COVID-19 and travel
A TRAVEL BAN IS IN PLACE FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS EFFECTIVE 25 MARCH 2020
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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
25 Mar 2020
On 24 March 2020, the Prime Minister announced a ban on Australians travelling overseas under the Biosecurity Act 2015. This is on top of our standing advice to not travel overseas. It is effective from midday on 25 March 2020.
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.
If you’re in South Korea and want to return to Australia, do so as soon as possible. There are limited flights out, and options are diminishing. If you stay in South Korea, follow the advice of local authorities and make plans for an extended stay in case you are unable to depart. Take care to minimise your exposure to COVID-19 and stay in touch with family and friends so they know you’re safe.
If you’re arriving in South Korea, expect strict health and isolation requirements on entry. At minimum, you’ll need to go through a temperature screening, fill in a health declaration, and download a smartphone app which will track your health status for 14 days. You may also be subject to mandatory testing for COVID-19. If positive, you’ll spend two weeks at a government quarantine facility; and if negative, you’ll be asked to comply with strict self-isolation requirements. There are significant penalties for non-compliance with health measures, including fines and imprisonment.
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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