Read below for answers to some common questions about travel to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Australian border re-opening
Australian borders are open to fully vaccinated Australian citizens, permanent residents and immediate family members. Due to the emergence of the Omicron variant, most states require at least 72 hours self isolation on arrival (NSW, Victoria, ACT), and many still require 14 days quarantine (South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory). Check state and territory websites for latest information.
14-day hotel quarantine on arrival (and inclusion in the weekly passenger arrival cap) is still required if:
- you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19
- you have been in certain countries in southern Africa within the last 14 days
- you have received a vaccine not recognised by the Australian government
- you are a temporary visa holder with an exemption to enter Australia
- you are arriving into a state or territory that has not yet re-opened (Tasmania, Queensland, WA, SA, NT)
Detailed information is available on the Australia's Government's international travel FAQs page and the website of the Department of Home Affairs.
Travelling between states in Australia
Travel between states is still restricted. You may be able to arrive into some states from overseas without quarantine. But onward travel to your final destination might not be permitted.
Quarantine arrangements for incoming travellers are determined by state and territory governments. See below for the latest information.
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Western Australia
- Tasmania
- Australian Capital Territory
- Northern Territory
Temporary visa holders - travel to Australia
From 15 December 2021, fully vaccinated eligible visa holders across a number of a categories (including international students) can travel to Australia without a travel exemption. See Coming to Australia for more information.
COVID-19 vaccinations
The Australian Government has recognised the below vaccines for incoming travellers. Other vaccines may be recognised in coming months.
- Comirnaty (Pfizer)
- Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca)
- Covisheld (AstraZeneca)
- Spikevax (Moderna)
- Janssen-Cilag (Johnson & Johnson)
- Coronavac (Sinovac)
- BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) - recognition is for travellers aged between 18 and 60. Further information is here.
- Covaxin (Bharat Biotech) - recognition is for travellers aged 12 and over.
Detailed information about passengers exempt from vaccination requirements (eg. children), and what constitutes "fully vaccinated" is on the following sites:
- Department of Home Affairs vaccinated travellers page
- Australian Government's international travel FAQs page
- Guidance on recognition of foreign COVID vaccination certificates
Recognised vaccines received overseas can be registered on the Australian Immunisation Register when you return home. More information here.
Travelling to Australia
Before you travel, check the Department of Home Affairs checklist to find out latest requirements for entry to Australia, including whether you can access reduced quarantine requirements. You will also need to:
- Do a COVID test no more than 72 hours before check-in at your first point of departure
- Complete an online Australia Travel Declaration
- You might also need to complete documentation for the state or territory government in your first city of arrival.
Find out more at Smartraveller: Re-entry and quarantine.
Leaving Australia
From 1 November 2021, fully vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents can leave Australia without needing an outwards travel exemption. See Travel for Vaccinated Australians for more information.
Financial assistance
If you’ve been unable to return to Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions and are experiencing financial distress, you may be eligible to access financial support from the government . The support comes in the form of both loans and grants. It aims to help cover living costs and/or a flight back to Australia.