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04.10.2022 Latest updateFrom 9 September 2022, masks are no longer required on flights travelling to Australia. From July 6 2022, the way you travel to and from Australia has changed. All travellers should be aware that:
It is important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with. Entering and leaving AustraliaThe Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force provide advice for people seeking to enter or leave Australia. For more information see: People who require a visa should ensure their visa is granted before travelling to Australia. To check Australia’s visa requirements, see: Explore visa options The Australian Border Force provides further advice for people entering or leaving Australia by sea. Australian citizens planning to travel overseas are encouraged to check current travel advice by visiting Smartraveller. The Department of Health provides health advice on international travel and COVID-19. State and territory informationEach state and territory in Australia has its own requirements that you will need to comply with. If you are planning to travel to Australia, you should check the requirements of the state or territory you are travelling to. Requirements could include COVID-19 testing after you arrive in Australia or vaccination requirements to visit certain venues or work in certain occupations. For more information see State and territory information. Australia’s vaccination programEveryone in Australia can get a COVID-19 vaccine free of charge. International travellers who arrive into Australia are encouraged to access Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program. For more information see COVID-19 vaccines. Visa concessions and refundsDue to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic period, a range of changes were made to some visa categories, including the introduction of concession periods, fee waivers and visa refunds. For more information see COVID-19 visa information. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 06.07.2022 Latest updatesAustralia’s border requirements have changed from 6 July 2022. For more information see Entering and leaving Australia. From July 6 2022, the way you travel to and from Australia has changed. All travellers should be aware that:
It is important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with. Entering and leaving Australia The Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force provide advice for people seeking to enter or leave Australia. For more information see: People who require a visa should ensure their visa is granted before travelling to Australia. To check Australia’s visa requirements, see: Explore visa options The Australian Border Force provides further advice for people entering or leaving Australia by sea. Australian citizens planning to travel overseas are encouraged to check current travel advice by visiting Smartraveller. The Department of Health provides health advice on international travel and COVID-19. State and territory informationEach state and territory in Australia has its own requirements that you will need to comply with. If you are planning to travel to Australia, you should check the requirements of the state or territory you are travelling to. Requirements could include COVID-19 testing after you arrive in Australia or vaccination requirements to visit certain venues or work in certain occupations. For more information see State and territory information. Australia’s vaccination programEveryone in Australia can get a COVID-19 vaccine free of charge. International travellers who arrive into Australia are encouraged to access Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program. For more information see COVID-19 vaccines. Visa concessions and refundsDue to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic period, a range of changes were made to some visa categories, including the introduction of concession periods, fee waivers and visa refunds. For more information see COVID-19 visa information. __________________________________________________________________________ 08.02.2022 Important information for travel to Australia Fully vaccinated Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible visa holders can travel to and from Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption. Immediate family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents or New Zealand citizens usually resident in Australia who do not hold an eligible visa must provide proof of relationship before travel by submitting an exemption request through the Travel Exemption Portal. All other temporary visa holders seeking to travel to Australia must apply for a travel exemption. From 21 February 2022, all fully vaccinated visa holders can travel to Australia without a travel exemption. Unvaccinated visa holders will still need a valid travel exemption to enter Australia. On this page
Travel restrictions and exemptionsTravel to Australia is only available if you are exempt or you have been granted an individual exemption. Travel restrictions are subject to change in response to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19. You can stay informed with the latest updates by checking this page regularly. If you are transiting through Australia further information can be found at Transiting Australia. Parents of Australian citizens and permanent residentsFor information regarding parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents, see immediate family member of an Australian citizen or permanent residents or New Zealand citizens usually resident in Australia. Exemption requests to escort Australian citizen or permanent resident minorsTravel exemptions may be granted to people escorting Australian citizen or permanent resident minors to travel to Australia. This is to ensure the safety and welfare of the child or children during travel. Travel exemptions for this category are generally approved under the following circumstances:
