According to the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Justin Lee, starting 21 February 2022, all fully vaccinated visa holders can now travel to Australia without an exemption. This includes both tourists and business travellers. 

This simply means that fully vaccinated Malaysians can reunite with their long missed families and friends in Australia and continue long-awaited plans to visit Australia’s best tourist spots.

However, as exciting as this may be, COVID-19 measures should also be paid attention to in order to avoid unwanted outbreaks. Hence, before confirming any travel arrangements, the traveller must ensure that they have read and complied with all the requirements for vaccinated travellers entering Australia.

People who do not meet Australia’s vaccination requirements for international travel would need an exemption or be under an exempt category. Such exemptions can be checked here.

Quarantine & Post-Arrival COVID-19 Tests

For quarantine purposes, travellers need to comply with the requirements of the states or territory they’re arriving to or planning to go to. Some require quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers and some don’t.

States/Territory that require quarantine:

• Victoria – Quarantine until receiving a negative test result for vaccinated travellers (do RAT or PCR test 24-hours upon arrival). 7 days quarantine for unvaccinated travellers.
• Queensland – Quarantine until receiving a negative test result (do RAT or PCR test 24-hours upon arrival), 14 days quarantine for unvaccinated travellers.
• West Australia – 7 days for vaccinated travellers (do RAT or PCR test 24-hours upon arrival). 14 days quarantine for unvaccinated travellers.
• South Australia – Quarantine until receiving a negative test result (do a PCR test only within 24 hours upon arrival), 14 days quarantine for unvaccinated travellers.
• New South Wales – Quarantine until receiving a negative test result for vaccinated travellers (do RAT or PCR test 24-hours upon arrival), 7 days quarantine for unvaccinated travellers.
• Australian Capital Territory – Quarantine until receiving a negative test result (do RAT or PCR test 24-hours upon arrival). Complete a mandatory quarantine period at the port of entry for unvaccinated travellers.

States/Territory that do not require quarantine:

• Northern Territory
• Tasmania

The rules of quarantine and post-arrival testing requirements differ according to State and Territory governments so make sure to check the rules of the destination you’re going to. For example, in some territories, you can’t simply go to high-risk territories like childcare centres or hospitals for 7 or 14 days upon your arrival there.

Moreover, those wanting to travel there must hold a valid Visa. Visa applications are recommended to be lodged at least one month before travelling. Because of COVID-19, visa processing times have been affected and applications may take longer to finalise.