COVID-19: Leaving Australia

This page has information for Australians and permanent residents in Australia who want to go overseas.

There’s a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption. The Department of Home Affairs looks after this ban. Visit its Leaving Australia page for further information, including details on exemptions to the ban.

Before considering travel, be aware:

• Flights may be difficult to find – both for leaving and returning to Australia. Many countries have closed their borders to foreign citizens and travel regulations and restrictions are changing often and at short notice. Be prepared for possible delays and disruptions to your travel.
• Many travel insurance policies won’t cover claims relating to COVID-19. Read insurance policies carefully to know what will and won’t be covered.
• Even if you get an exemption, you’ll have to comply with entry restrictions when you come back to Australia, including 14 days of mandatory quarantine. You may also have to pay for the cost of quarantine.
• We continue to offer consular support around the world, but it may be limited in some places. In some countries, our embassy buildings are closed to the public or offering limited consultations by appointment only. This is due to tight restrictions on local services and movement, including of our embassy staff.

To stay up-to-date on any changes, read our travel advice for your planned destination/s and subscribe to receive news and travel advice updates.

If you have questions about visas or other entry requirements for your destination, contact the embassy or consulate for that country.

Read more:

• General checklist of what to do before you travel
• Travel advice explained - includes information on the difference between our travel advice and the travel bans
• COVID-19: Trying to get home
• COVID-19: Staying overseas

See also:

• COVID-19 and the border (Department of Home Affairs)
• Foreign embassies and consulates in Australia (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
• COVID-19 Restriction Checker and links to state and territory governments (Australian Government)