Be careful of scammers
DFAT will never request payment over the phone or fine you for not providing information. If you receive a call from someone asking for payment or saying you’ll be fined for providing inaccurate information, claiming to be from DFAT or another government agency, please hang up.
If you have concerns, contact us online.
For general advice on scams and what to do if you're a victim overseas, see our I've been scammed overseas page.
The Government is continuing to assist vulnerable Australians to return home through facilitated commercial flights. This includes Australians, permanent residents and their immediate family members who are unvaccinated or who have not been able to access a TGA approved or recognised vaccine, as well as those in locations where there are limited commercial flight options. The facilitated commercial flights are available to those who require quarantine on arrival in Australia.
Read this page to learn about:
- How to access the flights
- The costs involved
- Unaccompanied minors and additional commercial flights
- Quarantine on arrival
How to access facilitated commercial flights
From 22 November 2021, you’ll no longer be able to register on DFAT’s temporary COVID-19 registration portal. If you need emergency assistance overseas, contact your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate, or the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
If you’re currently registered with DFAT, ensure your registration is up-to-date to enable the Department to assist.
If you are eligible for a flight, we'll contact you and advise you of next steps to secure your seat/s on the flight.
Costs
The airfares for the additional flights will be set at commercial rates, with loans through DFAT available to those who need financial assistance.
You're responsible for covering the costs of quarantine. For any queries about this, contact the Department of Health.
Unaccompanied minors
Unaccompanied minors under 18 years old can't return on the facilitated commercial flights. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or approved guardian. The accompanying adult must have permission to enter Australia.
If you or another parent / caregiver want to leave Australia to accompany a minor back to Australia:
- If you’re fully vaccinated, from November 1 you can depart without an exemption.
- If you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll need to apply for an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
If you want to pursue standard commercial options for returning an unaccompanied minor to Australia, you'll need to discuss this with your airline directly. Each airline flying into Australia has different policies for allowing unaccompanied minors to travel on their flights. Check with state or territory authorities regarding quarantine arrangements on your return.
Quarantine on arrival
If you don't qualify as fully vaccinated, you'll be required to quarantine for 14 days on arrival to Australia. You'll be transported to designated facilities after immigration, customs and biosecurity and enhanced health checks. You don't need to book a place in quarantine in advance.
You'll need to quarantine at your port of arrival into Australia. You can't travel domestically until you've completed the mandatory quarantine period.
Quarantine requirements are managed by the relevant State or Territory authority. For more information about quarantine, see the Department of Health website.
Read more
- Read about overseas financial assistance
- See our advice on Australian re-entry and quarantine measures
See also
- COVID-19 and travel (Department of Home Affairs)
- Quarantine for incoming travellers (Department of Health)