COVID-19 and travel
Do not go overseas. A travel ban is in place.
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Travel advice in challenging times
Providing Australians with the latest information and advice to stay safe overseas
Where are you going?
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
26 March 2020: On 24 March the Prime Minister announced a ban on all overseas travel, with few exceptions.This is on top of our standing advice from 18 March to not travel overseas at this time. While there are still commercial options available to return to Australia, take them.
Australia's border restrictions
From 11:59pm Saturday 28 March, all international travellers arriving in Australia regardless of nationality or point of departure must complete self-isolation for 14 days in designated facilities before they can go home. Self-isolation must happen in your city of arrival into Australia, no matter if you arrive by plane or cruise ship.
What to do when you can't get home
It’s stressful and frightening if you can’t get out of the country you’re in due to border closures. We suggest you continue to check with local authorities about available flights, however you may have to wait it out in that country until departure arrangements are made. Here’s our advice for what to do if you can’t leave the country you’re in.
Consular services explained
The Australian Government provides consular services for Australians overseas. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working hard to provide advice and assistance to Australians in need. In some places our ability to provide consular services may be limited.
News and updates
20 Mar 2020
If you live, work or study overseas, you’re probably wondering what our advice ‘do not travel’ means for you. You might also be asking what we meant when we said if you decide to come home, then do so as soon as possible while commercial options are available. We explain here what the current advice means for you.
19 Mar 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of Australia’s embassies, high commissions and consulates have had to adjust to local regulations on social distancing and self-isolation. Our ability to provide consular services may be limited due to restrictions on our movement.
08 Jan 2020
The Pacific cyclone season is usually between October and May. During this period, even small tropical storms can develop into major cyclones. Their direction and strength can change with little warning. Cyclones lead to landslides, mudslides and flash flooding causing extreme damage to infrastructure. This can cut off communications and access to transportation, emergency assistance, medical care, and food and water.
If you plan to transit through the UK on your way back to Australia you may need to provide proof that you have an onward flight booked. You may also be asked to provide proof of accommodation for any short term stays. If you're in the UK and want to return to Australia, check your route carefully with your airline or travel agent as a number of key transit hubs, including the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Hong Kong and Singapore, have suspended transit flights. If you remain in the UK, follow the advice of local authorities and take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19. The UK is under lockdown. You have to stay at home, except in very limited circumstances. All non-essential shops and community spaces are closed. Police have been given powers to enforce these rules. Ensure you have arrangements in place for an extended stay and keep in contact with family and friends back home.
COVID-19 advice for travellers
As more countries close their borders or introduce travel restrictions, overseas travel is becoming more complex and difficult. Read our COVID-19 advice for Australians overseas or considering travel at this time.
Medical assistance overseas
If you're overseas and need medical care, you may face unexpected challenges. Read our advice on what to do if you get unwell while overseas.
Do you need a visa?
You may need to get a visa to enter a foreign country. For some countries you must apply in advance. In other countries you can apply on arrival.
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