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
05 Apr 2020
On 3 April, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister announced a special partnership to bring Australians home with Australia’s two major international airlines, Qantas and Virgin Australia – the International Aviation Network.
We know many Australians overseas are facing real difficulty getting flights home. The International Aviation Network will ensure continuing commercial flights between Australia and four key international hubs over the next four weeks.
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.
Unless you’re a resident of Singapore, you won’t be able to enter or transit Singapore. If you are a long-term resident of Singapore seeking to return, you'll require approval from the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and other relevant agencies before commencing travel to return to Singapore. This is in addition to meeting health check and quarantine requirements on arrival if you're permitted to return (see Travel). There are significant penalties for anyone who breaches restrictions.
If you’re in Singapore and wish to return to Australia, do so by commercial means if you can as departure options are diminishing. If you can't or don't want to leave, follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe and well. If you need urgent consular assistance call +61 2 6261 3305.
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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