Can you get an exemption to travel to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic?
It’s been several months since borders around the world have been closed to international visitors including Australia’s borders. Since March, only Australian citizens and permanent residents have been freely permitted to return to Australia. However, there are some exceptions. We list the various groups of people who are able to obtain an exemption to travel to Australia and explain how they can do this.
People eligible for an exemption to travel to Australia
New Zealand citizens who usually live in Australia as well as immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents who hold a temporary visa can apply for permission to travel to Australia. The following are considered immediate family members:
A spouse or de facto partner
A dependent child
A legal guardian
The Australian Border Force Commissioner is also considering granting exemptions from the following groups of people:
People invited by the Australian government to assist with the COVID-19 response or other matters of national interest
Foreign nationals who have critical skills or those providing medical services and delivering supplies
Foreign diplomats who are ordinarily posted in Australia and their immediate family members
People who need to travel to Australia for humanitarian or compassionate reasons
How do I apply for permission to travel to Australia?
The Department of Home Affairs has developed an online portal for people seeking to request an exemption to the travel ban to Australia. Applicants will need to register on the online portal and then complete the online exemption request. The requests must be submitted no less than 4 weeks and no more than 3 months from the date of intended travel. The Department of Home Affairs advises that applicants do not make travel arrangements until an exemption has been granted. If you are a holder of either a Partner Visa (subclasses 100, 309, 801, 820) or a Child Visa (subclasses 101, 102, 445), you do not need to request an exemption to Australia. All other temporary visa holders are required to request an exemption.
We offer virtual consultations
So you can contact us from anywhere around the world!
Do I need to provide any supporting evidence?
Yes, travel exemption requests will need to be accompanied by supporting evidence.
New Zealand citizens who usually live in Australia can provide the following documents:
A New Zealand passport
Proof of residence in Australia such as drivers licence, ID card, bank statement, utility bill, tenancy agreement
Evidence of employment including payslips, notice of tax assessment, letter from employer, superannuation details
Immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents will need to provide proof of their family relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident. This may include:
Marriage certificates
Birth certificates
Custody orders
Passports of both the applicant and their Australian family member
Death certificates
Proof of spouse or de facto relationship such as joint tenancy agreement, joint bank account statements, joint bills
Guardianship orders
Visa grant notices
Other people requesting exemptions will need to provide the following information:
Personal details such as name, date of birth, passport number, visa number, address and contact details in Australia
Supporting statement explaining the applicant’s case for an exemption
Letter from a doctor or hospital explaining why there is a critical medical need to travel to Australia
Letter from an employer, organisation or government agency stating the critical work that needs to be undertaken
Other evidence to demonstrate there are humanitarian and compassionate reasons for travel
How long before I know whether my request has been approved?
The Department of Home Affairs is dealing with a high number of requests for exemptions to travel to Australia. Decisions on exemption requests are taking anywhere from a few hours to more than a week. This will depend on the circumstances of the applicant and the reasons for travelling to Australia.
What happens if I am granted an exemption?
If you are granted an exemption to travel to Australia, you can proceed with your travel arrangements. Evidence of your exemption will need to be taken to the airport of your departure, along with your visa grant notice and all other necessary travel documents. International airports in Australia have limited the number of overseas arrivals per day. This will affect the schedule and availability of flights to Australia.
Currently, all travellers arriving in Australia are required to quarantine for 14 days at a designated hotel. Travellers will be required to cover the cost of this mandatory quarantine and the charges range from $3,000 AUD to $5,000 AUD. Travellers are also required to undergo testing for COVID-19.
Do you need help requesting an exemption?
If so, we can provide assistance and apply for your travel exemption on your behalf. Currently, we are conducting phone or virtual online consultations only. You can schedule an appointment by contacting us or booking online.
Have questions?
Speak with a registered migration agent today!
About Peter Chang
Peter Chang is a registered migration agent based in the Western Sydney hub of Parramatta, Australia. He is the co-founder of Titan Migration, a consultancy specialising in providing Australian immigration advice and visa assistance services.