Big change to Queensland’s rules for interstate hotspot arrivals

From January 1, Queensland will drop the need for a PCR test for arrivals from interstate COVID-19 hotspots.

Arrivals will instead be able to use a negative rapid antigen test to meet border pass requirements.

It comes after pre-departure testing requirements for Queensland travel put extreme pressure on testing facilities across Victoria and NSW causing PCR test wait times to blow out.

CEO of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents, Dean Long, says the change is a relief.

“As someone who doesn’t live in Queensland it’s been really disappointing to see that Queensland tourism testing … push that extra burden onto the health systems in NSW and Victoria. It just hasn’t been fair so it’s good to see that removed,” he told Shane McInnes, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

Mr Long says the announcement will give people more confidence to book a Queensland holiday.

“Having a very clear roadmap now and a very clear set of guidelines … will really mean people will have that confidence to book their trip,” he said.

From January 1, travellers into Qld from interstate hotspots can use a negative Rapid Antigen Test to satisfy border pass requirements. A PCR test will no longer be required. More details in our morning media conference.

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) December 28, 2021

Press PLAY below to hear more about how the change is expected to impact travel