Australian Government COVID-19 travel restrictions

Skilled Migration
March 10, 2020

COVID-19 (Novel coronavirus) and Australian visas

Last updated: 5 March 2020

The information on this page is available in:

Travel restrictionsInternational travellersTemporary visa holders outside AustraliaVisa related information – Fact SheetsAustralian citizens, permanent residents and immediate family membersMaritime industry information – Fact sheetGeneral information about COVID-19 (Novel coronavirus)

Travel restrictions

The Australian Government announced on 5 March 2020 that travel restrictions will be introduced for travellers arriving from the Republic of Korea and maintained for travellers arriving from any part of mainland China or Iran.

  • The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has raised its travel advisories for the following countries:
    • China – do not travel
    • Iran – do not travel
    • Daegu, Republic of Korea – do not travel
  • Foreign nationals (excluding permanent residents of Australia) who have been in the following countries will not be allowed to enter Australia for 14 days from the time they have left or transited through:
    • mainland China
    • Iran
    • Republic of Korea.
  • Australian citizens and permanent residents will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members (spouses, legal guardians or dependants only). They will be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days from the day they left China, Iran or the Republic of Korea.

In addition, travellers from Italy will be subject to enhanced border screening processes.

  • Australia will deny entry to anyone who has left or transited a country subject to travel restrictions within the previous 14 days, with the exception of:
    • Australian citizens
    • permanent residents
    • New Zealand citizens resident in Australia
    • immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents including spouses, minor dependants and legal guardians
    • diplomats.
  • Limited exemptions also exist for airline and maritime crew, where they have taken appropriate precautionary measures.
  • These enhanced public safety measures will apply to those seeking to enter Australia as well as those seeking to transit through Australia en route to another country.
  • These measures are temporary and will be reviewed.

International travellers

  • Foreign nationals (not permanent residents of Australia) are asked not to travel to Australia at this time if:
    • you are or have been in mainland China since 1 February 2020, and you are not an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an immediate family member (spouse, de facto partner, minor dependant or legal guardian) of an Australian citizen or permanent resident
    • you are or have been in Iran on or after 1 March 2020, and you are not an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an immediate family member (spouse, de facto partner, minor dependant or legal guardian) of an Australian citizen or permanent resident
    • you are or have been in Republic of Korea on or after 5 March 2020, and you are not an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an immediate family member (spouse, de facto partner, minor dependant or legal guardian) of an Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • If you attempt to travel to Australia, either directly or indirectly, your airline will not allow you to board the flight.
  • If you do arrive in Australia, your visa may be cancelled.

Temporary visa holders outside Australia

  • Temporary visa holders who are ineligible for entry into Australia and are not exempt under one of the above categories will have their visa considered for cancellation if they attempt to travel to Australia.
  • If you think your visa may have been cancelled under enhanced border control measures, please email visa.cancellations@homeaffairs.gov.au with your details including full name, date of birth and passport number.

On 22 February 2020, limited exemptions from travel restrictions were announced for Year 11 and 12 students who remain in China.

  • Year 11 and 12 students who remain in China due to Australian travel restrictions (apart from those from Hubei Province) have been offered a strict pathway to resume their studies in recognition of the importance of the final two years of school. The exemptions will be considered on case by case basis. For more information see Department of Education, Skills and Employment (Novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV)

Visa related information – Fact Sheets

For information about visas, see the following fact sheets:

We also have fact sheets available in Chinese (Simplified):

For more information on visa options and requirements see Explore visa options.

You must have a valid visa to stay in Australia. For more information see Check visa details and conditions.

Australian citizens, permanent residents and immediate family members

Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family (spouses, minor dependants or legal guardians only) are able to enter Australia.

If they have been in a country subject to travel restrictions they will be required to self-isolate for 14 days from the time they left that country. 

Immediate family members who do not hold a permanent visa need to contact the Department of Home Affairs before travelling using Australian Immigration Enquiry Form.

Maritime industry information – Fact sheet

For information about restrictions on entry to Australia relating to novel coronavirus for commercial vessels, see the following fact sheet:

General information about COVID-19 (Novel coronavirus)

The Australian Government Department of Health is working across agencies and with states and territories to implement measures to manage the risk of COVID-19.

For the latest information see Department of Health – Novel coronavirus

For advice on travelling outside of Australia see Smart Traveller.

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/current-alerts/novel-coronavirus

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