Australia: Authorities to ease COVID-19 border restrictions nationwide from April 18 /update 46

Event

Australian authorities will further ease border controls from April 18. Inbound passengers will no longer have to undergo pre-departure testing before arrival. Officials will permit unvaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents to depart the country without travel exemptions.

The government will also end a ban on international cruise ship operations at Australian ports, though companies remain subject to state and territory regulations.

Domestic Measures
The government continues to reopen the country based on its four-phase domestic reopening plan. The country remains in the third phase of the roadmap, but officials could move to the final phase in the coming weeks as COVID-19 cases peak in several states. Federal guidelines allow for targeted lockdowns when needed and exemptions from most domestic measures for fully vaccinated residents, though many states have already lifted these measures. A nationwide facemask mandate remains in place at airports and on domestic flights.

States and territories can independently adjust measures depending on the COVID-19 situation and vaccination rates. Most state-level governments have eased travel, gathering, business, and transport controls, though they continue to some degree in most states and territories. Self-quarantine requirements for close contacts of COVID-19 cases and arriving unvaccinated citizens and permanent residents continue in most locations. State borders have reopened, but entry and quarantine rules vary by state and vaccination status. Authorities could adjust restrictions without advance notice, depending on COVID-19 activity.

International Travel Restrictions
Officials allow all fully vaccinated international travelers and people that can prove a medical exemption from vacation to enter the country. Unvaccinated foreign arrivals must continue to apply for a travel exemption for entry. Entrants must complete a Digital Passenger Declaration within 72 hours before departure.

Fully vaccinated travelers can forgo quarantine; unvaccinated arrivals may have to quarantine at a designated hotel or self-quarantine 7-14 days, depending on the state of initial arrival. 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.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. 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
Digital Passenger Declaration