Western Australia’s borders have finally reopened today after being closed to most of the country for 698 days – close to two years – due to harsh COVID-19 border restrictions. 

WA borders officially reopened from 12.01am Thursday March 3 allowing travellers from interstate and vaccinated overseas visitors into the state.

Around 5000 arrivals are expected in WA today, and that number is set to increase in the coming days, with Premier Mark McGowan confirming approximately 28,000 people had been approved for entry into WA. 

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In order to enter Western Australia, domestic arrivals must be triple vaccinated, have a registered G2G Pass, undertake a rapid antigen test within 12 hours of arrival and report a positive result. 

International arrivals are required to be fully vaccinated with a registered G2G pass, and are also required to take an RAT upon arrival within 12 hours. 

Unvaccinated visitors without a medical exemption are not permitted to enter the state. 

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Western Australia moved to Level 2 public health measures yesterday, which include mandatory masks for anyone aged 12 years and up, indoor gatherings limited to a total of 30 people and 2 sqm density limits at hospitality, fitness and entertainment venues. For full details of the current restrictions, head to www.wa.gov.au

The border was originally scheduled to reopen when the state reached its 90 per cent double-dose vaccination threshold on February 5, but was pushed back amid the spread of the Omicron variant. 

“Today is a big day for Western Australia and the rest of Australia as we enter a new era of the pandemic,” said WA Premier Mark McGowan. “As of last night, the hard border controls have come to an end.

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