Western Australia to reopen borders to foreign travel from 3 March

Australia’s largest state has finally announced it will join the rest of the country in reopening to international travellers.

Western Australia, home to iconic destinations including Perth, Ningaloo Reef and the Coral Coast, will allow fully vaccinated foreign travellers from 3 March.

The county delayed its opening due to the rise of Omicron, keeping its borders closed to provide a shield while rolling out third doses of vaccinations among residents.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Western Australia has not only stopped overseas travellers from entering, but even banned fellow Australians from crossing its borders.

However WA Premier Mark McGowan has now acknowledged the ‘hard border’ control is no longer effective, due to rising cases inside the state.

McGowan said in a statement: “While this next step will be difficult for many, WA is well placed and prepared, with our high levels of vaccination, investment in our health and hospital systems and our close contact protocols for the community, workers and businesses.

“I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding over the course of the past two years.”

Travellers can return to Ningaloo Reef from 3 March (Shutterstock

While most states in Australia will be reopening on 21 February, those planning to visit Western Australia will have to wait 10 days longer to enter.

From 3 March, triple-jabbed visitors are allowed to enter Western Australia. Additional entry requirements include a rapid antigen test taken less than 24 hours after arriving, and a registered G2G pass.

Travellers also must meet the Commonwealth Government requirements to enter Australia.

New rules, such as face mask wearing and gathering restrictions, will begin to be introduced before the borders reopen.

See the full government statement from WA here.