Australians will be able to apply for an international proof of COVID-19 vaccination from Tuesday, bringing them a step closer to safe overseas travel, the Federal Government says.
The proof will be available to Australian passport holders and Australian visa holders who have their COVID-19 vaccinations recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register, government ministers said Sunday night.
“The international proof of vaccination features a secure QR code to prove COVID-19 vaccination status to border authorities around the world and increases a person’s ability to travel safely and with confidence,” they said.
The proof will enable fully vaccinated Australians to depart Australia and travel internationally consistent with the National Plan to transition Australia’s COVID-19 Response.
It can be downloaded digitally or in printed form and is compatible with COVID-19 travel apps such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass.
The Federal Government has announced that international travel restrictions will start to ease from the beginning of November for fully vaccinated Australians.
Some countries will require proof of vaccination from Australians while others will not.
The ministers said the Visible Digital Seal technology within the international proof of vaccination was world-leading and as secure as an Australian passport.
“The international certificate meets the new global standard specified by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and conforms with World Health Organisation guidance,” their statement said.
“The launch of the international proof of vaccination is a key step towards safely reopening international borders and supporting Australia’s COVID-19 economic recovery.”
Applicants can get the free international certificate by using their Medicare account through myGov, or the Medicare Express app.
NSW passes 80 per cent target
NSW has further eased restrictions brought in to fight a COVID-19 outbreak after the state passed its 80 per cent full vaccination target for people aged 16 and over.
NSW hit the full vaccination target a week earlier than expected, and 91.9 per cent of people aged 16 and over have now received at least one dose.
A week after stay-at-home orders lifted and fully vaccinated people were allowed back at NSW pubs and beauty salons, people in NSW who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are from Monday able to play community sport and have a dance at the pub, and are allowed to do it with larger groups of people.
The lifting of restrictions only applies to people who have been fully vaccinated at this stage, but will be expanded to everyone in December.
On Sunday, NSW recorded another 301 cases of COVID-19 and 10 deaths.
Vics look forward to a haircut and a beer
Phones will be running hot for hairdressers, pubs and restaurants as fully vaccinated Victorians race for a taste of freedom.
Haircuts as well as a parma and pot will be back on the menu as of Friday after the state government announced it would end lockdown five days earlier than previously planned thanks to hitting its 70 per cent double-dosed vaccination target more quickly than expected .
News of the fast-tracked relaxation came after Victoria recorded 1838 COVID-19 cases and seven deaths on Sunday.
From 11.59pm on Thursday, all restrictions for leaving home will be abolished, alongside the state’s controversial curfew.
