Australian Travel Exemption Updates as of 18 August 2021
Ordinarily Resident
As of 11 August 2021, Australian citizens and permanent residents who are ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia are unable to automatically be exempt from the current Australian Border Force restrictions.
There is a transitional period until 7 September 2021 for ordinarily residents overseas whereby travellers who arrive at the airport without an exemption, will be allowed to travel if their status as ordinarily resident overseas can be confirmed by an Australian Border Force officer at departure.
If you have received a travel exemption approval before 11 August 2021 and have not yet travelled, you may use this exemption for a single departure from Australia which removes the three month expiry for unused travel exemptions for those ordinarily resident overseas.
If you now wish to travel to Australia then return to the country of ordinary residence, you must apply for an outward exemption and can do this before you arrive into Australia.
Travel to India and Papua New Guinea
Travel restrictions for travel to India or PNG have reverted to those that apply to the global setting. Individuals wanting to travel to India or PNG can apply for a travel exemption through the travel exemptions portal.
Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa holders
An individual with a Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa may be granted an exemption to enter Australia if the subclass 300 visa has been granted and the visa application was lodged at least 12 months before submitting a travel exemption request.
Therefore, if you have applied for a subclass 300 visa on or before 18 August 2020, and you have been granted your subclass 300 visa; you are eligible to for an inwards travel exemption on 18 August 2021.
Further Information
For a full overview of the current travel restrictions and exemptions available please visit our Travel Restrictions page.
If you would like any further information regarding the travel exemption updates or for assistance with your travel exemption matter, please contact our office.