Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern have agreed to create a travel bubble between the countries, ABC News reports.

The travel permit comes into effect on October 16 and will initially only apply to New Zealanders who want to visit Australia, but not to all of the country's states and territories.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said at a press conference that initially the states of New South Wales and the Northern Territory would be opening up to visitors, as they have already opened their state borders. The permit applies to travelers who have been in New Zealand for at least 14 days. The state of South Australia could be next.

Both countries closed their borders in March due to the pandemic. Only citizens or permanent residents have been allowed in since then, and anyone entering the countries has been forced to quarantine.

Source: TT