in a briefing was: “There are no plans to change the international travel requirements at this point”.

    The Travel Industry is currently expecting a response to the letter and within the next few days we’ll see if the US Government considers the request. 

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  • Walt Disney World Scraps Mask Requirement Across Parks

    Walt Disney World Scraps Mask Requirement Across Parks

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    As Covid retreats and different countries move towards treating the virus as an endemic disease, several public and private entities have also started rolling back pandemic-era mandates. Now, it’s Walt Disney World’s turn to scrap mandatory mask usage across its parks.

    The popular holiday destination, which attracts millions of visitors every year, has been tilting back and forth with restrictions over the last two years, as it struggled to keep up with both statewide curbs in Florida and mandates at a national level.

    Female Tourist In Disney World Parks, Florida, US

    Although it initially removed the mask requirement only for vaccinated parkgoers, now the land of fairytales is dropping the rule altogether:

    Visitors No Longer Required To Wear Face Coverings

    Disney World has been moving away from its stricter Covid policies, which generally involved mask wearing and social distancing. Back in November 2021, park authorities even considered requiring all staff to get vaccinated against Covid, though those plans never came to fruition.

    Disney World Entrance Sign, Disney Parks, Florida, US

    Following months of enforcing mask usage only among unvaccinated guests, after those who are fully immunized became exempt from wearing them as soon as February, Walt Disney World has since April 18 officially abolished masks for all, irrespective of vaccination status.

    This means those who are planning to visit the parks in the upcoming weeks or over summer will no longer need to pack extra face masks, wear them indoors at restaurants or public transportation, when going on rides, or outdoor spaces.

    Tourists Arriving To Epcot, Disney World, Florida, US

    Visiting Disney is again like it once was prior to March 2020.

    Does This Apply Only To The Florida Parks?

    Besides the lifting of the mask requirement, visitors will also be allowed to be closer to their childhood heroes, as meet-and-greets with iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the princesses are due to return to all Disney parks and attractions in the US. They include:

    • Disneyland
    • Walt Disney World
    • Disney Cruises
    • Aulani Resort in Hawaii
    Disney World Parks Seen At Night

    Prior to April, in order to protect its staff, Disney clamped down on face-to-face meets. Hugs, signing, and all forms of close up interactions between staff working as Disney characters and guests have also either been forbidden or strongly discouraged.

    This all changes as of April 2022.

    Other Companies Are Also Dropping Their Mask Mandates

    Female Driver Wearing A Face Mask While Driving

    The news follows the overturning of the federal mask mandate by a Florida judge earlier this week, who deemed the CDC had ‘overstepped its authority’ on the matter. The judge’s decision has been noted to influence airlines to relax their own mask policies, including Delta and United Airlines.

    The judge’s ruling might also have encouraged Disney to change its stance on masks, as the company had been juggling both state and federal requirements, and dissatisfied customers who strongly opposed mask mandates.

    Disney Castle Theme Park

    Similarly to Disney, others such as Uber and `Lyft have also recently lifted their mask rules for both drivers and riders, adding to the list of US-based companies that are now returning to a pre-pandemic state of normality, and allowing customers to assess their own Covid risks.

    Despite having joined the overall reopening trend, which has seen a number of destinations in Europe and beyond removing all Covid rules, Disney World has stated they will be ‘making adjustments to these measures, which may continue to change at any time without notice’.

    Happy Parkgoer At Disney World Parks Riding With The Mickey Mouse Character, Orlando, Florida

    This could mean a state of fewer restrictions (e.g. no masks, no social distancing, no vaccine passes or testing) is conditioned upon the maintenance of a favorable epidemiological scenario.

    On their website, park authorities also encourage people to get vaccinated prior to visiting.

    Though Optional, Unvaccinated Guests Are Still Advised To Wear Face Masks

    Mary Poppins Characterized Entertaining Young Girl At Disney World Parks, Orlando, Florida

    While all guests are welcome to stroll the parks maskless, Disney continues to recommend mask usage for those who are not fully vaccinated, mainly in indoor venues and ‘enclosed public transportation’ in the vicinities. It is worth remarking that, despite the recommendation, masks have become optional.

    For more information on available packages, restrictions that may still be in place across the parks and resorts, and what visitors can expect when going on a Disney vacation, we advise our readers to access this page, where they can follow more updates and plan their trips accordingly.

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  • Australia Removes Testing Requirement For International Arrivals

    Australia Removes Testing Requirement For International Arrivals

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    Following the reopening of its external border earlier this year, Australia now allows international arrivals to enter testing-free if they are fully vaccinated.

