Australia: Queensland permitting quarantine-free entry for international travelers as of Jan. 26 /update 51

Event

Queensland officials have eased quarantine controls for inbound international arrivals. Fully vaccinated travelers that have been abroad in the previous 14 days can forego quarantine provided they take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival and self-quarantine until receiving a negative result. International arrivals that previously took a COVID-19 test in another state before arrival in Queensland and people under 18 years old are exempt from the rule.

Domestic Measures
Authorities allow private indoor gatherings with up to 100 people; there are no limits on groups in public spaces. A facemask mandate is in effect for almost all indoor settings, including hospitality and entertainment venues, supermarkets and shopping centers, workplaces, and education facilities. Facemasks are also necessary on public transport, including airports, airplanes, taxis, and ride-sharing vehicles, and when physical distancing is impossible.

Fully vaccinated individuals under 16 years old or people medically exempt from vaccination can visit nonessential businesses, such as hospitality and entertainment venues, festivals, convention centers, and government-owned cultural sites. These establishments and event spaces can also operate without capacity limits. Unvaccinated residents can only access essential businesses, such as food shops and pharmacies. The government permits companies to operate with up to one person per four square meters (43 square feet) if patrons are unvaccinated. Events with unvaccinated adults are limited to the lesser of 20 people or the capacity limit.

State officials require some companies, including indoor hospitality venues, convention centers, stadiums, and casinos, to comply with the COVID Safe Checklist. Officials require businesses to collect contact information; the government mandates establishments to use the Check In Qld mobile application in most settings.

Quarantine Requirements
Queensland permits fully vaccinated travelers allowed under Australia's federal border controls to enter the state without quarantine. Unvaccinated arrivals must quarantine at government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Arrivals by sea on vessels without any COVID-19 cases can deduct the time spent at sea from quarantine requirements; the measure does not apply if there are suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases onboard. Queensland charges all arriving travelers for quarantine; fees are payable at the end of the traveler's stay. Quarantine fees are AUD 2,800 for the first adult, AUD 3,710 for two adults, and AUD 4,620 for two adults and two children. Authorities require quarantined travelers to take a COVID-19 test before release. Refusal to take tests will result in an additional 14 days in quarantine.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by government health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Plan for transport disruptions and delivery delays if authorities announce hotspot areas. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Queensland COVID-19 Information
Queensland Quarantine Information