17/03/2020
RESTRICTIONS ON ENTRY TO AUSTRALIA
Precautionary self-isolation requirement for all travellers entering Australia
On 15 March 2020, the Australian Government announced that all travellers entering
Australia from 0001 AEDST 16 March 2020 must undertake a precautionary self-isolation
period for up to 14 days upon entry to Australia. This applies to any traveller entering
Australia, inclusive of Australian citizens and permanent residents. For any travellers
who are entering Australia for less than 14 days, they must self-isolate for the entire
duration of their stay.
These measures apply to all travellers entering Australia via aircraft and cruise ships.
The travel restrictions for mainland China, Iran, the Republic of Korea and Italy remain in
place.
All travellers will be notified of the precautionary self-isolation requirement through
updated a health fact sheet. Travellers may be required to complete a form confirming
that they understand they are required to complete the self-isolation period for up to 14
days.
For travellers transiting through Australia
Any travellers, who are transiting through Australia to an international destination
must remain in the airport, or self-isolate (for up to 14 days) in their
accommodation, for the duration of their planned transit.
For aircraft
Airline crew (including medivac crew) are exempt from the travel restrictions
provided the appropriate personal protective equipment is utilised during the
journey and in public spaces (including airports), and the crew member is not
displaying any symptoms.
o This includes off-shift crew who are travelling as passengers on an aircraft
to reposition at another location. The same process is to be followed for
this cohort as on-shift crew.
Travellers with existing domestic transfer booking or arrangements may complete
their domestic transfer and commence their precautionary self-isolation period (of
up to 14 days) at the final destination.
o While in transit, they must remain in the airport or if they have an
overnight layover, they must self-isolate in their accommodation for the
duration of their transit period.
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Additional messages for travellers
From 0001 AEDST 16 March 2020, if you arrive in Australia you are required to
undertake a precautionary self-isolation period of up to 14 days upon entry into
Australia.
If you need to transit domestically, you may complete this transit and then begin
your precautionary self-isolation period of up to provided you are an Australian
citizen or resident returning to your home location, or are a foreign national and
have existing transfer arrangements.
o If you have a layover, you must remain in the airport or self-isolate in your
accommodation for the transit period.
If you do not complete your 14 day precautionary self-isolation period after
arriving in Australia, you may put the health and wellbeing of Australians at risk.
Talking points for industry
From 0001 AEDST 16 March 2020, all travellers arriving in Australia are required
to undertake a precautionary self-isolation period of up to 14 days after entry into
Australia.
Travellers may complete domestic transits and then begin their precautionary 14
day self-isolation period.
o They must remain in the airport or if they have a layover, they must selfisolate in their accommodation for their transit period.
Travellers arriving in Australia who do not complete their 14 day precautionary
self-isolation period may put the health and wellbeing of Australia at risk.
These arrangements are kept under constant review and will be updated as necessary.
The ABF appreciates your ongoing support and cooperation during this time. For
additional support, please contact the Border Operations Centre at +61 1300 368 126