Unless exceptional circumstances apply, people escorting Australian citizen or permanent resident minors to Australia should be a relative (for example, aunt, uncle, grandparent). Temporary visa holdersTemporary visa holders in Australia can depart Australia at any time, however, they may require an exemption to return to Australia. More information can be found at Temporary visa holders returning home. Review processThe Department has introduced a formal review process for people who believe they have incorrectly been refused a travel exemption. More information is below at Requesting a review. Exempt categoriesYou are automatically exempt from the travel restrictions and can enter Australia (without obtaining an individual exemption) if you are:
* If you hold a temporary visa or do not yet hold a valid visa for Australia, you must provide proof of your relationship (such as your marriage certificate, evidence of your de-facto relationship such as shared finances or property, your birth certificate or birth certificate for your children) to the Department before you travel to Australia. Do not travel until we advise that you can. You can find out more about how to provide this information at Immediate family of Australian citizens or permanent residents or New Zealand citizens usually resident in Australia. If you are a parent of an adult Australian citizen or permanent resident, you must be fully vaccinated in order to travel. This requirement will be checked by the airline staff before boarding. # If you hold an eligible visa and are not fully vaccinated you must apply for and be granted an individual travel exemption. Individual exemptionsIndividual exemptions can be requested by travellers who are not holders of an eligible visa or who are unvaccinated, holding any visa type. You may be considered for an individual travel exemption by the Commissioner of the Australian Border Force or decision makers if you are:
You must hold a visa and an exemption to Australia’s travel restrictions before you travel. You can request an exemption online and must provide appropriate evidence to support your claims. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. All documents need to be officially translated into English. Compassionate and compelling reasons to travelThe Commissioner of the Australian Border Force may grant you an individual exemption if you are seeking to travel for compassionate and compelling reasons. Compassionate and compelling reasons include, but are not limited to, needing to travel due to the death or critical illness of a close family member. You need to apply for an exemption at least two weeks, but not more than two months, before your planned travel. Your request must include:
If you are not granted an exemption, you should not continue with your travel plans, as you will not be permitted to board a flight to Australia. If you are granted a travel exemption, you need to take evidence of that exemption decision to the airport. If you are travelling due to the death or critical illness of a close family member, you can apply inside this timeframe and we will prioritise your application. You must hold a visa and have an exemption to Australia’s travel restrictions before you travel. You can request an exemption online and must provide appropriate evidence to support your claims. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. All documents need to be officially translated into English. Apply online for an exemption and travelIf you are not in an exempt category you can request an individual exemption to Australia's travel restrictions using the Travel Exemption portal. Most travel exemption requests are finalised within 7 days. Complex requests may take longer. In order to travel, you will need both an exemption and a visa. To complete a travel exemption request you should hold a visa, or have applied for a visa, and provide information and documents to support your request. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. This may include the following:
Obtaining a travel exemption does not guarantee you will be able to get a flight to Australia at this time. You need to apply for an exemption at least two weeks, but not more than two months, before your planned travel. Make only one request per person. Duplicate requests will delay assessment. TravelIf you are not granted an exemption, you should not continue with travel plans, as you will not be permitted to board a flight to Australia. If you are granted a travel exemption, you will need to take evidence of that exemption decision to the airport. All people travelling to Australia also need to meet other requirements when preparing to travel to Australia from overseas. Requesting a reviewIf we refuse your request for a travel exemption, you can apply to the Department for a review. You should apply for the review within 21 calendar days of the refusal notification. A senior officer with no involvement in the initial decision will conduct the internal reviews. They will re-consider all information that was available to the original decision maker. They will also review the decision according to current policy and guidelines. We will aim to give you our decision and the reasons for it within 15 business days of receiving your review request. Please submit a new request if:
We consider all requests on their merits. We will approve requests if they meet current policy and have enough evidence. Commissioner's Guidelines and Operational DirectivesFor more information on how we assess travel exemptions, see our guidelines:
Monthly Travel Exemptions Reports
___________________________________________________________________________________________ 18.08.2021 COVID-19 and the border Travel restrictions and exemptionsAustralia’s borders are currently closed and entry to Australia remains strictly controlled to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Travel to Australia is only available if you are exempt or you have been granted an individual exemption. Travel restrictions are subject to change in response to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19. You can stay informed with the latest updates by checking this page regularly. If you are transiting through Australia further information can be found on the Transiting Australia webpage.
