*** UPDATE ***
As at 29 November 2021, the date of reopening has been deferred to 15 December 2021.
Now that Australia’s border is reopening, it’s important to understand which visa holders can travel to and enter Australia, and what steps need to be taken to make sure that visa holders enter in compliance with the relevant requirements.
In addition to the International Safe Travel Zones that currently apply to New Zealand and Singapore, from 1 December 2021 citizens of Japan and Korea will be able to travel to Australia without requiring a travel exemption. These nationals:
- must hold a Japanese or South Korean passport respectively
- must hold a valid Australian visa
- must depart from their respective country of passport and arrive in a participating Australian state or territory
- do not have to be in their respective country of passport for 14 days prior to travel
From 1 December 2021, fully vaccinated eligible visa holders from all over the world will also be able to travel to Australia without requiring a travel exemption. Eligible visa holders include holders of the following visas:
- Humanitarian visas, including subclass 200, 201, 202, 203, 204 and 449 visas
- Protection visas, including subclass 785 and 790 visas
- Family stream visas, including subclass 300, 461 and 870 visas
- Skilled and work visas, including subclass 400, 403, 407, 417, 457, 462, 476, 482 (the ‘TSS visa’), 485, 489, 491, 494 and 988 visas
- Student visas, including subclass 500, 580 and 590 visas
This list is expected to change periodically, and can be checked here.
If you are a temporary visa holder not covered by the above (e.g. if you hold a Bridging visa B, a Visitor visa or another type of visa that isn’t specified in the list above), the standard requirements will apply i.e. you must hold a valid Australian visa and you must be granted a travel exemption that allows you entry to Australia. Get in touch to understand what requirements will apply to you.
All travellers who enter Australia must remember that they will be required to produce a negative PCR test result from a test taken within 72 hours of their departure to Australia (unless medically exempt). They will also need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with a TGA-approved vaccine. Travellers will need to complete their Australian Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before their departure.
Lastly, it’s important to keep in mind that quarantine rules are the prerogative of each individual state and territory in Australia, so each state and territory has its own rules relating to entry to the state as well as quarantine. These rules apply in addition to the requirements set out by the Federal government. As such, depending on where you are going to arrive, you may need to make arrangements for quarantine and/or complete declarations before you travel to Australia. These rules change frequently so please check these before you make any travel plans. A list of the relevant websites can be found below:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Australian Capital Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Western Australia
- Northern Territory
- Tasmania
The above is intended as general information only, and is relevant to fully vaccinated adults. If you are medically exempt or aren’t fully vaccinated, or if you’re travelling with children, please get in touch for specific advice. The above is general information only, as at the date of publication, and should not be interpreted as legal advice. For an accurate and current assessment of your circumstances and visa options, please contact us to receive this advice.
