Qantas Drops Mandatory Vaccination For International Travellers

Within days, Qantas plans to drop all restrictions for overseas travellers to get vaccinated against COVID.

The airline stated on Wednesday that unvaccinated passengers would be permitted to board all Qantas flights beginning July 19.

The change comes after the federal government dropped the requirement for travellers to and from Australia to provide proof of vaccination status on July 6.

“From Tuesday, July 19, 2022, the Qantas Group will no longer require passengers on international flights operated by the Qantas Group to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” the airline announced Wednesday.

“Some countries may still require COVID-19 vaccination; therefore, passengers should check the requirements of the country to which they are travelling.”

The airline will continue to ensure that all personnel are vaccinated against the virus.

“Masks will also continue to be necessary when government regulations require them to be worn, including on domestic flights in Australia,” it added.

Qantas announced last month that it would no longer require passengers to wear masks on some outbound international flights from NSW, Western Australia, and Queensland to the United Kingdom, the United States, and Rome.

It comes as the federal government relaxed restrictions on wearing masks in Australian airports.

Qantas stated at the time that it wished to see uniform rules.

“Given the varying restrictions in different countries overseas, as well as for domestic flights in Australia and now at airports,” it stated.

“We’re doing everything we can to help people prepare for their flights while continuing to lobby governments for more standard rules.”

The modifications come as Australia faces a third Omicron wave, causing an increase in COVID cases. Health Minister Mark Butler has urged anybody who can receive a booster dose to do so, warning that the latest wave may not peak for up to six weeks.