Australia to accept rapid antigen test from inbound travellers in major overhaul

Australia will significantly ease its COVID-19 testing requirements for inbound travellers in a major overhaul of how the country manages international travel during the pandemic.

The federal government confirmed yesterday that returning travellers will have the option of completing a rapid antigen test within 24 hours before their flight, rather than having to take an expensive PCR test within three days as is currently required.

Travellers who catch COVID-19 overseas will, meanwhile, have the wait time slashed from 14 days before they can fly home to seven days.

Health Minister Greg Hunt and Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrew made the announcement late on Friday afternoon, confirming earlier reports by The Age and Sydney Morning Herald that the overhaul was imminent.

The changes will come into effect from 1am Sunday.

[Source: Sydney Morning Herald]