Australia to let in vaccinated visa holders but tourists have to wait

After being shut out since early last year, a range of international visa holders will be able to access exemption-free travel to Australia from 1 December - but there's still no decision about tourists.

International students and skilled workers will be allowed exemption-free travel to Australia from next week, in what the prime minister, Scott Morrison, has hailed a major milestone" for the country returning to normal.

From 1 December, travel exemptions will no longer be required for fully vaccinated eligible visa holders - including students, skilled workers, and those on humanitarian, working holiday and family visas - for the first time since borders closed in early 2020.