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Entering or leaving Australia

Australia welcomes millions of overseas visitors each year. Anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa to enter the country.

International passenger caps have been removed for all international passenger arrivals into Australia.

All travellers should be aware that: People entering Australia do not need to provide evidence of vaccination status People entering Australia do not need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration People leaving Australia will not be asked to provide evidence of their vaccination status Unvaccinated visa holders do not ​ need a travel exemption to travel to Australia Mask wearing on international flights to Australia is no longer mandatory . It is important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with.

Australian Citizens

All Australian citizens must enter and exit Australia on an Australian passport. Your Australian passport must be valid (not expired) on the day of your arrival in Australia. It does not need to have six months remaining validity to enter Australia unless you are passing through a third country that requires it. Citizens are not entitled to a visa, even if you are also a citizen of another country. Please see the  Department of Home Affairs website  for more information. 

Immigration and Visas

All foreign travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia.

»    Immigration and visas

If you have a specific question, please contact the Department of Home Affairs .

You will also need to know what you can and cannot bring into Australia, knowing the duty-free concession limits and what to experience when travelling through Australian airports and seaports.

Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information.

Plan your trip with  australia.com , the official Tourism Australia website, offering a wide range of travel information and planning tools including over 2000 images, a currency converter, daily weather updates, interactive maps, suggested holiday itineraries, holiday deals, specialist travel agents and more. Available in nine languages.

Tourist Refund Scheme

The  Tourist Refund Scheme  enables you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia.

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Changes to travel exemptions for australians who normally live overseas.

From 11 August 2021, if you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident who normally lives overseas, you’re no longer automatically exempt from Australia’s overseas travel restrictions. You can still leave Australia. But you’ll need to apply for an exemption and demonstrate your links to the country where you usually live. A transitional period applies until 7 September.

This change brings travel exemption requirements in line with those for other Australians, keeping the system fair for all.

The change will better assist vulnerable Australians overseas to return home.

If you’re currently in Australia and leaving the country after 11 August, you’ll also need to apply.

If you’ve already received an exemption to leave and have not yet travelled, you can depart using your existing exemption. You don’t need to apply for new exemption unless you’ve already travelled using your previous approval or wish to depart again in the future.

Transitional period until 7 September 2021

Until 7 September, if you arrive at the airport in Australia without an exemption you’ll be allowed to travel if your status as ordinarily resident overseas can be confirmed by an Australian Border Force officer at departure. You’ll need to apply for an exemption in advance through the  travel exemptions portal for any future travel.

Applying for an exemption

You can apply for the exemption to return to your usual place of residence prior to travelling to Australia.

You’ll need to provide supporting evidence such as:

• foreign government issued documentation,
• evidence of residence overseas, or 
• evidence of employment or business interest overseas 

Submit your application at least two weeks, but not more than two months, prior to travel. If you’re travelling for compassionate reasons, you can apply inside this timeframe and the Department of Home Affairs will prioritise your application. You don’t have to book flights before requesting a travel exemption.

For more information or to apply for an exemption visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

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Australia international border restrictions: what’s changed for travel and who can arrive quarantine-free

Skilled workers, overseas students and eligible visa holders will be able to enter the country from next week under the relaxed rules

Australia’s international border will be further eased from next week under substantial changes announced by the federal government on Monday.

From 1 December, Australia’s travel bubble will be expanded and skilled workers, eligible visa holders and international students will be able to arrive quarantine-free, subject to some conditions. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s changing for international travel?

From 1 December, there will be a significant relaxation of the nation’s international travel rules allowing fully vaccinated eligible visa holders to come to Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption.

Foreigners including working holiday-makers, temporary and provisional visa holders will be able to enter Australia from next week under the changes, subject to limited conditions.

The minister for home affairs, Karen Andrews, said travellers would need to be fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration-approved vaccine, provide proof of their vaccination status and present a negative PCR test within three days prior to departure in order to enter Australia.

Travellers must comply with the quarantine requirements in the state or territory of their arrival.

Who will be able to come to Australia?

Overseas students and skilled workers will be able to fly to Australia from 1 December provided they’re fully vaccinated and test negative to the virus within three days prior to flying. The prime minister, Scott Morrison, said it would be a “major milestone” for the nation’s economic recovery.

Some 200,000 students and eligible visa holders were expected to travel to Australia between now and January, subject to the quarantine arrangements in their state of arrival when the changes come into effect.

Australia will also reopen its borders to refugees and humanitarians under the relaxed restrictions.

Morrison said it would be the government’s “highest priority” to secure flights for Afghan visa holders in the first stages. The federal government allocated an initial 3,000 humanitarian visas when Afghanistan fell to the Taliban in August.

“I always saw that number as a floor, not a ceiling,” he said.

“It was a topical conversation I had with quite a few leaders when I was overseas, particularly in the UK and in Canada. We are all working together on what is a very challenging issue.”

Are there any changes to the travel bubble?

Japanese and Korean citizens will join Singapore and New Zealand as international “safe travel zones” from 1 December provided they are fully vaccinated and receive a negative Covid test within three days of departure.

The travel bubble has been operating since 1 November, when one-way quarantine-free travel resumed from New Zealand to Australia. On Sunday, it was expanded to allow fully vaccinated Singaporean citizens to arrive.

Under the arrangements, tourists from Japan and Korea will be able to travel from their home countries quarantine-free without needing to seek a travel exemption, provided they hold a valid visa.

“They will need to depart from their home country, they will also need to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status,” Andrews said.

