Travel restrictions to Australia

From 20 March 2020 at 9 pm AEDST, only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia. All travellers to Australia are required to self-isolate for 14 days, either at home or in a hotel.

Travel restrictions from Australia

From 25 March, 2020 at 12:00 pm AEDST an Australian citizen or permanent resident must not travel outside of Australia unless an exemption is granted to them.

Exemptions to travel restrictions to Australia

You can travel to Australia if you are:

  • an Australian citizen
  • a permanent resident
  • a New Zealand citizen usually resident in Australia

Citizens and Permanent Residents

There are no restrictions on Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents (PR) to enter Australia. They are however subject to a 14 day self-isolation period.

New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand citizens who are ordinarily residents in Australia are not restricted from entering, but they will need to show proof of residency such as a drivers licence or other documents showing an Australian address. They are however subject to a 14 day self-isolation period.

Temporary Residents/Visitors

You may be able to travel to Australia with specific permission only if you are:

  • an immediate family member of an Australian citizen or permanent resident or are a New Zealand citizen usually resident in Australia. Partner and Child visa holders do not need to apply for permission.
  • Foreign nationals travelling at the invitation of the Australian Commonwealth Government for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response or whose entry would be in the national interest
  • Critical medical services, including air ambulance and delivery of supplies, that regularly arrive into Australia from international ports
  • Persons with critical skills (for example, medical specialists, engineers, marine pilots and crews) by exception
  • Diplomats accredited to Australia and currently resident in Australia, and their immediate family
  • Case-by-case exceptions may also be granted for humanitarian or compassionate reasons.

You cannot travel until you have been granted permission.

Exemptions to travel restrictions from Australia

  • people ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia
  • airline and maritime crew and associated safety workers
  • people engaged in the day to day conduct of outbound and inbound freight
  • people whose travel is associated with essential work at offshore facilities and
  • people travelling on official government business, including members of the Australian Defence Force.

Travellers who believe they meet a travel restriction exemption can apply online to the Commissioner of the ABF.

Read additional coronavirus-related immigration news here.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.