If you’re hungry for a chance to book your next overseas trip, and hoping for a speedy return to international travel, then this week’s federal budget could contain the clue you’ve been seeking. 

The budget papers hint at a potential return date for international travel, revealing that the Treasury expects Australia’s borders to remain closed until mid-2022.

When will international travel resume? 

International tourism is unlikely to resume until the second half of 2022, despite the fact that a “population-wide vaccination program” will be in place by the end of 2021. 

It’s implied that some international travel may resume sooner, however the papers also note that a quarantine program will remain in place, limiting overseas arrivals. 

Related story: Overseas trips may be possible from July: timetable to restart tourism revealed

When can Australians travel overseas? 

The good news? There’s a notable exception to the aforementioned quarantine caps: “passengers from Safe Travel Zones.” The implication is that there’s the possibility for more travel bubbles, similar to the arrangement Australia currently has with New Zealand. 

The budget papers expect a “gradual return of temporary and permanent migrants” from the middle of 2022, also pointing to the potential for “small phased programs” that would allow for international student travel to recommence in late 2021. 

Related story: Qantas reopens international flight bookings from July 2021

When will Australia’s borders reopen? 

As for the potential resumption date: The Prime Minister has previously hinted at October 2021, and tourism groups have predicted timeframes as near as July 2021 and as far off as 2023. The budget papers, however, reference mid-2022. 

“Inbound and outbound international travel is expected to remain low through to mid-2022,” the paper states, “after which a gradual recovery in international tourism is assumed to occur.”

Further news and updates as they come to hand.

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