“They will need to hold an eligible visa and … have a negative PCR test within three days … of their departure.”

What about other tourists?

Morrison said Australia’s high vaccination rates allowed him to make the “important first step” in relaxing Australia’s border rules, as was laid out in the national plan. More than 80% of eligible Australians were now fully vaccinated.

“Japan and Korea and Singapore are all very important tourist markets for Australia … I make those decisions in the national interest above all others,” he said.

“As circumstances change, that is the time to ask [governments] to move back, which is what the national plan was designed to do.”

It will be a “step by step” approach to welcoming tourists from other nations, including Europe, which had again become the epicentre of the virus.

Morrison said that between now and the end of the year the government would “look carefully” at extending free travel.

Fully vaccinated Australians, permanent residents and their immediate family members have been able to return home since 1 November.

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New COVID rules for Australians who live overseas and visit home causing fear and uncertainty

Australians who live overseas will no longer be granted an automatic exemption from the ongoing international travel ban, meaning they will have to submit a "compelling reason" to return to their home.

Key points:

• Currently all Australians have to apply for permission to leave the country
• People are allowed to leave for a few reasons including work and compassionate grounds
• The federal government says the change closes a loophole for Australians living abroad

The rule change quietly passed through federal Parliament this week, and has not been formally announced by the government.

It has taken many by surprise — with Australians abroad reconsidering whether they can come back, and some in Australia questioning if they will be allowed to return to the country they live in.

Under the current rules, Australians have to seek permission to leave the country. Common reasons to leave are for work, urgent medical reasons, compassionate reasons or travel in the national interest.

Permissions can also be granted for a "compelling reason", with no intention to return for three months or longer.

The federal government argued it had closed a loophole, saying Australians looking to leave the country to return to their homes overseas had had plenty of time to do so.

Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said it was also about cutting down on the number of people making short trips abroad.

"We've seen too many instances where people have left the country only for in relatively short order to put their names on the request list to come back into the country," he said.

"And that just puts additional pressure and additional difficulties in terms of managing the finite number of places that can safely be administered for returning Australians."

'Sudden change after sudden change'

Murray Bruce is currently quarantining in Howard Springs with his family, having returned from the UK for the first time since the pandemic began.

His family was offered spots on repatriation flights on compassionate grounds to visit sick relatives.

He said the change had left him confused as to whether they would be able to return to the UK as planned in a month's time.

While his wife and children have British passports, Murray does not.

"We have a home, our kids at schools, I have a job," he said.

"But now, it's not a guarantee that I can get home. I've got to ask permission really nicely."

The new rules require Murray to provide a "compelling reason" to leave.

Reasons like having a home and work abroad could be considered compelling, but he said there was no clear indication as to whether that was the case.

"The government doesn't give you any guidance on what a compelling reason is," he said.

"It's up to you to prove — we've got the burden of proving it, rather than having some clarity.

"Or automatic exemptions as it previously was, until recently."

There is increased pressure on spots in the federal quarantine system since recent changes to international arrival caps took effect .

Caps were halved from July 14, following pressure from the Queensland, Victorian and West Australian governments.

Three thousand people a week are now moving into hotel quarantine, along with those arriving on repatriation flights into Howard Springs.

Murray Bruce argues if the government is frustrated with Australians moving in and out of the country, it could develop a bigger and more resilient quarantine system to manage it.

"They need to either expand the quarantine facilities, if this is the system they want to run with, or find a better plan to live with COVID as the rest of the world is doing."

Not all bothered by change

Sanjay Deshwal is a migration agent in Sydney's west who specialises in migration between India and Australia.

He said there was still enormous demand for spots on flights between India and Australia — but with few, if any, commercial flights, and tight capacity on repatriation flights, many had all but abandoned hope.

"People have resigned to the facts … they're not in that anxiety position now," he said.

"They know that when the situation becomes normal, they'll be allowed to travel."

Mr Deshwal said given so few people could travel from India to Australia in the first place, tighter rules around people flying back to India was not much of a concern.

He said many were now pinning their hopes on a shift to home quarantine later this year.

"They're saying, let's wait for one or two months and we'll come at that time, when the quarantine cost is not there."

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COVID-19 and travel

Find out about travel requirements and steps you can take to stay safe.

Domestic travel within Australia

Domestic travel requirements are determined by state and territory governments. Check the websites of local health departments for information about travel to:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Western Australia .

Travelling overseas

The Australian Government does not currently have any COVID-19 requirements in place for travellers entering and departing Australia.

COVID-19 however continues to pose a health risk in Australia and overseas. We strongly encourage wearing masks and being vaccinated while travelling internationally. You should practice good cough and hand hygiene, and physically distance from others where possible.

Some countries, airlines and vessel operators may have COVID-19 travel requirements in place. Check the requirements of any:

• countries you are travelling to, or transiting through
• airlines or vessel operators.
• Smartraveller website
• Australian Government – international travel information .

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is important if you become sick with COVID-19 overseas. Make sure your insurance includes:

• transit destinations
• inclusions for COVID-19
• other add-ons like cruise specific insurance.

Some destinations also require travellers to hold travel insurance as a condition of entry.

Cruise travel

Check with your cruise provider or travel agent for up-to-date travel requirements for your ship and destination/s. You can also contact the relevant state or territory government to find out if any requirements apply for your destination.

Outbreaks onboard a cruise

Cruise ships carry a higher risk for spreading disease compared to other types of travel. COVID-19, influenza, and other infectious diseases spread easily between people living and socialising in close quarters.