Travel restrictions and exemptionsTravel restrictions and exemptionsAustralia’s borders are currently closed and entry to Australia remains strictly controlled to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Travel to Australia is only available if you are exempt or you have been granted an individual exemption. Travel restrictions are subject to change in response to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19. You can stay informed with the latest updates by checking this page regularly. If you are transiting through Australia further information can be found on the Transiting Australia webpage. Exemption requests for travel from IndiaBased on current health advice, travel restrictions for travel from India to Australia have returned to global settings. Individuals seeking an exemption to travel from India to Australia can apply for a travel exemption through the travel exemptions portal. Exemption requests to escort Australian citizen or permanent resident minorsTravel exemptions may be granted to people escorting Australian citizen or permanent resident minors to travel to Australia. This is to ensure the safety and welfare of the child or children during travel. Travel exemptions for this category are generally approved under the following circumstances:
Unless exceptional circumstances apply, people escorting Australian citizen or permanent resident minors to Australia should be a relative (for example, aunt, uncle, grandparent). Temporary visa holdersTemporary visa holders in Australia can depart Australia at any time, however, they will generally not be permitted to return. More information can be found at Temporary visa holders leaving Australia for a short trip overseas. Exempt categoriesYou are automatically exempt from the travel restrictions and can enter Australia (without obtaining an individual exemption) if you are:
* If you hold a temporary visa or do not yet hold a valid visa for Australia, you must provide proof of your relationship (such as your marriage certificate, evidence of your de-facto relationship such as shared finances or property, your birth certificate or birth certificate for your children) to the Department before you travel to Australia. Do not travel until we advise that you can. You can find out more about how to provide this information at Immediate family of Australian citizens or permanent residents or New Zealand citizens usually resident in Australia. You need to carry evidence that you meet one of the above categories when travelling. Additional evidence may be requested. If you are not in an exempt category you can request an individual exemption to Australia's travel restrictions. Individual exemptionsThe Commissioner of the Australian Border Force and decision makers may grant you an individual exemption if you are:
You must hold a visa and an exemption to Australia’s travel restrictions before you travel. You can request an exemption online and must provide appropriate evidence to support your claims. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. All documents need to be officially translated into English. You need to apply for an exemption at least two weeks, but not more than two months, before your planned travel. Your request must include:
If you are not granted an exemption, you should not continue with your travel plans, as you will not be permitted to board a flight to Australia. If you are granted a travel exemption, you need to take evidence of that exemption decision to the airport. Compassionate and compelling reasons to travelThe Commissioner of the Australian Border Force may grant you an exemption if you are seeking to travel for compassionate and compelling reasons. Compassionate and compelling reasons include, but are not limited to, needing to travel due to the death or critical illness of a close family member. You must hold a visa and have an exemption to Australia’s travel restrictions before you travel. You can request an exemption online and must provide appropriate evidence to support your claims. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. All documents need to be officially translated into English. Where possible, you should apply for an exemption at least two weeks, but not more than two months, before your planned travel. If you are travelling due to the death or critical illness of a close family member, you can apply inside this timeframe and we will prioritise your application. If you are not granted an exemption, you should not continue with your travel plans, as you will not be permitted to board a flight to Australia. If you are granted a travel exemption, you need to take evidence of that exemption decision to the airport. Apply online for an exemptionIf you are not in an exempt category you can request an individual exemption to Australia's travel restrictions using the Travel Exemption portal. You need to apply for an exemption at least two weeks, but not more than two months, before your planned travel. Most travel exemption requests are finalised within 7 days. Complex requests may take longer. To complete a travel exemption request you should hold a visa, or have applied for a visa, and provide information and documents to support your request. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. This may include the following:
Obtaining a travel exemption does not guarantee you will be able to get a flight to Australia at this time. Make only one request per person. Duplicate requests will delay assessment. If you are not granted an exemption, you should not continue with travel plans, as you will not be permitted to board a flight to Australia. If you are granted a travel exemption, you will need to take evidence of that exemption decision to the airport. Commissioner's Guidelines and Operational DirectivesFor more information on how we assess travel exemptions, see our guidelines:
