Travel Update – further Australian restrictions due to new COVID-19 variant of concern

As we are getting ready to welcome temporary visa holders from 1 December, further restrictions have come into place as a new COVID-19 variant of concern, Omicron, emerges internationally.

Please note this information may change at any time and it is very important travellers stay updated.

New travel restrictions from certain Southern African countries
Travel restrictions are now in place for people who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Mozambique, or Malawi in the last 14 days.

Australian citizens, permanent residents or their immediate family members entering Australia who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Mozambique, or Malawi in the last 14 days must enter supervised quarantine for 14 days in line with state and territory requirements, irrespective of their vaccination status.

Any other travellers who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Mozambique, or Malawi in the last 14 days are not permitted to enter Australia, even if they hold a travel exemption, eligible visa or are seeking to enter under a Safe Travel Zone arrangement.

Other than those countries, who can come to Australia?
Fully vaccinated Australian citizens, permanent residents and from 1 December eligible visa holders across a number of categories can now travel to and from Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption.

Other visa holders will need to apply for a travel exemption even if fully vaccinated, with certain exceptions relating to travellers coming from the Safe Travel Zones of New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Japan.

Proof of vaccination
If vaccinated in Australia, travellers need to show airline staff their International Vaccination Certificate (ICVC).

If travellers are vaccinated overseas and do not have an ICVC, they need to present a Foreign Vaccination Certificate  that meets all of the requirements outlined by the Australian Passport Office. .

Quarantine and isolation – local requirements
Quarantine is determined by the States and Territories. To check requirements, see State and Territory Information for travellers.

Due to the new variant, Australian citizens, permanent residents or their immediate family members entering Australia who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Mozambique, or Malawi in the last 14 days must enter supervised quarantine for 14 days in line with state and territory requirements irrespective of their vaccination status.

If vaccinated with a TGA approved vaccine and arriving in NSW, Victoria or the ACT and have not been in one of those countries in the past 14 days, there is no mandatory hotel quarantine but there are self-isolation rules of 72 hours from arrival.

Interstate travel once in Australia
Travellers returning to Australia may only enter and travel between NSW, Victoria and the ACT without quarantining.

PCR tests & travel declaration forms
Before returning to Australia, travellers must complete an online travel declaration and a COVID-19 PCR test at least 72 hours before departure

We can only reiterate restrictions may change at short notice even when people are mid-flight. Travellers need to also check their country of destination’s rules as well as transit countries.

DISCLAIMER This information is current as of date of publication and subject to change. The information contained in this publication is of a general nature only. It should not be used as legal advice. To the extent permissible by law, Ajuria Lawyers and its associated entities shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, defects or misrepresentations in the information or for any loss or damage suffered by persons who use or rely on such information. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.