If an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs on your cruise, you may need to:

• quarantine on the ship
• disembark and follow the local rules in the state or territory or country you are in.

Before you travel, check the  Smartraveller advice on cruises . Contact your travel agent or cruise operator for specific information on their COVID-19 safety protocols.

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Australia: Australian Travel Restrictions - When to apply for a Travel Exemption

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia's international border has effectively been closed since 20 March 2020 when it initiated an emergency period under The Biosecurity Act 2015 . This restricts most travellers from entering and leaving Australia unless they meet a Travel Exemption.

Travel Exemptions are currently available under limited circumstances, such as Critical Work and Compassionate Cases. Some individuals are required to apply for a Travel Exemption while others can access an automatic exemption – here's what you need to know about entering and leaving Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inbound Travel Exemptions | Travelling to Australia

As you can see above, Inbound Travel Exemptions have added a separate stage of approval to the visa process for travellers to Australia.

Applying for an Inbound Travel Exemption to come to Australia

Individuals in the below categories can apply for an exemption from the travel restrictions:

• A foreign national invited by the Government to assist in the COVID-19 response ;
• A foreign national whose entry would otherwise be in the national interest , supported by the Government;
• A person providing critical or specialist medical services , including air ambulance, medical evacuations and delivering critical medical supplies;
• A foreign national with critical skills or for work in a critical sector:
• Critical Sectors include:
• Large scale manufacturing
• Financial technology
• Film, media and television production
• Emerging technologies
• Critical Skills include:
• Medical technology
• Critical infrastructure
• Telecommunications
• Engineering and mining
• Supply chain logistics
• Primary industry
• Agriculture
• Food production
• Maritime industry
• A person providing critical skills in religious or theology fields
• A foreign national sponsored by an employer to work in Australia in an occupation on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)
• Occupations currently on the PMSOL include:
• Chief Executive or Managing Director
• Construction Project Manager
• Mechanical Engineer
• General Practitioner
• Resident Medical Officer
• Psychiatrist
• Medical Practitioner nec
• Registered Nurse (Aged Care)
• Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)
• Registered Nurse (Medical)
• Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
• Registered Nurse (Perioperative)
• Registered Nurses nec
• Developer Programmer
• Software Engineer
• Maintenance Planner
• Social Worker
• Military personnel ;
• A student completing year 11 and 12 , with relevant Government support – conditions apply;
• A student in final years of study of a medical, dental, nursing or allied health profession university degree – conditions apply;
• A person who resides on a vessel that seeks a safe port – conditions apply;
• Persons travelling for compassionate and compelling reasons.

Automatic Travel Exemptions to Come to Australia

Persons in the below categories are automatically exempt from Australia's international travel restrictions and do not have to apply for a Travel Exemption to come to Australia:

• Australian Citizens ;
• Permanent Residents of Australia;
• Immediate family members of an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident;
• New Zealand Citizens 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;
• Diplomats accredited to Australia (holding a Subclass 995 visa);
• Travellers transiting Australia for 72 hours or less;
• Airline crew ;
• Maritime crew including marine pilots;
• Persons recruited under the Government-approved Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme ;
• Business Innovation and Investment (Subclass 188) Visa holders .

Travellers should carry evidence that they meet one of the above categories.

Immediate family members who do not hold a Partner or Child Visa must provide evidence of their relationship to the Department of Home Affairs to travel.

Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300) Visa holders will need to request an exemption.

What Employers and Skilled Visa holders should consider

The impact of international travel restrictions means it is not possible for skilled workers to travel to Australia from overseas unless evidence is provided to demonstrate 'Critical Work' requirements.

Employers should seek to understand when an Exemption for Critical Work may be possible by considering the below:

• Whether the business:
• Operates in a Critical Skills sector;
• Requires a worker with Critical Skills;
• Or requires a worker with an occupation on the PMSOL .
• Consequences and detriment to the business if the worker cannot travel;
• Reasons why the worker is required from overseas – eg, the highly specialised nature of the work;
• Details of the project – eg, why travel is needed immediately;
• Estimated value of the work to the business;
• Impact of the worker's travel to the economy – eg, the creation of local jobs.

Travel Exemptions are at the discretion of the Australian Border Force (ABF) Commissioner and refusals can cause delays. Applicants should provide supporting evidence to explain their request.

As you can see above, the ABF Commissioner began to approve Travel Exemptions for Critical Skills at an increased rate since July 2020, however this is not in direct proportion to the number of applications received.

It is worth noting that:

• Applications for Critical Skills also increased since June.
• Around 10,000 of the 15,000 received applications had no recorded decision at the end of August.
• It appears the Department was receiving just over 5,000 exemption requests for Critical Work per month in July and August.

Employers and visa applicants/holders may wish to plan for delays associated with obtaining Travel Exemptions (at international, state and regional borders as applicable), as well as limited flight availability and quarantine requirements.

What Family Visa holders should consider

Unfortunately, many families are still be separated from their loved ones at this time.

As seen below, while the number of approvals for Compassionate reasons increased in July, the number of refusals and received applications also increased.

As a guide, Travel Exemptions have previously been granted for Compassionate reasons for the below types of cases:

• Urgent or critical medical treatment in Australia;
• Cases involving separation of minors from their family unit ;
• Cases demonstrating strong, compassionate circumstances with the potential for serious, ongoing and irreversible harm and continuing hardship to a person lawfully in Australia including:
• Attending funerals of close family members;
• Visiting a close family member who is seriously or critically ill , with little support in Australia;
• Travel for the partner of a person who is in Australia (including Temporary Visa Holders) and in the final trimester of pregnancy or due to give birth .