Source: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/travel-restrictions __________________________________________________________________________ 01.07.2021 Travel restrictions and exemptionsAustralia’s borders are currently closed and entry to Australia remains strictly controlled to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Travel to Australia is only available if you are exempt or you have been granted an individual exemption. Travel restrictions are subject to change in response to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19. You can stay informed with the latest updates by checking this page regularly. If you are transiting through Australia further information can be found on the Transiting Australia webpage. COVID-19 vaccination and travel exemption eligibilityAs COVID-19 vaccination programs become available worldwide, the Australian Government is considering options to recommence international travel. This will be a gradual process informed by expert health advice. Vaccination status does not currently determine or influence the outcome of a travel exemption request. Exemptions can only be approved if you meet the guidelines for a discretionary exemption, or meet an exempt category. Exemption requests for travel from IndiaBased on current health advice, individuals seeking an exemption to travel from India to Australia will only be approved for the following limited circumstances:
Supporting evidence must be provided.The discretionary exemptions outlined in the Commissioner's Guidelines, excluding the limited circumstances stated above, do not currently apply to people seeking to travel from India. This advice is subject to change. Please check back regularly. Exemption requests to escort Australian citizen or permanent resident minorsTravel exemptions may be granted to people escorting Australian citizen or permanent resident minors to travel to Australia. This is to ensure the safety and welfare of the child or children during travel. Travel exemptions for this category are generally approved under the following circumstances:
Unless exceptional circumstances apply, people escorting Australian citizen or permanent resident minors to Australia should be a relative (for example, aunt, uncle, grandparent). Temporary visa holdersTemporary visa holders in Australia can depart Australia at any time, however, they will generally not be permitted to return. More information can be found at Temporary visa holders leaving Australia for a short trip overseas. Exempt categoriesYou are automatically exempt from the travel restrictions and can enter Australia (without obtaining an individual exemption) if you are:
* If you hold a temporary visa or do not yet hold a valid visa for Australia, you must provide proof of your relationship (such as your marriage certificate, evidence of your de-facto relationship such as shared finances or property, your birth certificate or birth certificate for your children) to the Department before you travel to Australia. Do not travel until we advise that you can. You can find out more about how to provide this information at Immediate family of Australian citizens or permanent residents or New Zealand citizens usually resident in Australia. You need to carry evidence that you meet one of the above categories when travelling. Additional evidence may be requested. If you are not in an exempt category you can request an individual exemption to Australia's travel restrictions. Individual exemptionsThe Commissioner of the Australian Border Force and decision makers may grant you an individual exemption if you are:
You must hold a visa and an exemption to Australia’s travel restrictions before you travel. You can request an exemption online and must provide appropriate evidence to support your claims. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. All documents need to be officially translated into English. You need to apply for an exemption at least two weeks, but not more than two months, before your planned travel. Your request must include:
If you are not granted an exemption, you should not continue with your travel plans, as you will not be permitted to board a flight to Australia. If you are granted a travel exemption, you need to take evidence of that exemption decision to the airport. Compassionate and compelling reasons to travelThe Commissioner of the Australian Border Force may grant you an exemption if you are seeking to travel for compassionate and compelling reasons. Compassionate and compelling reasons include, but are not limited to, needing to travel due to the death or critical illness of a close family member. You must hold a visa and have an exemption to Australia’s travel restrictions before you travel. You can request an exemption online and must provide appropriate evidence to support your claims. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. All documents need to be officially translated into English. Where possible, you should apply for an exemption at least two weeks, but not more than two months, before your planned travel. If you are travelling due to the death or critical illness of a close family member, you can apply inside this timeframe and we will prioritise your application. If you are not granted an exemption, you should not continue with your travel plans, as you will not be permitted to board a flight to Australia. If you are granted a travel exemption, you need to take evidence of that exemption decision to the airport. Apply online for an exemptionIf you are not in an exempt category you can request an individual exemption to Australia's travel restrictions using the Travel Exemption portal. You need to apply for an exemption at least two weeks, but not more than two months, before your planned travel. Most travel exemption requests are finalised within 7 days. Complex requests may take longer. To complete a travel exemption request you should hold a visa, or have applied for a visa, and provide information and documents to support your request. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. This may include the following:
Obtaining a travel exemption does not guarantee you will be able to get a flight to Australia at this time. Make only one request per person. Duplicate requests will delay assessment. If you are not granted an exemption, you should not continue with travel plans, as you will not be permitted to board a flight to Australia. If you are granted a travel exemption, you will need to take evidence of that exemption decision to the airport.
