ASX 200 travel shares leap as Australia scraps COVID-19 vaccine mandates for international arrivals

What positive news could be boosting ASX200 travel shares today?

| More on:
Two adults and a child look happy as they walk through airport with child sitting on suitcase.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • Qantas, Flight Centre and Webjet shares are all taking off more than 2% today 
  • The Federal Government is lifting a vaccine requirement for international arrivals. A digital passenger declaration will also no longer be necessary 
  • Pictures of large lines at Australian airports were seen on the weekend 

Travel shares on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) are jumping today amid news that will make it easier for tourists to travel to Australia.

Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN), Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) and Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) shares are all rising today.

Webjet shares are rising 2.08% today, Flight Centre shares are leaping 2.18% and Qantas shares are up 2.25%.

So what could be impacting ASX 200 travel shares today?

ASX 200 travel shares lift

ASX 200 travel shares are lifting amid news that could boost international travel numbers into Australia.

Health Minister Mark Butler announced yesterday that a COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be required for international tourists travelling to Australia. All travellers will also no longer be required to declare their status on arrival to the country. However, masks will still be required on inbound international flights.

Minister Butler said:

The chief medical officer has advised it is no longer necessary for travellers to declare their vaccine status as part of our management of COVID

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil described the news as "great news for families coming home from school holidays".

Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers to choose Australia as a destination.

I know anyone who has travelled internationally since the borders have opened will find this as one less thing to worry about – especially as more Australians get back to travelling overseas.

Meanwhile, chaos erupted at Sydney airport on the weekend as Australians embark on school holiday travel, Guardian Australia reported.

Large amounts of people were seen lining up outside the terminal, the publication reported. Union strikes also had an impact on arrivals at airport train stations.

Meanwhile, Adelaide Airport is also forecasting that Friday this week will be the busiest travel day since the onset of COVID-19, Indaily reports. The airport is predicting 30,000 travellers at the airport on Friday.

Share price recap

The Qantas share price has shed 5% in a year, while Webjet shares have jumped nearly 6%. Flight Centre shares have soared 15% in a year.

For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has lifted 9% in the past year.

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Travel Shares

A woman reaches her arms to the sky as a plane flies overhead at sunset.
Travel Shares

The Qantas share price flew 88% higher in FY 2025! Here's how

Qantas shares surged 88% in FY 2025 to new all-time highs. Here’s what happened.

Read more »

Woman sitting looking miserable at airport
Travel Shares

Qantas shares tumble on cyber attack impacting 6 million customers

Australia's flag carrier airline has been hit with a major cyber incident.

Read more »

A woman reaches her arms to the sky as a plane flies overhead at sunset.
Travel Shares

Up 86% in a year, should I still buy Qantas shares today?

Can Qantas shares keep flying higher into 2026? A leading expert reveals his forecast.

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane looking through a window and working on a laptop.
Travel Shares

Is the Qantas share price a buy after the Virgin listing?

Should investors be excited or worried about the Virgin listing?

Read more »

A woman stands at her desk looking a her phone with a panoramic view of the harbour bridge in the windows behind her with work colleagues in the background.
Travel Shares

1 amazing Aussie stock down 40% to buy and hold

Let's see why analysts think this top stock could be a buy after a significant pullback.

Read more »

A pilot stands in an empty passenger cabin smiling with his arms crossed looking excited
Travel Shares

Virgin Australia shares take flight on ASX return after IPO

The airline's long-awaited return has started strongly.

Read more »

Woman on a tablet waiting in for her flight in an airport and looking through a window.
Travel Shares

Up nearly 70% in a year, does JP Morgan think Qantas shares can go higher?

Qantas shares have been a home run for investors over both the short and long term.

Read more »

Woman on a tablet waiting in for her flight in an airport and looking through a window.
Travel Shares

UBS reveals the biggest question facing Qantas shares over the next 12 months

UBS takes a look at the projected flight trajectory of Qantas shares post this week’s Jetstar Asia closure.

Read more »