Circumstances outside of the above may be considered. Travel Exemptions are assessed by the ABF Commissioner on a case-by-case basis and evidence should be provided.

Applying for an Inbound Travel Exemption to Come to Australia

The ABF Commissioner has stated that it generally expects a person to have been granted a visa before applying for a Travel Exemption.

However, a person that meets the Critical Skills criteria can apply for an exemption beforehand. In our experience, visas have generally been granted to applicants that can obtain a Travel Exemption to enter Australia for Critical Work.

An exemption application should include sufficient supporting evidence and be lodged at least two weeks, but not more than three months before the planned travel .

It is possible that the categories for Travel Exemptions may broaden as Australia responds to new and emerging economic and social needs.

What if an Inbound Travel Exemption cannot be obtained?

There is no limit to the number of times you can apply for a Travel Exemption, however more detailed evidence should be provided in subsequent applications – you may wish to seek advice before re-applying .

Businesses with labour needs that do not meet Critical Work requirements may wish to consider options to engage visa holders that do not need a Travel Exemption – eg, visa holders already in Australia.

What about Outbound Exemptions to Leave Australia?

With reportedly more than 11,000 Australians getting Outbound Travel Exemptions to head overseas each month, there are many reasons why a person may need to leave Australia – for example, for Compassionate circumstances or Critical Work overseas.

According to FOI data from the Department of Home Affairs, 105,028 Travel Exemptions were approved for people to leave Australia between 25 March and 31 December 2020 – here's a breakdown:

• Most Outbound Travel Exemptions were granted for overseas stays of at least three months (51,793 exemptions) followed by compassionate and compelling grounds (31,091 exemptions). Compassionate cases included the death or serious illness of a close family member and parents travelling for surrogacy, adoption or picking up a child from overseas;
• Urgent and unavoidable personal business was the third largest category with 11,686 exemptions granted;
• Critical industries and business travel secured 8963 exemptions;
• The smallest categories were Urgent medical treatment not available in Australia (882 exemptions), Response to the COVID-19 outbreak (438 exemptions) and National interest (175 exemptions).

Outbound Travel Exemptions to Leave Australia

Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents must not travel outside Australia unless they meet an Outbound Travel Exemption to leave Australia.

Similar to Inbound Travel Exemptions, some individuals are required to apply for an Outbound Travel Exemption while others can access an automatic exemption.

Automatic Outbound Travel Exemptions

You may be automatically exempt from travel restrictions and leave Australia without applying for an exemption if you are:

• Ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia – generally this means you spent more days outside Australia than inside the country for the last 12 to 24 months
• An airline, maritime crew or associated safety worker
• A New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa, even if you are usually resident in Australia
• Engaged in the day-to-day conduct of inbound and outbound freight
• Travelling in association with essential work at an offshore facility in Australian waters
• Travelling on official government business (including members of the Australian Defence Force and any Australian Government official travelling on a diplomatic or official passport)
• Travelling directly to New Zealand and you have been in Australia for 14 days or more immediately before your travel date

Applying for an Outbound Travel Exemption to Leave Australia

You must apply for an Outbound Travel Exemption if your travel is:

• Part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including aid provision
• For a business/employer
• To receive urgent medical treatment not available in Australia
• To leave Australia for a compelling reason for three months or longer (a statutory declaration must be provided)
• Based on compassionate or humanitarian grounds
• In the national interest.

Supporting evidence is required. You may wish to seek professional advice if you are unsure if you meet the requirements.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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How to apply for Australia Travel Exemptions

There’s a ban on overseas travel from Australia. If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption to travel or you’re travelling to a destination that’s exempt from the ban. Foreign citizens are able to depart Australia at any time. Based on current health advice, travel to high-risk COVID-19 countries presents a serious health risk to the Australian community.

How to apply for Travel Exemptions

Individuals seeking an ‘exceptional circumstances’ exemption to travel from Australia to these high-risk COVID-19 countries will only be approved for the following very limited circumstances:

• critical workers providing assistance to the country of destination’s COVID-19 response;
• people undertaking travel in Australia’s national interest; or
• people seeking urgent medical treatment for a critical illness that is unable to be treated in Australia.

Supporting evidence must be provided.

The ‘ exceptional circumstances ’ exemption criteria outlined in the Outward Travel Restrictions Operation Directive does not currently apply to people seeking to travel to any high-risk COVID-19 country listed above.

COVID-19 vaccinations now available for essential overseas travel

Australian citizens and permanent residents under 50 years of age who have an approved outwards travel exemption in an eligible category are now able to access COVID-19 vaccinations.

To be eligible, travel exemptions must be granted on or after 20 May 2021 for one of the following reasons:

• your travel is as part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the provision of aid;
• your travel is for your business or employer;
• you are travelling to receive urgent medical treatment that is not available in Australia;
• you are travelling on compassionate or compelling grounds;
• you are travelling for urgent or unavoidable personal business;
• your travel is in the national interest.

If you have a travel exemption granted for eligible reason before 20 May 2021, and have not left Australia, you can submit a new travel exemption request. Upload all relevant documents and state that you wish to be eligible for vaccination before travelling.

You will not be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination if your outward travel exemption is granted for ‘compelling reasons for at least 3 months’

For more information on how to make your vaccination appointment please visit covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au.

How to Travel to New Zealand

Quarantine-free travel from Australia to New Zealand will commence at 21:59 AEST on 18 April 2021.

