New Rules For Travel To Australia

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New Rules For Travel To Australia

The Australian Government has announced new rules for travel to Australia, which include the need to take a COVID-19 test before travel and mandatory requirements to wear a mask.

The changes were agreed by the National Cabinet on 8 January 2021 in response to the new COVID-19 strain that is more infectious and will take effect no later than 15 January 2021.

Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 16 January, 2021

Here’s a summary:

International passenger caps in NSW, QLD and WA will be halved by 50% until 15 February 2021;
- WA reduced to 512 international travellers/week
- QLD reduced to 500 international travellers/week
- NSW will accept a maximum 1,505 people/week into hotel quarantine
- No changes for VIC or SA (already operating at lower levels)
- NT will increase its intake to 425 arrivals/week (previously at 300/week)
- The Government will make individual agreements with ACT and TAS.
International passengers must return a negative COVID-19 test before travellingto Australia – exemptions in extenuating circumstances may be available;
International passengers on flights from the UK will be subject to ‘rapid testing’for the new COVID-19 strain before they board flights to Australia;
Masks will be mandatoryon all international and domestic flights to and within Australia (excluding children under 12 years of age and those with an exemption);
Travellers must also wear a mask in international and domestic airports for travel to and within Australia.

What if I am due to travel in January or February 2021? | New rules for travel to Australia

The Government has acknowledged some travellers may already be due to arrive in the country and has allowed a short transition period for the new rules for travel to Australia.

The new travel rules will commence no later than 15 January 2021 – approximately one week after the changes were announced on 8 January 2021.

Businesses and individuals should consider the new rules for any planned travel this month and in February.

Unfortunately, for those still needing a flight to come to Australia in January or February, tickets are likely to be even more expensive and less flights may be available.

Interstaff assist people all over the world with the legal and professional process to travel or migrate to Australia for temporary work or permanent residence. Established in 1988, Interstaff has been trusted by migrating individuals and businesses for over 30 years and are the strongest group of experts for visa work in Australia. MARN: 0533879.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.