Coronavirus (COVID-19) – information for Australian travellers

COVID-19

This page covers the following topics:

What is COVID-19?

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause a range of respiratory illnesses. Initial human infections of a new, or ‘novel’ coronavirus were first notified to the World Health Organization (WHO) in late December 2019 after a cluster of pneumonia cases emerged in Hubei Province, China. The disease caused by this novel coronavirus is named COVID-19. On 11 March 2020, the WHO declared the outbreak a pandemic.

COVID-19 information, fact sheets and resources for the public, health professionals and industry are available from the Department of Health.

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Departing Australia

On 24 March 2020, the Prime Minister announced a ban on Australians travelling overseas under the Biosecurity Act 2015. This will help prevent travellers returning to Australia with coronavirus.

There are limited exceptions, for example to allow people to return home if their normal place of residence is overseas. This process is managed by the Department of Home Affairs.

If you do secure an exemption and plan to depart Australia, be aware that flights may be difficult to find. Read our travel advice for your planned destination before booking, as many countries have closed their borders to foreign citizens or have changing entry requirements. To stay up-to-date on any changes, subscribe to receive alerts on news and travel advice for your destination.

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Coming home

Returning from overseas

We know many Australians overseas are facing difficulty getting flights home. There are fewer international flights available as countries have introduced travel restrictions and closed key transit hubs.

If you wish to return to Australia and there are still commercial flights available, take them as soon as possible. While we know it can be frustrating or expensive, departure options are rapidly decreasing. Contact commercial providers to explore your options for early return.

The government has made special arrangements to help Australians return home, including a partnership with Qantas and Virgin Australia and facilitated flights from several destinations. View the schedule and other details on the COVID-19 – Helping Australians to return home page.

Transit hubs

Travel regulations are changing at short notice. If you’ve decided to return to Australia:

  • check your route carefully and stay in touch with your airline or travel agent
  • follow official announcements from your transit airports and governing authorities
  • contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries you’re transiting through if you have any queries about their entry or exit requirements

To stay up-to-date with our latest advice, subscribe to our travel advisories and news.

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Arriving home

When you arrive back in Australia you must undertake a mandatory quarantine period of 14 days at your first port of arrival in Australia. You’ll be provided with suitable accommodation to stay in during this period. You won’t be able to travel domestically (including to your home) or continue on any domestic flight connections until the 14-day mandatory quarantine period has been completed. This quarantine period is necessary to protect Australians from COVID-19 and to save lives.

For detailed information on returning to Australia, visit the Department of Home Affairs.

For each state and territory’s specific travel information, see:

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Staying overseas?

If you’re overseas and you either can’t or don’t want to return to Australia:

  • follow the advice of local authorities
  • subscribe to news and the travel advice for your location
  • follow your local Australian embassy or high commission on social media
  • where the local Australian embassy or high commission has called for it, register your details with them so they can provide advice directly to you, including on possible flights
  • make arrangements for an extended stay
  • take care to minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19

Local restrictions

Many countries have strict public health measures in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. In addition to border measures, there may be specific quarantine or self-isolation requirements, local or country-wide lockdowns, curfews or domestic travel bans. It’s your responsibility to be aware of the local rules and regulations. Restrictions can change at short notice, and breaches can result in serious penalties such as large fines or jail time. Monitor the media, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice for your destination, and follow the social media accounts of your nearest Australian embassy or high commission for updates.

Health

Minimise your risk of exposure by practising good hygiene, avoiding contact with others, and monitoring your health closely. Follow the health advice of local authorities, including by wearing a mask if that is recommended for your location. If you develop symptoms, follow local processes – usually, this will mean isolating yourself until you receive medical advice, or calling local emergency numbers if your symptoms are severe. Read the travel advice for your location for local information, such as emergency contact details.

Australian Government payments

If you're receiving an Australian Government payment and are overseas and unable to return to Australia due to COVID-19, you may be eligible to request a portability extension so that you continue to receive your payment.

Contact Services Australia to discuss your situation.

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Cruise travel

An overseas travel ban is in place for all Australians, with few exceptions. You will not be able to depart Australia to travel overseas, including on international cruises.

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