28.01.2021 Travel restrictions and exemptionsAustralia has strict border measures in place to protect the health of the Australian community. Very limited flights are currently available to and from Australia and you may not be able to travel at this time. Travel restrictions are subject to change. Please check back regularly. See: National Cabinet media statement. From 22 January 2021, if you are travelling to or transiting through Australia you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test to your airline, taken 72 hours or less before your scheduled departure. If you do not have evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test, you should not go to the airport as your airline will not allow you to board the aircraft. Masks must be worn on all international flights, including at airports. More information can be found at Department of Health website. Unless arriving on a quarantine-free flight from New Zealand, all travellers arriving in Australia, including Australian citizens, must quarantine for 14 days at a designated facility, such as a hotel in their port of arrival. See Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. To find out more about quarantine requirements, contact the relevant state or territory government health department. You cannot come to Australia unless you are in an exempt category or you have been granted an individual exemption to the current travel restrictions. Temporary visa holders in Australia can depart Australia at any time, however, they will generally not be permitted to return to Australia. Additional information can be found at Temporary visa holders leaving Australia for a short trip overseas. The majority of travel exemption requests to come to Australia are finalised within 7 days, but some complex requests may take longer. If you are not in an exempt category you can request an individual exemption to Australia's travel restrictions. Exempt categoriesYou are automatically exempt from the travel restrictions and can enter Australia (without obtaining an individual exemption) if you are:
* If you hold a temporary visa or do not yet hold a valid visa for Australia, you must provide proof of your relationship (such as your marriage certificate, evidence of your de-facto relationship such as shared finances or property, your birth certificate or birth certificate for your children) to the Department before you travel to Australia. Do not travel until we advise that you can. You can find out more about how to provide this information at Immediate family of Australian citizens or permanent residents or New Zealand citizens usually resident in Australia. You need to carry evidence that you meet one of the above categories when travelling. Additional evidence may be requested. Individual exemptionsThe Commissioner of the Australian Border Force and decision makers may grant you an individual exemption if you are:
You must hold a visa and an exemption to Australia’s travel restrictions before you travel. You can request an exemption online and must provide appropriate evidence to support your claims. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. All documents need to be officially translated into English. You need to apply for an exemption at least two weeks, but not more than two months, before your planned travel. Your request must include:
If you are not granted an exemption, you should not continue with your travel plans, as you will not be permitted to board a flight to Australia. If you are granted a travel exemption, you need to take evidence of that exemption decision to the airport. Compassionate and compelling reasons to travelThe Commissioner of the Australian Border Force may grant you an exemption if you are seeking to travel for compassionate and compelling reasons. Compassionate and compelling reasons include, but are not limited to, needing to travel due to the death or critical illness of a close family member. You must hold a visa and have an exemption to Australia’s travel restrictions before you travel. You can request an exemption online and must provide appropriate evidence to support your claims. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. All documents need to be officially translated into English. Where possible, you should apply for an exemption at least two weeks, but not more than two months, before your planned travel. If you are travelling due to the death or critical illness of a close family member, you can apply inside this timeframe and we will prioritise your application. If you are not granted an exemption, you should not continue with your travel plans, as you will not be permitted to board a flight to Australia. If you are granted a travel exemption, you need to take evidence of that exemption decision to the airport. Apply online for an exemptionIf you are not in an exempt category you can request an individual exemption to Australia's travel restrictions using the Travel Exemption portal. You need to apply for an exemption at least two weeks, but not more than two months, before your planned travel. To complete a travel exemption request you should hold a visa, or have applied for a visa, and provide information and documents to support your request. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. This may include the following:
Obtaining a travel exemption does not guarantee you will be able to get a flight to Australia at this time. Please make only one request per person. Duplicate requests will delay assessment. If you are not granted an exemption, you should not continue with travel plans, as you will not be permitted to board a flight to Australia. If you are granted a travel exemption, you will need to take evidence of that exemption decision to the airport. For more information on how we assess travel exemptions, see our guidelines:
02.10.2020 On Friday, 2 October 2020, the Australian Government announced changes to international travel restrictions with quarantine-free travel possible from New Zealand to New South Wales and the Northern Territory from Friday 16 October 2020. Further details will be provided when available. Key topics
28.08.2020 Travel restrictionsAustralia has strict border measures in place to protect the health of the Australian community. Very limited flights are currently available to and from Australia and you may not be able to travel at this time. Travel restrictions are subject to change. Please check back regularly. See: National Cabinet media statement.All travellers arriving in Australia, including Australian citizens, must quarantine for 14 days at a designated facility, such as a hotel in their port of arrival. See Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. To find out more about quarantine requirements, contact the relevant state or territory government health department.You cannot come to Australia unless you are in an exempt category or you have been granted an individual exemption to the current travel restrictions.Update on requesting an exemption from Australia’s travel restrictionsWe are making it easier to submit and track your travel exemption request with a new purpose-built service delivery platform. The new travel restriction exemption portal provides a range of benefits, including:
Exempt categoriesYou are automatically exempt from the travel restrictions and can enter Australia (without obtaining an individual exemption) if you are:
Individual exemptionsThe Commissioner of the Australian Border Force may grant you an individual exemption if you are:
Compassionate and compelling reasons to travelThe Commissioner of the Australian Border Force may grant you an exemption if you are seeking to travel for compassionate and compelling reasons. Compassionate and compelling reasons include, but are not limited to, needing to travel due to the death or critical illness of a close family member.You must hold a visa and have an exemption to Australia’s travel restrictions before you travel. You can request an exemption online and must provide appropriate evidence to support your claims. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. All documents need to be officially translated into English.Where possible, you should apply for an exemption at least two weeks, but not more than three months, before your planned travel. If you are travelling due to the death or critical illness of a close family member, you can apply inside this timeframe and we will prioritise your application.If you are not granted an exemption, you should not continue with your travel plans, as you will not be permitted to board a flight to Australia. If you are granted a travel exemption, you need to take evidence of that exemption decision to the airport.Apply online for an exemptionYou need to apply for an exemption at least two weeks, but not more than three months, before your planned travel.To complete a travel exemption request you should already hold a visa and you should provide information and documents to support your request. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. This may include the following:
Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizens usually resident in AustraliaYou can travel to Australia if you are an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen usually resident in Australia.Australia has strict border measures in place to protect the health of the Australian community. Very limited flights are currently available to and from Australia and you may not be able to travel at this time. See Smartraveller. Travel restrictions are subject to change. Please check back regularly. See: National Cabinet media statement.All travellers arriving in Australia, including Australian citizens, must quarantine for 14 days at a designated facility, such as a hotel in the city of arrival. See Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers.You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. To find out more about quarantine requirements, contact the relevant state or territory government health department.Australian citizenAustralian citizens can enter Australia and, in exceptional circumstances, can enter without a valid Australian passport. You should be aware of any restrictions in the country you are leaving before you travel. See SmartravellerIf you don’t have a valid passport, and urgently need to travel before a passport can be issued, please advise airline staff that you are an Australian citizen and do not require a visa to enter Australia. The airline will contact the Australian Border Force to verify your citizenship. You must carry other identity documents with you.Permanent resident of AustraliaYou can enter Australia if you hold a permanent visa for Australia, including a Resident Return visa.New Zealand citizens usually resident in AustraliaNew Zealand citizens who normally reside in Australia (with a subclass 444 visa or other permanent or provisional visa) can come to Australia. You must be able to present evidence of residency documentation at check-in. Acceptable evidence of residency documentation may include, but is not limited to:
I have a Refugee and Humanitarian (Class XB) visaCOVID-19 travel restrictions currently prevent people from entering Australia unless they are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.If you hold a Refugee and Humanitarian (Class XB) visa you are not considered to be a permanent resident, unless you have already entered Australia.Refugee and Humanitarian (Class XB) visa holders who have not yet travelled to Australia are not able to enter Australia at this time, unless they have applied for and been granted an exemption. For further information, see Travel restrictions. |
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24.08.2020 Travel into AustraliaAustralia’s borders are closed. Only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia. Learn more about who can enter Australia from the Department of Home Affairs.Australian Border Force liaison officers will work with airlines at overseas airports to identify those who should not board flights to Australia.Since 27 March 2020, no foreign-flagged cruise ships may enter Australian waters (with limited exceptions). The cruise ship ban is in place until 17 September 2020, but this does not mean the ban will be lifted at that time. The Australian Health Principal Protection Committee reviews the ban regularly.Everyone who arrives in Australia will be quarantined for 14 days and might have to comply with other state and territory travel restrictions.See our printable resource for International travellers arriving in Australia.Health screeningTravellers arriving from any country may be health screened when they arrive in Australia.If you are on an international flight and show signs of an infectious disease:
Quarantine for incoming travellersTo prevent the spread of COVID-19, all travellers arriving in Australia by air or sea must go into government approved mandatory quarantine for 14 days from arrival, with limited exceptions.State and territory governments, with support from the Australian Government, manage quarantine arrangements including:
Recommended quarantine exemptions for some industry workersThe Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recognises some industry workers should be exempt from quarantine requirements as long as they take steps to mitigate risk.The AHPPC recommends the following groups be exempt from 14-day mandatory quarantine requirements when entering Australia.These are national recommendations. However, because mandatory quarantine is managed by state and territory governments, other requirements may apply depending on the state or territory you arrive in.Flight crewAirline, medevac and air ambulance crew, including off-shift crew who are travelling as passengers on an aircraft to reposition at another location, are exempt from the mandatory 14 day quarantine requirements.
