As the case numbers in Melbourne, and across the country decline, restrictions are being eased, including cautious easing of the Boarder Restrictions. While not universal the trend towards opening up is something that is welcomed by businesses and individuals. ACAPMA summaries the current border restrictions.
Please note that this article contains time sensative information. Last updated 25/9/2020.
Boarder Restrictions: National
- International arrivals must undertake mandatory 14 day quarantine at designated hotels in the port of arrival. Exemptions in special circumstances apply. See; https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/ for more information
Boarder Restrictions: ACT
- Unnecessary travel to or from ACT should be minimised
Those travelling from listed COVID hotspots (other than VIC) are advised to not travel, or to isolate when travelling and minimise community contact. See; https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/community/travel for the most up to date information. - Transit through ACT
Transit through ACT for business or freight is exempt. Drivers transiting are advised to minimise their contact with others and to limit rest stops to no more than one overnight. Transit that will require more than a single night stay, or community contact above delivery and pick up of goods should apply for an exemption. - ACT Residents returning from VIC
All returning ACT residents who were in VIC will need to notify ACT Health and enter self isolation for 14 days after arrival. - Visitors from VIC
Should not be travelling to ACT. Exemptions may be granted on a case by case basis. - Exemptions
See https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/exemption-application for information on exemptions
Border Restrictions: NSW
- NSW/VIC Border Region Residents
May now travel within the Border Region for any reason with a current permit, including Victorian residents moving through the NSW side of the Boarder Region. See: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/border-zone-address-check to check Border Region boundaries - NSW residents returning from interstate/overseas
Must return via Sydney airport and quarantine in designated hotel for 14 days. - Freight
Commercial freight may move provided that there are appropriate permits, COVID Safe Plan and driver self isolates when not providing the critical service. - Other critical services
May enter NSW, provided they meet criteria including; entry via Sydney airport, self isolation when not providing the critical service, the service not being able to be delivered remotely and/or not being available in NSW and the traveler holds a permit issued by the head of the organsiation - Exemptions, Permits and General Information
See; https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/border-restrictions
Border Restrictions: Tasmania
- All Travelers to Tasmania
Are required to provide travel details. See https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/travellers-and-visitors/coming-to-tasmania for general information and https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/travellers-and-visitors/g2g-pass for G2G Pass - Non-essential travelers
Who have spent any time in COVID hotspots or premises in the 14 days prior to arrival will be required to quarentiene in designated hotels. - Essential travelers
will be required to have an exemption and if they have been in an effected area submit to testing - Exemptions
See; https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcoronavirus.tas.gov.au%2Ftravellers-and-visitors%2Fessential-travellers%2Fconditions-for-essential-travellers&data=02%7C01%7Cjason.oneill%40stategrowth.tas.gov.au%7Ca03dad67320240fd39a408d85f8028ab%7C64ebab8accf44b5ca2d32b4e972d96b2%7C0%7C0%7C637364351479064504&sdata=4CBeiROgG7M10mO%2FCVB2B2uIDBvopg0y%2FHqdJNcZuuk%3D&reserved=0
Border Restrictions: Queensland
- Border Zone
Residents in the Border Zone are able to move within the zone with and subject to the conditions of the Border Resident Permit. See; https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers/border-restrictions - Hotspots
As at 23/9/2020, all of VIC, NSW and ACT are considered COVID Hotspots. Visitors to QLD from these locations will be required to undertake mandatory quarantine for 14 days at designated locations. - Freight Services Protocol
Freight is allowed with a permit (freight and logistics) and safety protocols, including minimising community contact. See; https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers/border-restrictions/freight-services-protocol - Exemptions
Apply for essential workers subject to permit restrictions. See; https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers/border-restrictions
Boarder Restrictions: South Australia
- All Travelers
Are required to register prior to arrival in SA. See; https://www.police.sa.gov.au/online-services/cross-border-travel-application - Border Communities
Cross border community members on the SA/VIC border are now permitted to enter SA if they reside within 40km of the border with a recent COVID Test. - Travelling from NSW
Visitors from NSW may now enter SA without the requirement to quarantine, provided they have not been in or through VIC in the preceding 14 days. - Travelling from ACT, NT, QLD, TAS and WA
Visitors are able to enter SA directly without restriction, provided they have not been in or through VIC in the preceding 14 days. - Travelling from VIC
Essential exemptions apply.
Boarder Restrictions: WA
- Only exempted travelers may enter WA with an approved G2G Pass, mask and testing. Mandatory quarantine may also be required. Exemptions can take up to 14 days to process and must be approved PRIOR to travel. See; https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-travel-wa
Boarder Restrictions: NT
- Any traveler who has been in a COVID Hotspot will be required to quarantine for 14 days in a designated location. Additional requirements apply for travel to remote regions. Exemptions apply and must be approved PRIOR to travel. See; https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/travel/quarantine
Boarder Restrictions: VIC
- No Boarder Restrictions apply to VIC, however internal restrictions apply that limit the travel of people within the Greater Melbourne area and within VIC as a whole – see; https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19
ACAPMA