Visiting Australia during the coronavirus pandemic
Caps on international passenger flows and travel restrictions have been introduced by the Australian government to protect the health of the Australian community during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes:
• A travel ban for all non-residents and non-Australian citizens coming to Australia including people planning to visit Australia for Tourism or to see their family.
• Exemptions from this travel ban are in place for Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members (spouses, dependent children and legal guardians) plus New Zealand citizens who usually reside in Australia.
Caps on international arrivals
All international passenger flight arrivals are being coordinated by
the Commonwealth Government and the number of arrivals at each
international airport will be subject to caps agreed upon between
federal and all state and territory governments. National Cabinet has
agreed that existing caps on international passenger arrivals
will continue until 24 October 2020 in order to manage and maintain
quarantine arrangements
across jurisdictions as follows:
• Melbourne – no international passenger arrivals
• Sydney – limit of 2,450 passenger arrivals per week
• Perth – limit of 525 passenger arrivals per week
• Brisbane - limit of 500 passenger arrivals per week
• Adelaide – limit of 500 passenger arrivals per week
• Hobart – no international flights
• Canberra - passenger limits on each flight will be assessed on a case by case basis
• Darwin – passenger limits on each flight will be assessed on a case by case basis
National Cabinet agreed that information relating to quarantine capacity and passenger demand would continue to be exchanged and support flexibility within the caps to as much as possible minimise disruptions to returning Australian citizens and permanent residents but, currently passenger seats are extremely limited and at a premium.
Restrictions on outbound travel by Australian citizens and permanent residents remain in place, in accordance with the health advice to the Australian government.
Applying for an exemption
If you who have a compassionate or compelling reason to travel to Australia, you will need to have an exemption from the Australian Border Force Commissioner. Before you apply for permission to travel, you must either hold a valid visa or have applied for a visa. It is recommended you apply at least 4 weeks, but not more than 3 months, before your planned travel. If you need to travel to Australia due to the death or critical illness of a close family member, you can apply inside this time frame and the DHA will prioritise your application. If you are granted an exemption, you must take evidence of the exemption decision to the airport.
If you are not granted an exemption, you should not continue with your travel plans.
Quarantine is mandatory
All travellers arriving in Australia are subject to mandatory quarantine for 14 days at a designated facility, such as a hotel at their place of arrival. Incoming passengers will be liable for the cost of their quarantine which will vary depending on the state or territory.
Grahame Igglesden
Registered Migration Agent 9901024