We all knew it was coming, and if we didn’t… the knowledge was there subconsciously. There was just no way McGowan and Co would let go of the power hold they created for themselves over the last 2 years.
Hiding away in our perfect little bubble, things are pretty good. Unless you actually have a life to live, places to go (other than WA), and people to see.
RIP February 5th
Now pushed back indefinitely, the border isn’t opening. However, some tweaks have made it somewhat easier and less expensive for a WA resident to return home.
Avoid Direct International Flights Into WA
Unless you enjoy being locked up in an expensive and shitty quarantine hotel, avoid flying directly into Perth at all costs! From February 5th, these new rules will apply for international travellers:
- Meet the Commonwealth requirements to enter Australia under the arrivals cap;
- Undertake 14 days of mandatory quarantine including, seven days in hotel quarantine and seven days of self-quarantine at suitable premises, if eligible
- PCR testing on days one, six, nine and 12, and household members will also be required to do a PCR test on the traveller’s day 12
- Subject to mandatory use of G2G Now and in-person checks by WA Police as required
While one paper it looks much better compared to what we have now, it’s actually worse when you consider the loophole WA has created for those looking to return.
The “Loophole”
As it stands, international travel indirectly into WA via another state or territory will be subject to the same entry and quarantine requirements as domestic travellers. (see source: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/was-updated-safe-transition-plan-5-february-2022)
This means you no longer need to spend 14 days in a different state before you’re eligible to travel to WA!
Basically, McGowan and Co are handballing the responsibility to the eastern states (which they despise so much), who will essentially act as an extra buffer.
So going forward, you can fly into Sydney (or any other Australian city) from overseas, and straight into WA without the costly hotel quarantine! Previously people were required to have spent 14 days in Australia before being allowed to travel to WA.
Update: the G2G website is highly confusing and appears to be giving contradicting information that seems to be a mix of current rules and new upcoming rules. We’re seeking clarification from the WA government, in the meantime make sure you screenshot this link in case you’re going to rely on it.
When doing so, the following rules apply:
- Travellers must have an approved G2G Pass, under the new exemption criteria;
- Be triple dose vaccinated, if eligible (or double dose vaccinated if not eligible for a third dose);
- Provide proof of a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours before departure;
- Undertake 14 days of self-quarantine at a suitable premises, with the same requirements for household members at the self-quarantine premises;
- PCR testing within 48 hours of arrival and on day 12 of self-quarantine, and household members will also be required to do a PCR test on the traveller’s day 12;
- Subject to mandatory use of the G2G Now app and in-person checks by WA Police as required.
While it’s not perfect if you have a place to quarantine, it’s far better than being locked up in a hotel room with less freedom than a prisoner.
