Why you might not be able to reunite with loved ones for Christmas

Australians are eagerly looking to be reunited with loved ones for Christmas, but this small detail could put the damper on plans.

Aussies holding out hope that loved ones could visit for Christmas without quarantining may be waiting longer than the November opening-up deadline.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison last week said international border closures would be scrapped when the nation hits the 80 per cent vaccine threshold.

But those hoping loved ones could make the trip to Australia for the holidays will have to wait longer, as the incoming changes only apply to Australians and permanent residents.

Under phase C of the national plan, which the government expects to hit within a matter of weeks, international borders will open to fully vaccinated Australians, permanent residents and immediate family members.

Australians can jump on a plane soon, but foreign nationals might not be able to come here until 2022.

An immediate family member is considered to be a spouse, de facto partner, a dependent child or a legal guardian.

If your loved one is classified as an immediate family member, they will be able to undertake a seven-day home quarantine if they have received a vaccine approved by the medical regulator.

All other foreign nationals, at this stage, will be subject to caps on arrivals and will have to spend 14 days in hotel quarantine.

NCA NewsWire understands this rule is likely to change quickly following the international border reopening, but it is subject to modelling.

Earlier this week, Mr Morrison indicated international tourists would likely not be able to visit Australia until 2022.

“The first cab off the rank is Australians. Australian citizens and residents who were vaccinated, they will be able to travel overseas and return,” he told Sunrise.

Scott Morrison said the priority was getting Australians home. Picture: Gary Ramage / NCA NewsWire

“And if you are double vaccinated overseas and you are an Australian resident or citizen, you will be able to travel under those arrangements.

“We need to get those home quarantine facilities or procedures in place.”

The next priority is understood to be bringing in skilled migrants and international workers.

“We’ll get to international visitors I believe next year. The priority is Australians, we are ready for takeoff,” Mr Morrison said.

Originally published as Why you might not be able to reunite with loved ones for Christmas