In order to trave to New Zealand on a quarantine-free flight , you must:

• have spent 14 days or more in either Australia or New Zealand immediately before your departing flight (this includes spending all 14 days in Australia or travelling from New Zealand to Australia and returning within 14 days)
• meet the New Zealand Government’s health pre-conditions. All other normal entry requirements, including immigration and biosecurity, apply.

Be aware that quarantine-free travel could be paused or suspended at any time, so stay up to date .

Australian citizens and permanent residents who have been only in Australia or New Zealand for the 14 days immediately before departure can travel to New Zealand without applying for an outwards travel exemption.

Note: This only applies when New Zealand is the destination of travel. If you are transiting through New Zealand to another destination, you must apply for an outward travel exemption.

More information can be found on the New Zealand safe travel zone webpage.

Australians and permanent residents

If you are an Australian citizen or a permanent resident you cannot leave Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions unless you have an exemption.

Application reasons include followings:

• 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

You must provide evidence to support your claims. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. Evidence may include:

• marriage certificate/s
• birth certificate/s
• death certificate/s
• proof of relationship (for example, shared tenancy agreement, joint bank account etc.)*
• proof that you are moving to another country on a long term basis such as leases, job offers and evidence your goods are being transported
• proof of your current valid visa, including in Australia and/or overseas
• letter from a doctor or hospital about any medical treatment/condition with statements on why travel is necessary
• letter from your employer, or other evidence that you are travelling for a business reason
• statement or evidence to show when you wish to return to Australia
• any other proof you may have to support your claims.

*For information about providing proof of your relationship refer to Evidence of relationship .

Travel for three months or longer

If you are seeking exemption from Australia’s outbound travel restrictions on the basis that you are leaving Australia for three months or longer, your proposed travel must be for a compelling reason and you must provide evidence to support your claims.

The Statutory Declaration must state you are making an application for travel exemption on the basis that you intend to be absent from Australia for more than three months.

Evidence may include:

• confirmed flight itinerary, with return date of at least three months after departure date
• confirmation of leave from employment for three months
• enrolment confirmation for study
• a doctor’s certificate to support your claim you are travelling in order to provide care for sick family members
• any other matter you wish to raise in support of your request for exemption.

Note: A person who makes a false statement in a statutory declaration is guilty of an offence – refer to section 11 of the Statutory Declarations Act 1959.

Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided, or is not provided in a Statutory Declaration.

The Australian Border Force will monitor compliance with periods of declared travel.

All evidence supporting a travel exemption claim needs to be officially translated into English.

Australians who want to travel overseas should see Smartraveller to get advice on the risks before deciding to travel.

You should only travel if you have a compelling reason and it is essential that you travel now

If you apply for a travel exemption, you must read and acknowledge advice about travel risks, including delays returning to Australia. You must ensure that you have sufficient resources to support yourself overseas for a significant period of time in the likely event of flight cancellations and other disruptions to your travel plans.

Travel exemption requests that are submitted without appropriate documentary evidence to support your claim will not be approved.

If you are not granted an exemption, you should not continue with your travel plans. If granted an exemption, you must take evidence of that exemption decision to the airport.

Travel exemption for APEC business travel card holder

If you hold an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card (ABTC) you are not automatically exempt. You can apply for an exemption and provide evidence to support your claims. For more information on travelling using your ABTC see Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card (ABTC) for Australian citizens .

Travel exemption for Critical skills and sectors

If you have any questions about critical skills and sectors , and the travel exemption process or an existing critical skills travel exemption application.

It’s important to be thorough and specific when applying for an exemption. No Borders Law Group is experienced in assisting clients with their investment visas and preparing a quality and detailed statement of management activity. Contact us today and speak with one of our migration lawyers for a free initial assessment and advice on how to structure your statement.

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Simply dial 07 3876 4000 or email: [email protected] and let us help you start with your way towards obtaining an Australian visa.

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Travelling to or from Australia with medicines and medical devices

You can enter Australia with medicines for you or an immediate family member travelling with you under the traveller’s exemption. When leaving Australia, you must follow the advice of the country you are entering.

Travelling to Australia with medicines and medical devices

The traveller's exemption allows people entering Australia to bring with them for their own personal use or the use by an immediate family member who is travelling with them:

• carry 3 months’ worth of medicine
• any medical devices.

Australian residents require a valid prescription from an Australian doctor for the medication they are travelling with. International visitors should have a valid prescription from their doctor.

Prescription medicines such as morphine, oxycodone, methadone, methylphenidate, Adderall®, and benzodiazepines are all covered by the traveller exemption.

Steps to take before travelling

• Obtain a prescription to confirm that the medicines you are carrying have been prescribed to you OR provide a letter from your doctor that states you are under their treatment and that the medication(s) you are carrying have been prescribed for your personal use. Your doctor's letter must specify the name of the medicine and dosage.
• Ensure the medication remains in its original packaging with the dispensing label intact. This will assist with identifying each substance at the border.
• Be ready to declare all medication to the Australian Border Force upon arrival.

If you need more medication

If you have run out of medication or you will run out of medication during your stay in Australia, you may visit an Australian registered prescriber (for example, a General Practitioner, Nurse Practitioner, Dentist) to obtain a valid Australian prescription. The prescription can be used to purchase medication from Australian pharmacies. Alternatively, if the item is not restricted in Australia a maximum of 3 months’ supply can be imported from overseas.

Special notice concerning codeine medications

All medications containing codeine require a prescription from your medical doctor.

