Great news for travellers – the government have announced their roadmap to opening Queensland’s borders to interstate and international visitors. As more Queenslanders come out to get their vaccine, they’re helping to get the state open and back to the free-travelling freedom we all love.
Here’s a look at the plans going forward, and what it will mean for Queenslanders and travellers to the Sunshine State.
70% Vaccinated
Original predictions were for the 19th of November, but with a higher percentage of Queenslanders having had their double dose already, Queensland looks likely to move into the first phase of reopening ahead of the originally scheduled date.
Those arriving from designated Covid hotspots will still need to travel by air into the state, be fully vaccinated, and have had a negative Covid test within the last 72 hours – but in an important development, they will now be allowed to do the two weeks of quarantine at home instead of needing to stay in a hotel. Those who have not been in a hotspot in the last 14 days can enter without those restrictions.
International travellers at this stage will still need to undertake the 14 days of hotel quarantine.
80% Vaccinated
The 80% target is expected to be reached by December 17th, but the Premier has said that the date will hold firm regardless of whether the target is achieved.
At this stage, whether travelling by air or road, travellers from a hotspot will need to be fully vaccinated and have a negative test within the past 72 hours – but if they meet these criteria, they will be able to visit with no quarantine necessary. If they don’t satisfy those requirements, then they will need to quarantine in a government-approved facility. Those coming from parts of Australia not declared a hotspot will be able to travel freely, with no restrictions.
Overseas arrivals who are fully vaccinated with a negative test in the last 72 hours will be allowed to undertake home quarantine for 14 days, otherwise these travellers will need to complete their quarantine at a state-designated facility.
90% Vaccinated
At 90% vaccination rates, fully vaccinated travellers from interstate and overseas will be allowed to come and go with no restrictions on entry. Those who have not received their double dose will still need to undertake quarantine.
Travelling During Covid
Anyone entering Queensland at this stage will still need a Queensland entry pass. Once you’re here, and for locals who are travelling around our state, there are a few things you can do to help keep yourself and the people around you safe.
Masks are required wherever it’s not possible to socially distance at least 1.5m from people around you. For those in South East Queensland, masks must be worn indoors unless seated, eating, or drinking, and outdoors where it’s not possible to socially distance. You will also need a mask while waiting for public transport (including the Airtrain platform), and entering and leaving hospitality venues and sports stadiums.
The Check In Queensland app allows you to scan in to different destinations using QR codes. Free to download and easy to use, it helps contact tracers locate people at risk if exposure was to happen. Visitors to Queensland will need to download the app, as businesses and events have been instructed to ensure all patrons have checked in before entry.
Social distancing and good hand hygiene are still some of the most important measures we can take to stop the spread of covid. Wash your hands with soap and water wherever possible, and use hand sanitiser. For anyone who is not in your household, remember to keep at least 1.5m distance.
Visiting Queensland
Airtrain will get you quickly and comfortably from the Brisbane Airport to Brisbane City in 20 minutes. You can disembark at your chosen city station – Airtrain runs direct from the airport, stopping at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane stations. While you’re there, why not check out Airtrain’s recommendations for some exciting ways to spend your time.
If you’re heading to the Gold Coast, the Airtrain leaves the Brisbane Airport every 15 minutes in peak times, and can take you all the way to Helensvale in comfort and on time. From there, heading to the Gold Coast is a simple change onto the G:link tram, which arrives every 7.5 minutes in peak times. You’ll only need the one ticket to get all the way from the airport to your Gold Coast destination, and then enjoy your time with some of our suggestions for unmissable sights and scenery.
Brisbane is a great city for walking, and is connected by an extensive bus and train network with the river crisscrossed by the CityCat ferries. All Brisbane public transport uses a smart card for travel, or you can purchase a paper ticket. You can check out translink’s Journey Planner to find the best way to travel to your chosen garden destination.
While you’re in Brisbane, short term visitors should check out the go seeQ card, which allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries, and trams. It also includes 2 Airtrain journeys to/from the Brisbane Airport. For longer stays, travel like the locals with a go card – just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination.
Opening Queensland’s Borders
Airtrain are committed to keeping visitors and locals safe, and getting them to where they need to go – on time and in comfort. With plans for opening Queensland’s borders in place, we’re looking forward to welcoming the increased number of visitors to the Sunshine State.
No matter where your adventures will lead you, you can start your journey in comfort with Airtrain.
