The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the federal government to introduce stringent restrictions on travel into and out of the country. As the law currently stands, Australians can only leave Australia during COVID-19 if they qualify for an exemption from the ban. 

Applying for an exemption – Australians and permanent residents

The Outward Travel Restrictions Operation Directive provides that the following situations would generally be approved for a travel exemption:

  • your travel is as part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the provision of aid,
  • your travel is for your business/employer,
  • you are travelling to receive urgent medical treatment that is not available in Australia,
  • you are travelling outside Australia for a compelling reason for three months or longer,
  • you are travelling on compelling or compassionate grounds, and
  • your travel is in the national interest.

If you need to apply for an exemption from the travel ban on one of the above grounds, you can do so online and you need to apply at least two weeks, but not more than two months, before your planned travel. You should provide evidence of the circumstance on which you are claiming the exemption.

Travel to high-risk COVID-19 countries

Based on current health advice, travel to high-risk COVID-19 countries presents a serious health risk to the Australian community. Individuals seeking an exemption on ‘exceptional circumstances’ to travel from Australia to these high-risk COVID-19 countries will only be approved on the following very limited circumstances:

  • critical workers aiding the country of destination’s COVID-19 response,
  • people undertaking travel in Australia’s national interest, or
  • people seeking urgent medical treatment for a critical illness that is unable to be treated in Australia.

You should provide supporting evidence along with your request. The other exceptional grounds outlined in the Outward Travel Restrictions Operation Directive do not currently apply to people seeking to travel to any listed high-risk COVID-19 country.

Temporary visa holders returning home

Temporary visa holders in Australia can depart Australia at any time, however, they will generally not be permitted to return to Australia.

Temporary visa holders seeking to leave and then return to Australia, may apply for an inwards exemption before they leave, however applications will generally only be approved if:

  • the applicant meets the requirements for an individual exemption from Australia’s Inward Travel Restrictions, and
  • they have a strong compassionate or compelling reason to leave Australia supported by relevant documentary evidence, for example:
  • attending the funeral of a close family member overseas, visiting a close family   member who is seriously or critically ill, or seeking necessary medical treatment  not available in Australia, or
  • travel is essential for business purposes.