The borders of Australia have been largely closed since mid-March. In addition to their own citizens, only a few groups of people who are subject to exceptions are allowed to enter. Tourist stays are taboo. Now there is the first relaxation: New Zealanders will be allowed to enter again from October 16, 2020. But there is a catch: Australians, conversely, are not allowed to go to New Zealand.

The prerequisite for New Zealand residents to be allowed to return to Australia is that they have not been at any "corona hotspot" in the past 14 days. Crossing the border is also not permitted everywhere. Initially, Sydney, Darwin and Adelaide are to be opened to residents of the neighboring country. However, Australians do not benefit from the unilateral easing, as New Zealand still does not allow entry.