Australia Border Closures
26 April 2020 by News DeskAustralia Border Closures: Some states and territories in Australia have closed their borders to non-essential travel due to COVID-19. Here’s what you need to know.
Each state or territory has its own entry requirements. The most up-to-date information about entry conditions, forms and requirements is on the government website of the state and territory you are travelling to.
ACT Government
There are currently no restrictions on cross-border movement between ACT and NSW, beyond those that apply to everyone (ie not undertaking non-essential travel, maintaining social distancing rules etc)
For more info go to: https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/
New South Wales
There are no current border controls in NSW.
Primary industry production and related businesses and the entire food supply chain are NOT impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions. These businesses can continue to operate on a ‘business as usual’ basis, though should attempt to practice appropriate social distancing measures.
For more info go to: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/home/covid-19
Northern Territory
Strict border controls apply in the Northern Territory (NT) for all access points by Road, rail, air and sea.
Non-essential travellers arriving at a Northern Territory border must complete 14 days of forced quarantine.
Upon entry, you will be escorted to a designated location where you will be monitored and accommodated for the duration.
If you arrive before 11:59pm Friday 3 April, accommodation expenses will be covered by government.
If you arrive after 11:59pm Friday 3 April, accommodation expenses will be covered by you.
You must be able to prove your status as an essential traveller before you will be granted an exemption from self-quarantine.
For more info go to: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/community-advice/border-controls
Queensland
To slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Queensland Government is tightening restricted entry into Queensland. Only Queensland residents, residents of border communities undertaking essential activities and those considered an ‘exempt person’ can cross the border.
New restrictions will apply from 12.01 am Saturday 11 April 2020 that will place further restrictions on people who have been to a COVID-19 hotspot in Australia.
These restrictions provide for the continuation of essential goods and services for Queenslanders.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, entry into Queensland is temporarily prohibited unless the travel is exempt under the Chief Health Officer’s Border Restrictions Direction. Entry into Queensland for essential travel is only permitted to persons who are eligible for an exemption and who have a Queensland Entry Pass.
As per the Commonwealth Government’s travel restrictions, only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia.
A person who arrives in Queensland from overseas is required to self-quarantine in a nominated place for 14 days, as instructed by a relevant government officer, whether Queensland is the person’s final destination, or not.
For more info go to: https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/border-closing
South Australia
As per the Commonwealth Government’s travel restrictions, only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia.
For more info go to: https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/emergency_management/covid-19_and_primary_industries
Tasmania
The Tasmanian Government has declared a State of Emergency and tough border restrictions are in place. All travellers arriving in Tasmania will be required to enter 14 days of quarantine in a government managed accommodation on arrival in Tasmania.All travellers coming to Tasmania must complete an Arrivals Form.
For more info go to: http://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au
Victoria
Right now there is no closure or restrictions on Victoria’s borders. Non-essential domestic travel is restricted and Victorians are being urged to stay at home where possible, but key services, like health, freight and logistics – including those that travel across state’s borders, will continue.
If there are concerns about potential variation in state decisions that may impact what is open on one side of the borders and what may be on the other, people should visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au, where they can find regularly updated information about what is restricted in Victoria.
For more info go to: http://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au
Western Australia
WA’s borders are now closed, travellers are not able to enter Western Australia unless exempt, exemptions are specified in the directions.
For more info go to: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/covid-19-coronavirus-state-of-emergency-declarations
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