As domestic and international border restrictions continue due to the pandemic, the rules constantly change and can be somewhat confusing.

It is important to remember that entry into Australia is not just about visas. Border restrictions are governed by the Federal Government and are largely dependent on the individual’s vaccination status. On arrival, it is the State or Territory that determines the rules about quarantine, isolation and testing.  It is also important to check the airline requirements for flights.

The latest rules before travel need to be checked. On the weekend, rules were updated again:

New Commonwealth Rules for Travel to Australia – PCR and Rapid Antigen Tests
International arrivals with approved visas, or those exempt from the need to obtain a travel exemption, and who meet the vaccination requirements, continue to need a negative PCR test before boarding their flight. As an alternative, they may now present a rapid antigen test (RAT). The RAT must be undertaken by or under the supervision of a medical practitioner (e.g., pharmacist, general practitioner, nurse, pathologist, pathology collector or trained personnel at airport-based testing stations). The RAT must be done within 24 hours of the flight’s scheduled departure time.

Details of what tests will be accepted and the evidence that is required  can be found here.

What if the tests are still showing positive?
Those travellers who return a positive test after they have recovered are able to provide a certificate from a medical practitioner at check-in which includes ALL the information set out in the guidelines.

Australia Travel Declaration
All inbound passengers must complete an Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) at least 72 hours before travel. This must be completed prior to departure as it requires a declaration on the vaccination status.

Vaccination status
Australia considers a person to be vaccinated if they have completed a course, including a mixed dose schedule, of TGA approved or recognised vaccines.

Changes for entry into Western Australia
All international arrivals still need to complete a  G2G Pass declaration  to enter WA. This must be completed and submitted prior to travel. This declaration includes evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before the flight and it is unknown whether this will change to align with the new Commonwealth requirement that a RAT will suffice.

Direct international arrivals into Western Australia are subject to cap limits (265 people per week) and are required to quarantine for 14 days in hotel quarantine at their own expense no matter their vaccination status.

International travellers arriving in Western Australia from another state and who have spent less than 14 days in that other state before travelling to WA, will be required to quarantine for 14 days in hotel quarantine at their own expense.

Other State Rules – including quarantine
States and Territories may impose additional or different rules before allowing travellers to enter. They may also specify quarantine requirements for certain travellers.

We can only reiterate that these rules change constantly and should be checked carefully before travel.

Please contact your Ajuria advisor if you have any further questions.

DISCLAIMER This information is current as of date of publication and subject to change. The information contained in this publication is of a general nature only. It should not be used as legal advice. To the extent permissible by law, Ajuria Lawyers and its associated entities shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, defects or misrepresentations in the information or for any loss or damage suffered by persons who use or rely on such information. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

Have more specific questions about your visa? Get in touch with Ajuria Lawyers today.

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