Australia: South Australia banning most travelers from Western Australia as of Feb. 1, with exceptions /update 21

Event

Officials in South Australia have banned most travelers from Western Australia due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) concerns. Exceptions are in effect for essential reasons, residents, and relocating individuals. Authorities require anyone that has traveled from Western Australia since Jan. 26 to self-quarantine. Individuals who visited the Perth hotel where officials located a COVID-19 case Jan. 21-31 must contact health staff and quarantine at a location determined by officials for 14 days. Permitted travelers and others already in quarantine must take a COVID-19 test on day one, followed by subsequent testing on days five and 12 from the original test date.

South Australia continues to implement gathering and some commercial restrictions as a precaution. Home gatherings remain capped at 50 people. Officials allow up to 200 people at private events but require a COVID-19-safe plan, a COVID-19 marshal to enforce regulations, a quick response (QR) code for the event, and a list of guests. Authorities limit private events to one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet). Seated events, such as cinemas and theaters, remain capped at 75 percent, and patrons must wear facemasks. Businesses must conduct contact tracing, with few exceptions. The government has provided companies with QR codes for mandatory electronic contact tracing. Officials also encourage patrons to use the mySA GOV mobile application to check-in to establishments. The government continues to mandate facemasks at high-risk public areas, such as medical centers and aged care homes. Personal service providers must continue to wear facemasks when working.

Domestic Border Controls
South Australia allows passengers from most Australian states and territories to enter without quarantine. Travelers from Western Australia are banned, with exceptions for essential travelers. South Australians traveling from Western Australia must typically reside in the state. Authorities will also allow individuals relocating to South Australia to enter once. Officials permit travelers from Greater Sydney, Wollongong, and the Central Coast in New South Wales. However, the government requires travelers to take a COVID-19 test on arrival and self-quarantine until receiving a negative result. Authorities will also require travelers from the region to take COVID-19 tests on days five and 12 after arrival. People living within 100 km (62 miles) of the border and without recent travel to other places in NSW can enter and travel throughout South Australia without quarantine. Everyone entering South Australia must complete the Cross Border Travel Registration before arrival.

Quarantine Requirements
Authorities require all international arrivals to undergo a 14-day quarantine and receive COVID-19 tests within 24 hours of arrival and on the twelfth day of quarantine. Travelers from New Zealand must take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival and self-quarantine until receiving a negative result but are exempt from other quarantine requirements. Officials require further testing on days five and 12 after entry. South Australia charges all required travelers, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, for quarantine, payable after completion. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,295) for the first adult and AUD 1,000 (USD 765) for each additional adult or AUD 500 (USD 382) for children, except those under three years old. People who purchased tickets before 1200 ACST July 13, 2020, are exempt from payment.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by government health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider deferring nonessential travel to South Australia until restrictions ease. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Plan for transport disruptions and delivery delays at designated hotspot areas. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

South Australia Government COVID-19 Information
Cross Border Travel Application