When will Australia open its borders to the UK?
AUSTRALIA and New Zealand are on the UKs green list for travel but both countries remain closed to Brits unless there are exceptional circumstances. There are hopes though a travel bubble could be established in the near future. Currently all arrivals into Australia must quarantine at a hotel - designated by authorities - for 14 days, along similar lines to the system set up by the British government earlier this year. There are no plans yet to create a travel bubble, early indications are looking positive. New Zealand currently has virtually identical restrictions regarding entry to the country as Australia. The country is expected to keep its doors closed to tourists for a similar amount of time as Australia. New Zealands Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern though has said she will consider establishing travel bubbles as more people get a Covid vaccine jab. Speaking in May, she said: Where vaccine roll out in New Zealand is incomplete, the number of countries we can safely open up to is limited. Thats because they need to hold the same status as us, or pose the same low risk of bringing Covid into the country. Niue [a South Pacific island nation] is the natural next addition. Anyone hoping to travel to Australia or New Zealand will need a special exemption visa, as normal visa applications are no longer accepted. Only Australian citizens and returning permanent residents and their immediate family members are permitted to enter Australia without an exemption until further notice. ALL ABOARD Sun launches Back To The 80s cruise - here's how to book your summer seacation  The same applies to New Zealand. Travellers will only be granted an exemption with a "compassionate or compelling reason to enter Australia or as New Zealand puts it, for critical purpose. British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines are all running flights to Australia from the UK, with layovers in Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Singapore.