For any medication containing codeine, of any strength, that you bring into Australia for your own personal use, you must have a prescription or letter from your doctor. You must comply with all other traveller’s exemption requirements.

Prohibited items

Travellers may not bring the following substances into Australia:

• Abortifacients (for example, mifepristone – RU486)
• Yohimbe (Yohimbine)
• Aminophenazone, amidopyrine, aminopyrine, dipyrone, metamizole
• Amygdalin/laetrile.

Travelling from Australia with medicines and medical devices

We recommend that all Australians who are planning to travel overseas with medication follow the same travel advice given for travellers entering Australia under the traveller's exemption.

It is important to note that some countries have very strict rules regarding certain types of medications (especially narcotics and medicinal cannabis products), being brought into their country. The Office of Drug Control is not able to provide advice on the exact rules and regulations of each country.

If you have concerns about the medication you are travelling with, check the 'Health' section of the country in question on  SmartTraveller .

The Office of Drug Control is not able to authorise documents to confirm legal authority of the traveller to possess a medication. If a person is travelling to a country that requires official documentation endorsed by the government, we recommend that you follow the advice made available at SmartTraveller .

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and travel

Medicines supplied under the PBS are subsidised by the Australian Government for personal use only. Any medicines that are suspected to be taken overseas for somebody else may be seized by border officials.

Carrying PBS medicines overseas for someone other than you or an immediate family member travelling with you on the same aircraft or ship is illegal. It carries penalties of up to $5,000 and 2 years imprisonment.

Read more about how to manage your PBS medicine overseas .

Country-specific advice for travel with medicines

Find out more information about staying healthy and travelling with medicines to specific countries at the  SmartTraveller website .

Travel enquiries

For more information, please visit Travelling with medicines and medical devices on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.

For any travel enquiries, please contact the TGA:

• phone  1800 080 653
• email [email protected]
• or by webform here .
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• Narcotic and psychotropic drugs

Help us improve the Office of Drug Control site

The Department of Health and Aged Care acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and present.

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All COVID-19 border restrictions to be lifted

​People travelling to Australia will no longer have to complete a Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status, following changes to the Biosecurity Act, which come into effect from midnight AEST on Wednesday 6 July 2022.

“This is great news for families coming home from school holidays who now don’t need to use the DPD,” Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O’Neil, said.

The Biosecurity Act changes, which were made following health advice from the Chief Medical Officer, also mean that all visa holders can travel to Australia without needing a travel exemption.

“As more and more of us travel internationally and we get more confident in managing our risk of COVID, our airports are getting busier,” Minister O’Neil said.

“Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers to choose Australia as a destination.

“And for Australian citizens, with the removal of these requirements, returning home will be much easier.

“I know anyone who has travelled internationally since the borders have opened will find this as one less thing to worry about – especially as more Australians get back to travelling overseas.

“We’ve also listened to feedback about the DPD. While in time it will replace the paper based incoming passenger card, it needs a lot more work to make it user friendly”

Those arriving by sea will also benefit, and no longer need to complete a Maritime Travel Declaration. Airlines, cruise ship operators and other countries may still have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with.

Australians planning to travel overseas are encouraged to check current travel advice by visiting Smartraveller .

For more information on the changes to international travel requirements visit: www.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid19 .

Need a hand?

Australian Travel Exemptions: A Guide

Introduction.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, there is currently a travel ban on traveling in and out of Australia unless you fall into one of two categories:

• you are in the category of people who do not require a travel exemption; or
• have an individual travel exemption.

Your ability to enter and leave Australia is also dependent on the type of visa you are on, whether you’re a citizen, how long you wish to leave and your reason for leaving.

You can use the diagram below to find out whether you need a travel exemption, then refer to the appropriate part in the article to learn more.

Part 1: Entering Australia – Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents & Others

If you are in the following category of people, you can travel to Australia without a travel exemption:

• 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;
• a diplomat accredited to Australia and their immediate family members holding a valid subclass 995 visa;
• a person transiting Australia for 72 hours or less;
• airline crew or maritime crew (including marine pilots);
• a person recruited under the Government approved Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme; or
• a person holding a Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188).

Whilst you do not need a travel exemption, you will be required to complete and submit a Travel Declaration 72 hours before boarding your flight.

Part 2: Entering Australia – Foreign Nationals/Temporary Visa Holders

If you are a foreign national and hold a temporary Australian visa (like a visitor visa or a temporary partner visa) and you do not fall into one of the categories listed at Part 1, you are not able to travel to Australia unless you obtain a travel exemption.

You may be able to obtain an individual travel exemption if you are:

• travelling for compassionate and/or compelling reasons;
• assisting the Australian government with the COVID-19 response, invited by the Australian government or a state or territory government authority;
• a foreign national whose entry into Australia would be in the national interest, supported by the Australian Government or a state or territory government authority
• providing critical or specialist medical services;
• a foreign national with critical skills or working in a critical sector in Australia;
• a foreign national sponsored by your employer to work in Australia in an occupation on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL);
• military personnel;
• a person who resides on a vessel and who is seeking safe haven;
• a student studying Year 11 or 12 who has support from the relevant Australian State or territory government health authority & education department; or
• a student studying the final two years of a medical, dental, nursing or allied health profession university degree where you are able to provide evidence of a placement at an Australian hospital or medical practice commencing within 2 months.

Part 3: Leaving Australia Permanently – Foreign Nationals/Temporary Visa Holders

If you are a foreign national, hold a temporary Australian visa, are onshore in Australia but wish to leave Australia permanently , you can leave Australia at any time, as long as your destination country allows you to return. You do not need a travel exemption.

