Update on Travel Restrictions and exemptions
To assist prevent the spread of COVID-19, Australia’s borders are temporarily closed, and foreign travel from Australia is closely regulated. You can only travel internationally from Australia if you exempt or have been granted an individual exemption.
Travel restrictions are subject to change as the situation around COVID-19 develops.
Non-Australians
International visitors are advised to return home due to the current COVID-19 situation in Australia, which includes state and territory border restrictions. commercial closures, and social distancing requirements.
Temporary visa holders should be conscious that they will generally require a travel exemption if they wish to return to Australia while COVID-19 restrictions are in place.
Temporary visa holders returning to their home country
Temporary visa holders that impacted by COVID-19 can make plans to return to their home country, If border restrictions in that country allow it.
Exemptions are not required for temporary visa holders to leave Australia. They can leave at any time as long as their home country’s border restrictions allow them to return.
Keep in mind that COVID-19 situation is always changing.
Check border restrictions and availability of flights each week.
Commercials flights are accessible from a number of major Australian airports. You might also want to find out whether they are any private or government repatriation flights are available to your home country.
Temporary visa holders leaving Australia for overseas
Temporary visa holders who wish to leave and then return to Australia may apply for an inwards exemption before leaving. However, applications will generally only be approved if:
- the applicant meets the requirements for an individual exemption from Australia’s Inward Travel Restrictions,
- they have a strong compassionate or compelling reason to leave Australia, supported by relevant documentary evidence, such as:
– attending a close family member’s funeral overseas, visiting a close family member who is seriously or critically ill, or seeking necessary medical treatment that are not available in Australia, or
– travel is required for business needs.