    Previously, the country required travelers to submit a negative Covid test result prior to boarding their flights, even when immunized. Now, this major obstacle has been officially removed as of April 18, meaning those who can prove they have received all required doses of an approved vaccine can again travel to Australia freely.

    Here is a summary of all the latest entry requirements for travelers in Australia in 2022:

    Young Woman In Sydney Harbour Making A Heart Shaped Form With Her Hands Against The Sunset In Sydney, Australia

    Pre-Departure Testing Officially Removed Following Weeks Of Speculation

    While Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had already signalled previously test-free travel to Australia was not a distant prospect, many in the traveler community were suspicious of his statement.

    After all, Australia used to bar entry to all foreign individuals, and even some of its own citizens, throughout the pandemic.

    Sydney Opera House At Sunset Reflexed On The Side Of A Glass Building In Sydney, Australia

    As Australia has adopted an overwhelmingly strict border approach during Covid, many even feared the appearance of the newly-identified BA.2 variant would lead it to put up barriers again. Surprisingly, this did not happen, and the country started reopening after months of endless delays and uncertainty.

    Now, it is also following through on its promise to further ease travel rules, especially for vaccinated tourists, who had still been subject to pre-departure testing before flying. Following an update on Australia’s Department of Home Affairs website, testing is no longer required for vaccinated tourists departing to Australia after April 18, 2022.

    Tram At Flinders, Melbourne, Australia

    Testing-Free Does Not Mean Requirement-Free

    Despite the long-awaited relaxation of testing rules, entry to Australia is still not bureaucracy-free, even for the vaccinated.

    All arrivals are still required to complete a Digital Passenger Declaration, where they will be expected to provide contact details, their travel history in the previous 14 days, and make a legally binding declaration they are aware of the Covid measures in place across different Australian states.

    Person Packing Bags Including A Face Mask

    In summary, when seeking to enter Australia as a vaccinated tourist from now on, you will need:

    • A valid passport
    • A valid pre-issued visa or travel authorization, depending on your nationality
    • A vaccination certificate showing you were fully immunized with an approved primary vaccination course
    • A completed Digital Passenger Declaration
    Male Traveler Shows Vaccine Passport At Check In Counter Boarding A Flight

    What Vaccines Are Accepted As Proof Of Entry?

    All widely commercialized vaccines are accepted as proof of entry by Australia, with visitors required to have at least two doses of the same vaccine, or a mix of two of the following, 14 days apart and 7 days prior to entry:

    • AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria)
    • AstraZeneca (Covishield)
    • Pfizer/Biontech (Comirnaty)
    • Moderna Spikevax or Takeda
    • Sinovac (Coronavac)
    • Bharat Biotech (Covaxin)
    • Gamaleya Research Institute Sputnik V
    • Novavax/Biocelect (Nuvaxovid)
    • Certain variations of the Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV vaccine
    • Johnson & Johnson/Janssen*

    *At least one dose

    While this is far from being a complete lifting of measures as seen in Europe, it is still a huge milestone for a destination that had been completely off-limits to tourists for the best part of the pandemic.

    Delta Airlines Plane Flying Over Sydney, Australia

    Are Tourists Ready To Return To Australia?

    As we stated previously, Australia is seeking to relaunch itself as a safe destination, as many foreigners are still wary of booking trips there.

    Its controversial zero Covid approach and border closures still seem ingrained in the minds of tourists, even after international flights were allowed to restart. Even though the border is open for vaccinated individuals, Sydney Airport, the country’s most important hub, has still been ‘eerily quiet‘ compared to before.

    Empty Airport Departure Gate

    Canadians, Brits and European Union/Schengen Area nationals do not require visas to enter or transit Australia, but they must still apply online for an ETA travel permit before flying, which only adds to the list of documents that need to be arranged in advance.

    More information, including fees and other criteria visa-exempt nationals must meet, are available on Australia’s official Immigration and Citizenship website.

    Once issued, an ETA is valid for up to 12 months.

    Person Scanning US Passport

    What About The Unvaccinated?

    Those who are yet to be immunized and who do not have a medically attested reason to qualify for an exemption to the travel ban continue to face an outright refusal of entry.

    As described by the Department of Home Affairs, those who are unvaccinated and eligible for a travel exemption, as defined here, must apply in advance.

    Ayers rock, Uluru, Outback, Australia

    It is worth noting traveling for tourism purposes does not exempt unvaccinated visitors from the entry ban. Additionally, unlike the vaccinated, those who are exempt and are yet to be immunized must still undertake a pre-departure test.

    This means either a PCR or NAAT taken within 3 days of scheduled departure or Rapid Antigen within hours.

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