Part 4: Leaving Australia Temporarily – Foreign Nationals/Temporary Visa Holders

If you are a foreign national, hold a temporary Australian visa, are onshore in Australia, and wish to leave Australia temporarily (i.e. you wish to return to Australia), you can leave Australia, but will only be allowed to return if you have a travel exemption to re-enter Australia.

If you know you wish to return to Australia before you leave, you should consider applying for an incoming travel exemption before departing, as a rejection may mean you decide not to leave Australia at all.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the incoming travel exemption will likely only be granted in these circumstances if:

• you meet the requirements for an individual travel exemption from Australia’s Inward Travel Restrictions (see PART 2 above);  and
• you have a strong compassionate or compelling reason to leave Australia in the first place, 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, seeking medical treatment not available in Australia; or
• your travel is considered essential for business purposes.

Part 5: Leaving Australia – Citizens & Permanent Residents

If you are an Australian citizen or a permanent resident, you are currently not allowed to leave Australia unless you have an exemption.

To obtain an exemption, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• a compelling reason; and
• for three months or more;
• you are travelling on compassionate grounds;
• 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 traveling on humanitarian grounds; or
• your travel is in the national interest.

Final Thoughts

Restrictions on travel to Australia and the associated grounds available to apply for travel exemptions are complicated.

It is important to explain and prove the grounds on which you believe you are eligible for a travel exemption correctly. This is particularly important if you are applying on the grounds of compelling and/or compassionate circumstances, which are granted on a case by cases basis and very subjective in nature.

You must also provide the correct supporting documentation and submit it within the correct timeframe to ensure your travel exemption application is not rejected on technical or administrative grounds.

The team at MSM Legal has been assisting clients with travel exemptions throughout the travel ban, please let us know if you require our assistance.

Zainab Alsweedy, Lawyer

*Restrictions on travel are subject to change.

The exemptions listed are not exhaustive and are subject to change without notice. See the Department of Home Affairs website for current exemption criteria. The contents of this article are for reference purposes only. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your personal circumstances should always be sought separately before taking any action based on this publication or otherwise.

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Worldwide Migration Partners

Migration law specialists and your leading experts in successful E3 visa applications

Australian Travel Exemptions During The Pandemic

2021-09-23 by Worldwide Migration Partners

Australia’s International Travel Ban and Exemptions for Eligible Applicants

Are you looking to relocate your family back home to Australia? Are you expecting to move overseas for a new job or to expand your business? Are you needing to visit unwell loved ones from your home country but are unsure of your travel abilities? With the ever-evolving nature of the current COVID-19 pandemic, current travel restrictions can be difficult to navigate.

Since 18 March 2020, Australian borders have been closed with entry to Australia continuing to be controlled to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The current ban has been extended until the 17th of December 2021 with individuals aiming to travel to or from Australia, only able to do so if granted an exemption.

This article aims to provide you with the necessary information to understand Australia’s travel ban and exemptions for eligible applicants.

This article covers:

Travel exemptions for leaving australia, travel exemptions to enter australia, how to apply for an australian travel exemption, what happens if your exemption application is rejected, expert assistance with travel ban exemption applications.

Navigating the current restrictions on leaving Australia can be overwhelming. This section aims to aid readers with the necessary information regarding individual scenarios in relation to the current Australian travel bans.

Read on to explore the current exemptions in place and how they affect the following:

• Temporary Visa Holders

Australian Permanent Residents and Citizens

Australian dual citizens, exemption to leave australia for more than 3 months, what are the exemptions for overseas travel from australia.

Understanding the current exemptions that are in place relating to overseas travel from Australia, will help in how best to compile your individual exemption application. For those needing to travel outside of Australia whilst the travel ban is in effect, you will be required to satisfy one of the below criteria in order to submit an exemption.

• A compassionate or compelling reason.
• Your travel is in the national interest.
• Urgent and/or unavoidable personal business.
• Receiving urgent medical treatment that is not available within Australia.
• Part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the provision of aid.
• Your travel is for your business or employer.
• You are ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia.
• You have a compelling reason AND are leaving Australia for 3 months or longer.

Temporary Visa Holder’s

Temporary Visa Holder’s include visitor visas, studying and training visas, family and partner visas, working and skilled visas, refugee and humanitarian visas, and repealed visas. If you’re unsure of what your visa is, head to the Home Affairs website here .

Australian temporary visa holders do not require a travel exemption to leave Australia and return to their country of origin. However, they will be required to comply with any border restrictions currently in place in their home country.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to change, individuals are encouraged to continually check the change of border restrictions of both Australia and their home country and the availability of flights.

NOTE: Whist exemptions for Temporary Visa Holder’s in Australia are not required, return to Australia will generally not be permitted. For more on this, skip to Travel Exemptions for Temporary Visa Holders to Enter Australia.

Current Australian permanent residents and citizens can only leave Australia if they are successful in their application for an exemption [see above for exemption options] from the current COVID-19 travel ban. These individuals must meet at least ONE of the aforementioned criteria and be able to show supporting documentation to support your claim. Evidence may include;

• Marriage certificate/s
• Birth certificate/s
• Death certificate/s
• Proof of relationship
• Proof that you are moving to another country on a long-term basis
• Proof of your current valid overseas visa
• Letter from a medical professional about required medical treatment or medical condition stating why travel is necessary
• Letter from your employer that states why you are travelling for a business reason
• Statement or evidence to show when you wish to return to Australia
• Any other evidence you may have to support your claims

Australian Dual Citizens refer to individuals who are citizens of two or more countries. Dual citizens can be either

• An Australian citizen who has been granted citizenship of another country and did not lose their Australian citizenship, or
• A citizen of another country who has become an Australian citizen.

