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Western Australia rejoins the world after nearly 2 years in isolation

March 02, 2022
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4 min read
Aerial top view of a bright orange sandy beach in Western Australia
Western Australia rejoins the world after nearly 2 years in isolation
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Western Australia, the hermit state of Down Under, has emerged blinking from its COVID-19 cave after nearly two years in isolation.

It’s been some 700 days since the state closed its borders, not just to the world, but to the rest of its own country.

But prime minister Mark McGowan promised to throw open WA’s gates to vaccinated travelers from midnight tonight, despite the state hurtling through an omicron wave.

It’s the second time WA has promised to reopen after backtracking on the pledge last month.

Related: The best ways to use points and miles to fly from the US to Australia

But this time, authorities say, it’s for real… and to prove it, they’re even preparing to hand out 200 toy Quokkas (giant rat-like marsupials native to an island off Perth) to the first arrivals tomorrow.

The only catch? A heavy ramp-up on COVID-19 restrictions across the state.

Related: This is what travel looks like as COVID-19 goes into an endemic phase

WA’s strict COVID-19 border policy has not been popular across the rest of Australia. Previously, all visitors -- even those from other parts of Australia -- had to quarantine for seven days to enter the state even though WA has one of the highest vaccination rates in Australia.

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And last month, Qantas boss Alan Joyce even likened the state's long-awaited reopening to the reunification of North and South Korea.

Quokkas are giant rat-like marsupials native to Rottnest Island, off the coast of W.A. They are also the state's mascot. (Photo by Eric Rosen/The Points Guy)

“Finally our country will be reunited,” he told local radio. “We are no longer North Korea and South Korea. We have one country again.”

Following the easing of restrictions for vaccinated travelers, Perth International expects to see 8,000 arrivals over the next two days, mostly domestic travelers.

Related: Vaccinations, declarations and testing: Everything you need to visit Australia now

To celebrate, Tourism WA will be doling out US $363,937 (AU$500,000) or (£272,000) in vouchers at the international terminal. Passengers arriving in Perth could pocket between US $108 (AU$150) or (£81) and US $1,604 (AU$2,200) or (£1,199) to splash on experiences in WA.

This attention to tourism isn’t just to the benefit of tourists. Western Australia’s tourism industry has been devastated by the lockdown.

“WA cannot afford to be more restricted than the east coast for longer than necessary or we will lose events, students, workers and tourists to states with less severe restrictions,” said Tourism Council WA chief executive, Evan Hall.

However, Western Australia is also introducing its tightest COVID-19 public health measures of the pandemic so far.

This includes the following:

  • Face masks will become mandatory in all indoor public spaces for everyone over the age of seven
  • Indoor gatherings will be limited to 10
  • Hospitality venues will be limited to 150 people
  • Major venues will be capped at 50%

As for entering the state, you must:

  • Be fully vaccinated
  • Fill in a Digital Travel Declaration within 72 hours before travel
  • Have proof of a negative pre-departure Covid-19 test.
  • Complete a Rapid Antigen Test within 12 hours of arrival in the state and report any positive result.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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  • Annual Fee is $325.
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