Australia’s borders are closed as of now, and entry to the country is thoroughly regulated to help control the spread of COVID-19. Australia is open for you if you are exempted, or granted an exemption. Travel restrictions can change depending on the situations related to COVID-19.
Only following people will travel to Australia:
- Australia’s permanent residents
- Australian citizens
- Close family members
- Travelers who were staying in New Zealand for at least 14 days before traveling to Australia.
When traveling to Australia
Pre-departure COVID-19 Test
Passengers traveling to Australia should be tested negative for COVID-19, 72 hours or few hours before their scheduled flight departure. Travelers need to produce documentation of a negative check result upon arrival. PCR testing for COVID-19 is required. According to the Australian Government, countries, where COVID-19 PCR testing is not widely available, are exempted. If any of the household members of the traveler is COVID-19 positive, shall not be allowed to board the flight, in any case.
Mask Necessities
All passengers and aviation staff on overseas flights should wear a mask for the duration of the trip and while at the Australian airport. Passengers in international airports should also wear masks. Masks are not required for children under the age of 12 or for those who have a medical certificate declaring that the traveler is unable to wear one (for example, an asthma medical certificate).
Travelers Exempted from Masks and Pre-departure COVID-19 Testing
Pre-departure testing exemptions –
- Children below and 4 years of age. (Passport for Proof of age).
- Travelers with medical certification.
- International air staff and crew members.
- Passengers traveling from countries where PCR testing is unavailable.
Masks not required if –
- If the child is 11 years of age or under.
- People with a medical certificate that states they are unable to wear a mask.
Health Screening –
All travelers will be asked to undergo the health screening test after arriving in Australia.
International travelers who show COVID-9 symptoms will be –
- Reported to the biosecurity officers by the airline crew members.
- Biosecurity officers will test you before getting off the plane.
- After landing local authorities may send you to a hospital or quarantine you to follow required protocols.
Quarantine Protocols for Travelers Reaching Australia
Travelers arriving in Australia through air or sea should follow the 14 days quarantine protocol to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. Even if you plan to travel somewhere else, you still need to quarantine yourself for 14 days before you start for your next destination. However, with time and situation, the quarantine period may change. This will happen only when the number of cases and situations in Australia and adjacent countries is in control.
There are exceptions for travelers traveling from –
- Green zone
- Exemption category
After completing the quarantine period travelers can travel within Australia to any state but by abiding by the domestic travel restrictions for every state.
During your stay in Australia, you may be asked to provide a PCR testing report. Upon refusing to provide or undergo the PCR test, you may have to extend your quarantine period.