Dual Citizens in Australia are having increasing difficulty understanding their rights when it comes to navigating the current travel exemptions. However, Dual Citizens are being granted the same outbound exemption options as stated for those that are Australian permanent residents and citizens.

For Australian permanent residents or citizens seeking exemptions to leave Australia for three months or longer, your travel must be for a compelling reason, and you must provide evidence to support your claim. If applying for this particular travel exemption, you will be required to provide evidence in the form of a Commonwealth Statutory Declaration .

Evidence that may be accepted include;

• Confirmed flight itinerary with return date scheduled for three months or more from the departure date.
• Confirmation of leave from employment for three months or more.
• Enrolment confirmation for study.
• A medical certificate supporting claim travel is required to provide care for unwell family members.
• Any other evidence you may have to support your claim.

Are you an Australian permanent resident or citizen currently residing overseas wanting to return to Australia? Wanting to be with family here in Australia? Or maybe even relocating to Australia to work and live?

For individuals looking to explore their options on how to enter Australia during the current COVID-19 pandemic, we will outline below the ways in which you may be capable of applying for exemptions depending on your individual situation.

Do Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Require an Exemption to Enter Australia?

If you are an Australian Permanent Resident or Citizen, you are automatically exempt from the travel restrictions and can enter Australia without having to apply for an individual exemption.

Whilst you may be automatically exempt, all individuals entering Australia, including Australian permanent residents and citizens are required to quarantine for 14-days at a designated facility in the city of their arrival.

Travel Exemptions for Temporary Visa Holder’s to Enter Australia

Australian temporary visa holders wanting to return to Australia may apply for an inbound exemption prior to leaving Australia, however, individual applications will generally only be approved if they meet one of the following criteria;

• The applicant meets the requirements for an individual exemption from Australia’s Inward Travel Restrictions, and
• The applicant has a strong compassionate or compelling reason to leave Australia supported by relevant evidence, including;
• Attending the funeral of a close family member
• Visiting a family member who is critically ill
• Seeking necessary medical treatment unavailable in Australia
• Essential travel for business purposes

Grounds for Travel Exemption When Entering Australia

Individuals will require an approved exemption to enter Australia unless they are;

• An Australian permanent resident or citizen.
• An immediate family member of an Australian permanent resident or citizen.
• A New Zealand citizen usually residing in Australia.
• An individual who has been in New Zealand for 14 days or more immediately prior to arrival by air in Australia.
• An individual transiting Australia for 72 hours or less.
• Airline crew and maritime crew including marine pilots.
• An individual recruited under the Government approved Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme.
• An individual who holds a Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) visa.

If you’re unsure whether you meet any of the above criteria, you can contact us via our Contact Us page here or call (02) 9415 2359 for assistance.

If you are amongst those required to apply for an Australian Travel Exemption, whether that be for inbound or outbound travel, you must do so through the Travel Exemption Portal . Individuals are encouraged to follow the below steps to apply for an Australian travel exemption.

• Understand if you are amongst those capable of applying for an exemption or if you are automatically exempt.
• Gather evidence to support your claim
• Create an account through the Travel Exemption Portal
• You will be asked to verify your account
• Submit your application
• Track your progress

Exemption requests can be submitted online at least two weeks, but not more than three months prior to travel. However, in the case of an emergency (e.g. death of a family member), your application may be prioritised.

If you are faced with rejection from your exemption application, do not fear. The Australian government are refusing many exemption applications. Why? Whilst the application is a simple process, individuals are being rejected as their applications are not strong enough.

If your initial application is rejected you are free to apply again. There is no fee and no “black mark” for receiving a refusal. However, if you have had a submission for exemption rejected we recommend reaching out to our team to ensure your next application meets all the requirements for approval.

A strong exemption application requires information to be presented cohesively. Working with immigration law professionals will see you put your strongest exemption application forward. Individuals will receive educated and informed guidance followed by a thought-out plan of action and effective compiling and presenting of evidence when accessing professional services.

If you’re looking to source expert assistance with your exemption application, the highly experienced team of immigration lawyers and migration agents here at Worldwide Migration Partners, who specialise in Australian immigration are here to help.

Our main priority is to achieve the best possible outcome for individuals and understand how overwhelming the exemption application process can be, so we aim to remove the stress and worry surrounding your application.

Since 18 March 2020, when Australia’s borders were closed, our team here at Worldwide Migration Partners have been regularly working on exemption applications with a phenomenal success rate If you’re seeking professional guidance on how you can leave Australia or come to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be with you every step of the way to getting you to your destination as soon as possible.

Amidst these unprecedented times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s never been more important to ensure families and loved ones can be kept together. So, get in touch with us here at Worldwide Migration Partners for all issues concerning migration, visa advice, and support during COVID-19.

About The Author

Melissa Vincenty is a U.S. Attorney, a registered Australian Migration Agent and the founder and managing director of Worldwide Migration Partners . Melissa has over 25 years of experience in U.S. Immigration Law, including practising at the world’s largest U.S. Immigration Firm and more than 15 years as a Country Specialist (China and Tibet) for Amnesty International USA.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature, may not, and is not intended to constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information, and is for general informational purposes only. It does not represent legal advice specific to any individual/s situation, and should not be relied on as such. Please contact us to schedule a legal consultation for advice specific to individual circumstances.