Domestic flight crewDomestic flight crew must follow the quarantine requirements of the relevant state or territory.Maritime crew (excluding cruise ships)States and territories may choose to implement a variety of requirements for maritime crew. This could include:
Cruise ship crewCruise ship crew are not exempt from quarantine requirements.Recommended quarantine exemptions for some other travellersThe Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recognises some other travellers should be exempt from quarantine requirements as long as they take steps to mitigate risk.These are national recommendations. However, because mandatory quarantine is managed by state and territory governments, other requirements may apply depending on the state or territory you arrive in.These travellers must apply for a quarantine exemption in line with state and territory requirements.Transit passengersInternational transit passengers arriving into Australia can leave on another international flight that leaves from the city you arrived in. You must:
Unaccompanied minorsUnaccompanied minors may be allowed to travel within Australia after arrival to quarantine with a parent or guardian, unless otherwise specified by the relevant state or territory. For further information, please contact your state or territory government health department.Official government travelGovernment officials, and/or their dependents, who are returning from official government travel need to quarantine for 14 days on return to Australia. They may quarantine at their home, usual place of residence, or private accommodation.Government officials must travel on an Australian Government issued Official or Diplomat passport when completing Official Travel.Strict conditions apply on this exemption class. Government officials are not allowed to take a domestic connecting flight within 14 days of arrival in Australia. Government officials must comply with all state or territory public health requirements.For further information, contact your Australian Government agency employer.Foreign diplomatsForeign diplomats need to quarantine for 14 days on return to Australia. They can quarantine at their mission or usual place of residence.Australia has legal obligations under the Vienna Convention to ensure diplomats’ freedom of movement and travel, and protection from detention.Compassionate or medical groundsSubmit applications for a quarantine exemption on medical or compassionate grounds to the relevant state or territory. They will consider requests on a case by case basis.Apply for a quarantine exemptionYou must apply to the state or territory you will arrive in well before you travel in Australia.If you want to travel through more than one state or territory within the 14 day mandatory quarantine period, you must apply for a quarantine exemption from each one you want to travel through.If you are granted a mandatory quarantine exemption, you might still have to self-quarantine at home or in other accommodation of your choice.Find out how to apply for an exemption from the state or territory quarantine authority:
Travel out of AustraliaThere is a ban on all overseas travel, unless granted an exemption.Our 3-step plan guides us towards a COVIDSafe Australia. Under Step 3, we will consider the possibility of travel to New Zealand. Stay informedWhether you’re travelling in Australia or overseas, make sure you know the facts about COVID-19.Keep informed through our COVID-19 news and media.SmartravellerVisit the Smartraveller website regularly to check for international developments and subscribe to updates.Consular assistance1300 555 135 SmartravellerView contactSource: https://www.health.gov.au...... |
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27 May 2020 The Australian Border Force (ABF) is taking action to maintain vital international links, protect our citizens and visitors and support the needs of our community in response to the challenge of COVID-19. Sustaining legitimate international supply chains and global trade will be critical over the coming months. Australia recognises that all WCO members rely on international trade in our supply chains for essential goods, including in sourcing medical and protective products. It is important that the customs measures that WCO members may implement in response to COVID-19 do not unduly or unintentionally disrupt these vital international trade links. This document provides an overview of the ABF organisational response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions Australia’s border measures are reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread from international travel. Since 20 March 2020, when Australia restricted passenger arrivals, total air arrivals into Australia have decreased by approximately 99 per cent compared to the same period in 2019. Departures have also decreased significantly, by approximately 89 per cent since restrictions on departures from Australia came into effect on 26 March 2020. Quarantine takes place immediately in the State or Territory of arrival, and passengers are not permitted to transit home (with limited exemptions). The location of quarantine is a hotel or other designated accommodation as determined by State or Territory governments. With both inbound and outbound travel restrictions, the Australian Government has granted the ABF Commissioner powers authorising an exemption to travel restrictions on an individual basis for:
