Arrival in Australia
Australia has extended the COVID-19 emergency measures until 17 September 2021, which include, among other things, the closure of national borders. Anyone wishing to travel to Australia needs a “travel exemption”, which is only issued under exceptional circumstances: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/travel-restrictions
Update on new measures for returning to Australia
Following the decision by National Cabinet (8 January 2021) all travellers to Australia must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test to your airline when checking in for your flight at the departure point.
- This applies to all travellers five years of age or older departing on flights on or after 22 January 2021.
- You must be tested 72 hours or less prior to departure and present a negative result when checking in prior to boarding your flight.
- If you transit through a third country on your return journey to Australia, you should check on any local requirements at your transit destination and follow the advice of local authorities on social distancing and mask wearing while in transit.
- If you or a member of your travelling group tests positive, you won’t be allowed to travel to Australia.
- Exemptions to the COVID-19 (PCR) testing requirements will only be applied in extenuating circumstances such as where there is no access to testing.
Anyone who has a negative test result and enters Australia must still complete mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated facilities in your port of arrival, except for passengers coming from “green zones” https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-travellers-arriving-in-the-green-travel-zone
Some airlines may already have pre-flight testing in place. You should contact your airline on the requirements for your specific flight. Local authorities may have additional requirements in place for departures.
Masks must be worn on all international flights, including at airports.
For further information please visit the official page of the Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-international-travellers
Frequently asked questions on these new measures can be found here:
- Frequently asked questions – international passengers (Department of Health)
- Frequently asked questions – international airlines operating to Australia (Department of Health)
Cap on international passenger arrivals into Australia
Following the decision of the National Cabinet of 2 July 2021 (https://www.pm.gov.au/media/national-cabinet-statement-6), the number of passengers on international flights arriving in Australia will be temporarily halved by 14 July 2021. The current limit of 6,070 arrivals per week will therefore become 3,035. This could affect your flight to Australia. If you plan to return home to Australia in the next few weeks, please confirm your itinerary and travel plans with your airline or travel agent.
Read more:
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert (Department of Health)
- Statement on safe air travel – enhancing end-to-end mitigations – international. Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Australia.gov.au
- Coming to Australia Department of Home Affairs
