Travel restrictions for Australia PR visa holders during COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 has forced many countries across the world to impose restrictions on entry and exit of individuals into the country. While some countries have totally banned the movement of people, other countries have made certain exemptions. Australia too has introduced several rules regarding movement of individuals. This has led to many questions among citizens and PR visa holders in the country. Here we will try and answer the common queries of these individuals in the current situation.

 Who can travel to Australia?

Any individual who is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident or an immediate family member of a citizen or PR visa holder can travel to Australia. Apart from this, a New Zealand citizen who is a resident of Australia can travel to the country. Immediate family members with a temporary visa must provide proof of their relationship.

All those arriving in Australia must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine at specified facilities in the country.

Can Australian citizens enter the country without a passport?

Citizens of Australia can enter the country without a passport but must inform the airline staff about it. The airlines will then confirm their citizenship with the Australian border force.

What are the rules for New Zealand citizens wishing to enter Australia?

Citizens from New Zealand who are residents of Australia can come to the country provided they have proof of residence.

What is the definition of an immediate family member of a citizen or resident?

An immediate family of an Australian citizen or permanent resident can be:

Spouse or partner

Dependent children

Legal guardian

If they come to Australia, they too must undergo a 14-day quarantine period. They should also inform the concerned authorities before they travel to the country. Immediate family members on a temporary visa must provide proof such as a marriage certificate or a birth certificate. However those with a partner visa (subclasses 100, 309, 801, 820) or child visa (subclasses 101, 102, 445) can come to Australia without requesting for an exemption.

 Which individuals are exempted from travel restrictions?

The following categories of individuals are exempted from travel restrictions:

Foreign nationals traveling at the invitation of the Australian Commonwealth Government to assist in the response to COVID-19 or whose entry would be in the national interest. People required for critical medical services, including air ambulance and delivery of supplies and those who come regularly to international ports in Australia.

People with critical skills such as doctors, engineers etc. Diplomats assigned to Australia and living there with their family members.

Individuals exempted on humanitarian or compassionate grounds.

What is the information to be provided to the Australian government by those seeking exemptions?

The request for an exemption must include details of the passenger such as name, date of birth, visa type, residence address in Australia etc. The application must have a statement and evidence to prove how the applicant meets the conditions for exemption.

Take the help of an immigration consultant for best advice in the current situation.

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