To ensure the safety and welfare of Australian community, the Australian Government has also imposed restrictions on cruise ships in Australian waters. On 4 April 2020, the ABF Commissioner requested operators of foreign cruise ships to depart Australian waters, allowing time for refuel or resupply. In managing these departures, the ABF’s focus was the safety of lives at sea. As a result, three cruise ships were allowed to stay beyond these dates while Australian health authorities worked with cruise ships operators to remove sick passengers and crew. Repatriation The ABF and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have facilitated the inbound repatriation of over 10,000 Australian citizens or permanent residents, their immediate family and New Zealand citizens who usually reside in Australia. The ABF and DFAT also facilitated outbound repatriation of 13,000 foreign nationals from Australia to their home countries, and international transit through Australia of over 2,000 passengers, mostly to the Pacific. The ABF and DFAT are also liaising with foreign missions in Australia and the region to plan repatriation charter flights for their foreign nationals out of Australia and the Pacific. Cross-border movement of relief and essential supplies Australia implemented a new concessional item that provides a ‘Free’ rate of customs duty for eligible medical and hygiene goods capable of being used in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. The new concessional item reduces the cost of goods imported to assist in the government and community response to the pandemic. The new concessional item applies to goods imported between 1 February 2020 and 31 July 2020. The list of goods and conditions of the concessional item can be found here https://www.abf.gov.au/help-and-support-subsite/CustomsNotices/2020-20.pdf. Australia also established a Transport and Freight Taskforce involving a number of Australian Government agencies to facilitate the expedited clearance of essential air cargo. Sustaining supply chain continuity The Australian Border Force (ABF) is working in partnership with the Australian Government’s Supermarkets Taskforce to implement temporary measures to fast track the movement of essential groceries. The ABF streamlined its border compliance activities to facilitate the entry of high volume grocery goods into Australia. The ABF will continue its practice of giving customs clearance to most high volume grocery goods even before they arrive in Australia. Interception of counterfeit medical supplies During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Border Force (ABF) has continued its community protection mission by regulating the movement of prohibited goods across the border. This has included compliance activities for a diverse range of goods, including unsafe consumer goods and counterfeit goods. The ABF is working closely with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which has responsibility for regulating the movement of pharmaceuticals and medical devices into Australia. This includes facemasks and other PPE, as well as COVID-19 test kits. The ABF will seize goods suspected of breaching the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 upon request by the TGA. Exportation of goods during the COVID-19 human biosecurity period On 30 March 2020, the Australian Government introduced the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Amendment (COVID-19 Human Biosecurity Emergency) Regulations 2020 to prevent non-commercial exports of personal protective equipment (PPE), alcohol wipes and hand sanitiser. The ABF designed this temporary new measure to enable legitimate commercial trade and humanitarian consignments to continue. The temporary measure will only apply for the duration of the current COVID-19 biosecurity emergency period in Australia. Exemptions apply in the following circumstances:
The Australian Government remains committed to ensuring international trade can continue to flow during these difficult times.Engagement with industry The ABF has been working with maritime and aviation stakeholders, including ports, airports, airlines, cruise ship operators and the offshore oil and gas industry on the operational and workforce impacts of the COVID-19 response measures. The ABF is supporting trade-related stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic by convening a monthly teleconference with approximately 80 trade-related stakeholders across industry and Government. These monthly meetings update stakeholders on the COVID-19 responses by Australian Government agencies. The teleconferences also provide industry with an opportunity to resolve any concerns regarding importing, exporting and transhipment. The ABF is also working across Government to respond directly to trade-related COVID-19 questions raised through a dedicated industry engagement mailbox. International engagement ABF engaged with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to encourage consistent COVID-19 customs policy responses at the international level, and to share insights and best practices. Australia is also focusing on assisting its Pacific neighbours with their respective COVID-19 responses. The ABF is working closely with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to facilitate the shipment of essential goods to Pacific countries, and to ensure the orderly transhipment through Australia of COVID-19 related equipment. Protection of ABF staff The Australian Border Force (ABF) has a standing PPE capacity in order to support staff who may be exposed to physical, chemical or biological hazards in the course of their duties. At the time of the COVID-19 response, the ABF increased its procurement, storage and distribution capacity to issue staff in front line roles with the appropriate quantity and standard of PPE. The quantities and standards for PPE reflect advice provided by the Department of Health, clinical advice provided from the Department of Home Affairs and the operational risk assessments made by the ABF. The increase in PPE capacity occurred over a period of weeks. The ABF varied and repurposed existing contracts and arrangements with panel providers to meet the required demand for PPE, with detailed governance and auditing to monitor PPE requirements and supplies. Frontline officers include all officers in close contact with inbound and outbound passengers, through scheduled commercial flights, chartered repatriation flights and the maritime environment. All frontline staff have been provided with instructions in the safe use of PPE, as well as enhanced physical distancing and hand hygiene. The maintenance of hygiene standards in all ABF workspaces has been through antimicrobial wipes and surface sprays. Supervisors are required to be vigilant in the monitoring of staff use and disposal of PPE and maintaining hygiene standards. The ABF sourced additional cleaning product for use in its workspaces, in addition to additional commercial cleaning. The ABF also established a consistent work health and safety standard for its officers and an overarching strategy for the health, safety and wellbeing of its officers. Further information: www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/........ |
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Forthcoming |