COVID-19: Trying to get home

This page has advice for Australians overseas who are trying to return home to Australia.

Given the continuing risks from COVID-19 in many countries, if you’re overseas and wish to come home, we continue to encourage you to make plans to return. But be prepared for delays and disruptions. There are fewer international flights available due to travel restrictions, closed key transit hubs and limits on passenger arrivals into Australia. Travel regulations and restrictions are changing often and at short notice.

Fewer flights arriving into Australia

There are caps on the numbers of passengers coming into Australian airports from overseas. This is to ease pressure on state and territory quarantine facilities.

  • These measures are temporary and will be reviewed.
  • The government will aim to provide airlines with at least 48 hours’ notice to minimise disruptions.
  • Airlines manage the sale of tickets in line with the caps, not the government.

This could affect your flight into Australia. If you’re scheduled to fly home to Australia in the coming weeks, confirm your itinerary and travel plans with your airline or travel agent.

Other tips if you’re trying to get home:

  • Check for the latest announcements from your transit and arrival airports .
  • Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries you’re in and transiting through for questions about visas and other entry and exit requirements
  • For up-to-date advice on local conditions and information on available flights to Australia, check the website of your nearest Australian embassy or high commission and follow them closely on social media.
  • Subscribe to our travel advisories and news.
  • Make sure you’ve considered all your available options, and be prepared to put in place alternative arrangements in case your flights are cancelled at short notice, or while en route.
  • If you're receiving an Australian Government payment, you may be eligible to request an extension so that you continue to receive your payment. Contact Services Australia to discuss your situation.

Overseas financial assistance

If you’ve been unable to return to Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions and are experiencing financial distress, you may be eligible for interest-free loans to cover living costs while you wait for a flight to return to Australia and/or to help cover the costs of the flight. Find out more on the COVID-19: Overseas financial assistance page.

Travelling to Australia by yacht or small craft

If you’re planning to sail your yacht or small craft back to Australia, carefully consider the risks to your personal health and safety and that of your crew members from COVID-19 and related restrictions. Due to border closures and other restrictions, you may not have access to ports and supplies en route. It’s not the responsibility of the Australian government to negotiate access or facilitate your journey.

At this time, we recommend you either moor your boat and stay where you are, or if you wish to come home and flights are available, store your boat and fly back to Australia.

Need help?

We know this is a very stressful time for those trying to come home. We encourage you to be patient, follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19.

For non-urgent enquiries, email smartraveller@dfat.gov.au.

If your situation becomes life-threatening, or you have very serious concerns for your welfare, contact the nearest embassy or high commission or call the Consular Emergency Centre in Australia on +61 2 6261 3305.

Read more:

See also

Related content

Returning to Australia

Information on returning to Australia, including COVID-19 related entry requirements.

View details
COVID-19: Staying overseas

Advice for Australians staying overseas, including questions on whether to stay overseas or return to Australia, and travelling to other countries and within countries.

View details
COVID-19

Read our advice on COVID-19, including leaving Australia, trying to get home, arriving in Australia and staying overseas.

View details