WA border reopening date: Your guide to entering Western Australia from SA

WA has postponed the state’s reopening amid a surge in Omicron cases and pressure on the hospitals. Here’s how South Australians can enter the state.

Western Australia’s much anticipated border reopening has been delayed and interstate residents are now required to meet a list of strict rules to enter the state.

The WA premier Mark McGowan announced on Thursday night changes to initial plans that allowed unrestricted travel in and out of the state from February 5.

Travellers must now pass strict rules to enter the state including being triple vaccinated, and needing an exemption to enter.

Mark McGowan. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)

They would also have to undergo 14 days’ quarantine on arrival in WA.

“I know this decision will be unpopular with many people … for that I am sorry. I understand exactly what this means for many people who were hoping to reunite without any restrictions,” Mr McGowan said.

“It would be reckless and irresponsible to open up now – I can’t do it.”

We’ve answered your questions on how to enter Western Australia from February 5:

Why was the WA border reopening delayed?

The reason the border reopening was delayed in WA was because the “full impacts of Omicron in Australia are still unknown, with peak infections not yet reached in jurisdictions,” the WA government said on their website.

Who can enter WA (with an exemption)?

-Returning Western Australians with strong “recent connections or direct legitimate family connections with WA”;

-For compassionate grounds including a funeral, palliative care or terminally ill patients;

-If your family member is an approved traveller;

-For urgent medical treatment;

-State and national security reasons;

-Provision of specialist skills in WA including health and emergency service workers;

-Attending court or judicial matters;

-Special considerations made by the state’s State Emergency Co-ordinator or chief health officer.

Do I have to quarantine or get tested to enter WA?

If granted an exemption under the above criteria, travellers must:

-Be triple vaccinated if eligible, or double vaccinated if not yet eligible;

-Provide proof of a negative rapid antigen test within 24 hours before departure;

-Undertake 14 days self quarantine at a suitable location with the same requirements for household members at the quarantine locations;

-PCR testing within 48 hours of arrival and on day 12 of self-quarantine;

-Household members will also be required to do a PCR test on the traveller’s day 12.

Am I free to move around as I please after my 14 days’ quarantine in WA?

-Entry at the Kununurra border near the NT is only permitted for transport freight and logistics and border community residents;

-Would not be permitted to remote Aboriginal communities.

What are the rules for international travel

International arrivals must:

-Undertake 14 days’ quarantine including seven days in a hotel and seven days of self quarantine at a suitable premises;

– Undertake 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.