Australia is removing the need for people arriving into the country to declare their Covid vaccination status or obtain a travel exemption under changes coming into effect this week.

The home affairs minister Clare O’Neil said the move was “great news” for families and would reduce delays at the country’s airports.

The restrictions have been in place since Australia reopened late last year but will be lifted from 12.01am on Wednesday (July 6).

Cruise passengers and crew will also no longer have to declare their Covid vaccination status or obtain a travel exemption.

“As more and more us travel internationally and we get more confident in managing our risk of Covid, our airports are getting busier,” said O’Neil, speaking to the Australian Financial Review.

“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.”

Passengers are still required to wear masks on inbound international flights while state and territory mask-wearing mandates also remain for domestic flights.