The two states announced the eased restrictions on Thursday evening, November 4, and they took effect that night at 11:59pm.
All remaining orange zones in NSW under Victoria’s traffic light system are now green zones, which means for the first time in six months, people from all local government areas across Australia can travel to Victoria.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the open border was thanks to the dedication of residents to raising vaccination rates in both states.
“Thanks to the incredibly hard work of Victorians and people in NSW in getting vaccinated, we’re delighted to be able to have free travel between the two states once again,” Mr Andrews said.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the announcement showed the way out of the pandemic for the nation.
“NSW is set to pass 90 per cent double dose vaccination in the near future, with Victoria not far behind,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This milestone has only been made possible because people across NSW and Victoria have rolled up their sleeves and led the nation on the road back to normality thanks to our high vaccination rates.”
The decision to fully open the border to vaccinated residents comes just six weeks before Christmas, with both premiers hoping to see family and friends reunited for the holidays.
“Victoria and NSW have been through so much over the last few months, and we’re pleased that more families will now be able to reunite just in time for Christmas and the holiday season,” Mr Andrews said.
Travellers, including workers, from NSW are still required to obtain a permit from Service Victoria before they arrive in Victoria, but face no testing or quarantine restrictions.
Fully vaccinated Victorians entering NSW face no requirements, but those over 16 and not fully vaccinated are not allowed to enter for recreation or holiday purposes.
As of Thursday, November 4, 89.1 per cent of people over 16 in NSW had received two doses of a coronavirus vaccine, and 82.5 per cent over those aged 12 and over in Victoria were double vaccinated.
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