Australia: Authorities continue to enforce nationwide COVID-19 international travel restrictions as of Aug. 25; domestic measures vary by state /update 34

Event

Australia continues to enforce COVID-19-related restrictions on domestic gatherings and international travel as of Aug. 25. The government has unveiled a four-phase reopening plan that depends on vaccination rates. Under the new roadmap, all of Australia will remain in the first phase until 70 percent of the population is fully vaccinated. States can move into the next phase independently upon meeting vaccination targets. State and territorial officials are authorized to set or establish the time frame for restrictions within their individual jurisdictions.

Following a surge in COVID-19 cases in multiple areas, most state and territory governments have imposed tighter gathering, business, and transport controls, though measures vary significantly by location.

Federal guidelines restrict public gathering sizes and a nationwide facemask mandate remains in place at airports and on domestic flights. Several state and territory governments have developed specific 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. Almost all states require health declaration forms for domestic travelers. Officials continue to limit domestic travel or require quarantine and testing for entry in response to new outbreaks.

Domestic travel measures differ significantly by state or territory. Authorities at the state and territory or national level could adjust restrictions with little or no advance notice, depending on COVID-19 activity.

International Travel Restrictions
Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members can enter the country. An entry ban remains in effect for most foreign nationals. Inbound travelers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. People who test positive for COVID-19 and their close contacts and travel companions cannot enter the country; exceptions exist for seasonal workers from locations where testing is not widely available.

Nearly all inbound international passengers must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine period at designated facilities in their port of arrival. Officials have placed strict controls on the frequency of inbound international flights to ease pressure on hotel quarantine facilities. Individuals who have been in New Zealand continuously for the previous 14 days can enter Australia; however, requirements may vary by state, and some governments require travelers from New Zealand to undergo quarantine. Several state governments charge quarantine costs to international and interstate arrivals. Fees 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 Australian citizens and residents at "Do Not Travel," the highest level. The government continues to ban overseas travel from Australia, with limited exceptions. Australians must apply for government approval before traveling abroad in most cases. Citizens living in other countries, government officials on business, and workers at offshore facilities may be exempt from the controls. Exceptions are also in place for airline and maritime staff and crews for international cargo shipments.

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.

Resources

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