IN PICS | When Australia Welcomed Back Travellers After Nearly 2 Years, Amid Tearful Family Reunions

Australia opened its international borders to all vaccinated tourists on February 21, 2022, nearly two years after the island nation first imposed some of the world's strictest Covid-19 travel restrictions | Photo: AFP

Australia, which had closed its borders to tourists in March 2020 to reduce the local spread of Covid-19, removed its final travel restrictions on Monday for fully vaccinated passengers | Photo: AFP

Staff with Australian souvenirs wait for the passengers at the Sydney International Airport on February 21, 2022, as Australia reopened its borders for fully vaccinated visa holders, tourists, and business travellers | Photo: AFP

A man hugs his granddaughter upon arriving at the Sydney International Airport on February 21, 2022, as Australia opens its international borders to all vaccinated tourists, nearly two years after the island nation first imposed some of the world's strictest Covid-19 travel restrictions | Photo: AFP

The media greet passengers arriving at Melbourne's international airport on February 21, 2022, as Australia reopened its borders for fully vaccinated visa holders, tourists and business travellers | Photo: AFP

A passenger is greeted as he arrives at Melbourne's international airport on February 21, 2022 | Photo: AFP

A passenger arrives at Melbourne's international airport on February 21, 2022, with her arms stretched out to embrace a waiting family member | Photo: AFP

A mascot welcomes passengers upon arrival at the Sydney International Airport on February 21, 2022 | Photo: AFP

A passenger waves flowers upon her arrival at the Sydney International Airport on February 21, 2022 | Photo: AFP