You cannot come to Australia unless you are in an exempt category or you have been granted an individual exemption to the current travel restrictions.
Exempt categories
You are automatically exempt from the travel restrictions and can enter Australia (without obtaining an individual exemption) if you are:
- an Australian citizen
- a permanent resident of Australia
- an immediate family member of an Australian citizen or permanent resident*
- a New Zealand citizen usually resident in Australia and their immediate family members
- a person who has been in New Zealand for 14 days or more immediately prior to arrival by air in Australia
- a diplomat accredited to Australia, including their immediate family members (each member of the family unit must hold a valid subclass 995 visa)
- a person transiting Australia for 72 hours or less
- airline crew, maritime crew including marine pilots
- a person recruited under the Government approved Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme
- a person who holds a Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) visa.
Preparing for travel
- For those listed in the exempt category above, you will bring evidence to the airport to show that you meet one of the above categories when travelling. Evidence should include passport, copies of visa granted, Department of Home Affairs policy
- If you are not in the exempt category, you will need to apply online for an exemption at least two weeks, but not more than two months, before your planned travel. The majority of travel exemption requests to come to Australia are finalised within 7 days, but some complex requests may take longer.
- Provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test to your airline, taken 72 hours or less before your scheduled departure.
- Complete the Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before your departure for Australia.
Arrival in Australia
Green and red zones have been created at airports in Australia to ensure the separation of passengers arriving on ‘quarantine-free’ flights, from other passengers who are required to enter 14 days mandatory quarantine.
If you travel on a quarantine-free flight from New Zealand, you will be guided through the green zone to complete all border clearance processes in the airport of arrival in Australia.
All other travellers arriving in Australia, including Australian citizens, will go through the red zone and must quarantine for 14 days at a designated facility, such as a hotel in their port of arrival. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. To find out more about quarantine requirements, contact the relevant state or territory government health department.
Note: Masks must be worn on all international flights, including at airports.
