Australia plans to reopen its borders to international tourists, who are double vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus, from 21 February in a move that is expected to stimulate jet fuel demand.
The reopening comes almost two years since Canberra introduced tight restrictions on air travel to and from Australia, in response to the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The majority of Australia's jet fuel demand used to come from international flights departing from the country, before the fall in demand in response to the few flights because of the travel restrictions.
"The condition is you must be double vaccinated to come to Australia," Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said. Unvaccinated travellers will need to apply for a travel exemption to come to Australia and have to undergo a hotel quarantine if they were granted permission to enter the country, Australian home affairs minister Karen Andrews said.
Australia has already reopened to tourists from some countries, including New Zealand, Japan and South Korea. New Zealand announced plans last week for a five-stage reopening of international flights to and from the country, with a final full reopening this October.
