UPDATED 30 June 2021
It’s been a long five months since our last update to this article and most states and territories are now closed off, as domestic aviation faces its biggest challenge since the start of the pandemic. We’ve tried to explain the mind-bogglingly confusing rules in plain English, below.
As ever, please visit the official sites for more detailed information, the latest updates (particularly from so-called hotspots) and directions for any permits or exemptions you might have to apply for.
Victoria
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/travel-restrictions-covid-19#travel-within-australia
https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/victorian-travel-permit-system
Anyone entering Victoria from anywhere in Australia now needs to apply for a permit here. The state’s traffic light system means that your ability to enter depends on where you’ve travelled from, and whether it’s categorised as red, orange or green.
Those from a red zone cannot enter without an exemption. If you are granted permission to enter, you must self-quarantine for 14 days on your return.
Those travelling from a designated orange zone must apply for a permit to enter Victoria. You cannot apply for a permit if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, nor if you have visited a red zone. You are allowed to travel through a red zone for the purpose of transit. After arrival, you must take a COVID test within 72 hours of arrival and remain in isolation until you receive a negative result.
Those travelling from a designated green zone must apply for a permit to enter Victoria. You cannot apply for a permit if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, nor if you have visited either a red or orange zone.
Red zones now include:
- The Perth and Peel Region in WA;
- Greater Sydney, including Central Coast, Shellharbour, Blue Mountains and Wollongong in NSW;
- Queensland Local Government Areas in South East Queensland and Townsville (including Magnetic Island and Palm Island) in Queensland;
- The Greater Darwin area in the NT;
- All of the ACT is an orange zone
NSW
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/travel-and-transport-advice
NSW is open to all states, however there are restrictions for those living in Greater Sydney and surrounding areas leaving to visit regional areas.
People who have been in a hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter), will only be able to enter the state if they are a returning Queensland resident or required to enter for a limited range of essential reasons. Queensland residents returning to Queensland from a hotspot must quarantine for 14 days on entering Queensland in government arranged accommodation at their own expense
Queensland has declared the following areas hotspots:
- Perth and Peel regions of Western Australia;
- Darwin, Belyuen, Litchfield, Palmerston and Wagait in the Northern Territory;
- Much of Greater Sydney and surrounding areas. See exact details here.
Western Australia
https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-travel-wa
WA has designated much of NSW, Queensland and Victoria a medium risk location. This means people, including residents, cannot enter WA without an exemption. If you are granted a pass, you must self isolate for 14 days.
ACT
https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/stay-safe-and-healthy/quarantine-and-isolation/quarantine-information-for-people-who-are-well
https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/community/travel
https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/community/travel/nsw
There are currently restrictions in place for travel to and from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. Those entering from these areas must self-isolate for 14 days and complete an online declaration form.
Northern Territory
https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/travel/quarantine/hotspots-covid-19
The NT has declared much of the Perth and Peel region, NSW, Queensland, the NT and WA as hotspots. See a list of exact council areas here. Those entering from these areas must quarantine in a “supervised” government facility.
Tasmania
https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/travellers-and-visitors/essential-travellers
https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/travellers-and-visitors/coming-to-tasmania
The state has declared many LGAs in Greater Sydney, Queensland, WA, NT as “high-risk” areas. See a detailed list here. High-risk areas can require either quarantine in a government-designated facility (level 1) or a suitable premises (level 2). Otherwise, Tasmania is now open to all other states, though all entrants must complete the Tas e-Travel form.
South Australia
https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restrictions-and-responsibilities/travel-restrictions
SA has now shut its border to all of mainland Australia. Everyone entering must self-isolate immediately for 14 days and take COVID testing.
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