Are you planning to return to Australia? Do you know the steps involved in preparing a safe travel itinerary?
Before you travel to Australia, please complete the Australia Travel Declaration. This should be done at least 72 hours before your departure for Australia. According to the Department of Home Affairs, this information helps the Australian Government determine your quarantine arrangements.
The Australia Travel Declaration is for all travellers entering Australia, including:
- Australian citizens and permanent residents
- people who are automatically exempt from the travel restrictions
- people who have been granted an individual exemption to the current travel restrictions.
Before you commence the declaration you will need to have the following information ready:
- Passport details
- Trip information
- Destination details
- Contact details.
You will need to create an account, which will allow you to manage your current and future declarations in one place.
If you do not complete the declaration you may not be able to board your flight, or you may experience delays when you arrive in Australia.
Besides your passport, other documentation such as Medicare details, driver licence, and bank cards and statements will help if you need to set up accounts and access Government services.
Some of these documents must be presented at the airport when you check-in and when you arrive in Australia.
From 22 January 2021, if you are travelling to or transiting through Australia you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test to your airline, taken 72 hours or less before your scheduled departure.
If you do not have evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test, you should not go to the airport as your airline will not allow you to board the aircraft.
Masks must be worn on all international flights, including at airports.
Australian Government has created Green and red zones at airports to ensure the separation of passengers arriving on ‘quarantine-free’ flights, from other passengers who are required to enter 14 days mandatory quarantine.
Travellers to Australia must complete all relevant declarations and forms so we can arrange quarantine, if needed and undertake contact tracing, in the event of a positive COVID-19 case.
Steps after landing in Australia:
- When the plane lands, border officials will board the plane and give you instructions. You’ll be guided through the airport and won’t have the opportunity to shop.
- When you go through customs, you’ll receive a health screen, including a temperature check, to see whether you have symptoms of COVID-19. You should tell an official if you’re feeling unwell. They are there to look after you.
- Transport to the quarantine facility will be arranged for you. You may not know which facility you’ll be quarantining in until you arrive there.
- It can help to bring snacks and water with you (check what’s allowed by customs). You won’t be able to buy food in the airport and it may be some time before your first meal at the hotel.
Quarantine involves staying in a room for 14 days with no visitors. There will be other measures in place to keep you safe and prevent COVID-19 spreading.
Someone may contact you each day to check your health and wellbeing – but don’t wait if you need help. You’ll have access to various health services if you need them.
Also note, you might not be able to bring in or have alcohol delivered from elsewhere. There may be a limit on the amount of alcohol you can order from the hotel.
You can contact the hotel reception for matters related to the facility you are in.
Do gather all the information and write down your medical history ahead of time. Please keep your medications and other essential items necessary for your health in the handbag with prescriptions.
An Australian citizen or permanent resident who has been trying to return to Australia and have been unable to do so, can register his/her details with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT): https://covid19.dfat.gov.au/citizeninformation/s/
More information related to travelling during COVID can be found at Department of Health website.
National Coronavirus Helpline: 1800 020 080 (if you’re overseas +61 1800 020 080).