Australia: South Australia to ease border restrictions for travelers from Greater Sydney from 0001 Jan. 31 /update 20

Event

Officials in South Australia will ease border restrictions for travelers in Greater Sydney, Wollongong, and the Central Coast in New South Wales (NSW) from 0001 Jan. 31 amid reduced coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Under the adjusted measures, travelers from the affected region can enter South Australia; however, they must take a COVID-19 test on the day of 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. Officials will permit affected travelers from Greater Sydney in 14-day quarantine to leave Jan. 31 after COVID-19 testing.

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. Until Jan. 31, officials continue to ban nonresidents that have visited Greater Sydney, Wollongong, and the Central Coast in NSW within the previous 14 days. Essential travelers, including healthcare workers and people seeking urgent medical treatment, may apply for exemptions. South Australians traveling from the affected areas in NSW must normally reside in the state. Authorities will also allow individuals relocating to South Australia to enter once. Permitted travelers must self-quarantine at a designated location for 14 days upon 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. South Australia charges all required travelers, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, for quarantine, payable after completion. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,285) for the first adult and AUD 1,000 (USD 762) for each additional adult or AUD 500 (USD 381) 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