Australia: Officials to require negative COVID-19 test result for entry as of Jan. 8; inbound passenger capacity reduced by Jan. 15 /update 25

Event

Australian officials announced Jan. 8 they will require inbound travelers to obtain a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coronavirus disease (COVID-19) test result within 72 hours of departure to enter the country. People who test positive for COVID-19, and their close contacts or travel companions, will not be allowed to travel to Australia. Exceptions to the requirement are in place for seasonal workers from locations where testing is not widely available. Officials will also require passengers and crew members to wear facemasks on all international and domestic flights until further notice, except for children under 12 years old and other permitted exemptions. Authorities plan to gradually decrease inbound, international passenger volume by 50 percent at airports in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia by Jan. 15; the reduction will continue through at least Feb. 15.

The government continues to implement some commercial and gathering restrictions amid ongoing COVID-19 activity in some locations. Officials have extended a biosecurity emergency period, which empowers the government to enforce international travel restrictions, through at least March 17. The federal and state governments have agreed on a Framework for National Reopening, which continues a three-step model to ease gathering, business, and transport restrictions. Most state and territory governments are generally adhering to Step-3 measures, which permits most businesses to operate. The federal guidelines restrict public gatherings to one person per four square meters (43 square feet) in most venues and one person per 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 and territory governments have developed distinct phased reopening plans. Officials in most locations continue to enforce private and public gathering limits, require businesses to introduce contact tracing, mandate COVID-19 safety plans for some venues, and restrict operations at high-risk companies. While most states have eased domestic border restrictions, local authorities are generally using targeted entry bans or quarantine requirements for people traveling from declared hotspots in the country. Almost all states require health declaration forms for domestic travelers. Authorities at the state/territory or national level could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on COVID-19 activity over the coming weeks.

Travel Restrictions
An entry ban for most foreign nationals remains in effect. Travelers who have been continuously in New Zealand for the previous 14 days can enter Australia via some states. 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. All other inbound 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.

Several state governments are charging international and interstate arrivals for quarantine costs. Multiple states mandate entrants to pay quarantine fees. Costs vary by state; most governments do not require up-front payment and have programs for those with financial constraints.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is maintaining its global travel advisory for citizens at "Do Not Travel," the highest level, and the government 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.

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, 2020, 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)