Australia: Coronavirus disease-related international travel ban maintained; border restrictions set to continue until at least March 2021 /update 23

Event

Australian authorities are maintaining a ban on most inbound travel while continuing to gradually relax internal coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions. Officials have extended a biosecurity emergency period, which empowers the government to enforce international travel restrictions, through at least March 17, 2021. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Controls vary at the subnational level. The federal government continues to use a three-step plan to ease gathering, business, and transport restrictions; most state and territory governments are generally adhering to Step-3 restrictions, which permit most nonessential businesses to operate. The federal government continues to restrict public gatherings to one person per four square meters (43 square feet) in most venues and two square meters (21 square feet) for smaller sites. States and territories have the autonomy to move between the steps and determine the time frame for reducing measures. Several state governments have developed distinct phased reopening plans. Most states require advance approval and health declaration forms to enter from other parts of Australia.

Travel Restrictions
An entry ban for most foreign nationals remains in effect. Travelers flying from New Zealand who have been continuously in New Zealand for the previous 14 days are allowed to enter Australia. Permanent residents and long-term pass holders and their immediate relatives can also enter, and the government has increased the number of total international passengers permitted weekly. Except for travelers from New Zealand, all arriving international passengers must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated facilities at the port of entry. However, Western Australia may require arrivals from New Zealand to undergo quarantines as well. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is maintaining its global travel advisory for citizens at "Do Not Travel," the highest level, and the country has banned most citizens from outbound travel. Citizens living in other countries, government officials on business, and workers at offshore facilities are exempt from the restriction. Exceptions are also in place for airline and maritime staff and crews for international cargo shipments.

Several state governments are charging international and interstate arrivals for quarantine costs. Multiple states mandate entrants to pay quarantine fees, including Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, and New South Wales. Costs vary by state; most governments do not require up-front payment and have programs for those with financial constraints.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Consider deferring travel plans and check with travel providers for rebooking options if affected by entry restrictions. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

Government of Australia
Department of Home Affairs
Department of Health
World Health Organization (WHO)