Travelling to and from Australia
The Australian government has recently announced changes to the policies it has had in place for the COVID pandemic since March 2020.
Vaccinated Australian Citizens & Permanent Residents
From 1 November 2021, fully vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents will be eligible for international travel without seeking a travel exemption.Children under 12 and those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons will also be able to travel overseas without an exemption.
Covid: Australia to end ban on citizens leaving country
Unvaccinated Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents
Unvaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents wishing to travel overseas (apart from children under 12 and those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons) are required to apply for an exemption to leave Australia. They can apply for an exemption but they must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- your travel is as part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the provision of aid
- your travel is for your business/employer
- you are travelling to receive urgent medical treatment that is not available in Australia
- you are travelling outside Australia for a compelling reason for three months or longer
- you are travelling on compelling or compassionate grounds
- your travel is in the national interest
- you are ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia
Returning Australian citizens and Permanent Residents
Australian citizens and permanent residents do not need an exemption to return to Australia.
Each state manages quarantine arrangements. You will need to check what these are depending on your state of arrival. NSW & Victoria have announced changes from 1st November. Other states have indicated they will be making changes in due course as well.
Temporary visa holders returning home
Temporary visa holders impacted by COVID-19 can make arrangements to return to their home country, if border restrictions in that country allow.
Temporary visa holders leaving Australia for a short trip overseas
Temporary visa holders in Australia can depart Australia at any time, however, they will generally not be permitted to return to Australia without an exemption.
It is expected that this will change in due course.
In the interim temporary visa holders seeking to leave and then return to Australia, may apply for an inwards exemption before they leave, however applications will generally only be approved if:
- the applicant meets the requirements for an individual exemption from Australia’s Inward Travel Restrictions, and
- they have a strong compassionate or compelling reason to leave Australia supported by relevant documentary evidence, for example:
- attending the funeral of a close family member overseas, visiting a close family member who is seriously or critically ill, or seeking necessary medical treatment not available in Australia, or
- travel is essential for business purposes.
If you require assistance with an exemption to leave then please Contact Us.
