Damon Mcknight
Australia has implemented strict border controls to protect the welfare of its citizens due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Australian citizens and permanent residents are not allowed to leave the country unless they have a valid reason that meets a strict list of criteria. To apply for a travel exemption, applicants must submit their request online at least two weeks before their departure date, and they must provide sufficient evidence to support their claims.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for an exemption? | Foreign nationals invited by the government to assist in the COVID-19 response; foreign nationals whose entry would be in the national interest; foreign nationals with critical skills or work in a critical sector; foreign nationals sponsored by an employer to work in Australia; students in the final years of study in a medical, dental, nursing, or allied health profession; persons travelling for compassionate and compelling reasons; Australian citizens and permanent residents. |
| Who is exempt from applying for an exemption? | Diplomats accredited to Australia; immediate family members of diplomats; travellers who have been in New Zealand for 14 days or more before arriving in Australia; travellers transiting through Australia for 72 hours or less; Business Innovation and Investment (Subclass 188) Visa holders; Australian citizens and permanent residents travelling to New Zealand. |
| When to apply for an exemption | At least two weeks but not more than three months before departure, unless travel is due to the death or critical illness of a close family member. |
| Where to apply for an exemption | https://travel-exemptions.homeaffairs.gov.au/tep |
| Evidence required | Proof of moving to another country on a long-term basis; proof of a current valid visa; letter from a doctor or hospital about any medical treatment/condition; letter from an employer; statement or evidence of return to Australia; any other proof to support claims. All evidence must be officially translated into English. |
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What You'll Learn
Who can apply for a travel exemption to Australia
Australia's international border has been closed since 20 March 2020, restricting most travellers from entering and leaving the country unless they meet a Travel Exemption. Those who are not Australian citizens or residents are allowed to leave the country. Some Australians are also free to leave, including those who are "ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia", airline and maritime crew, outbound freight workers, and essential workers at offshore facilities. All other citizens and residents must have an exemption if they want to leave.
Those who hold an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card (ABTC) are not automatically exempt but can apply for an exemption and provide evidence to support their claims.
Travel exemptions are available under limited circumstances, such as Critical Work and Compassionate Cases. Individuals in the following categories can apply for an exemption from the travel restrictions:
- A foreign national invited by the Australian Government to assist in the COVID-19 response
- A foreign national whose entry would be in the national interest, supported by the Australian Government
- A person providing critical or specialist medical services, including air ambulance, medical evacuations, and delivering critical medical supplies
- A foreign national with critical skills or for work in a critical sector
- A foreign national sponsored by an employer to work in Australia in an occupation on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)
- A student in the final years of study of a medical, dental, nursing, or allied health profession university degree
- A person who resides on a vessel that seeks a safe port
- Persons travelling for compassionate and compelling reasons
Exemption applications are assessed by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and applicants are advised to apply at least two weeks but not more than three months before departure. If a request is refused, an applicant can reapply.
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How to apply for a travel exemption to Australia
Australia has implemented strict border controls to protect the welfare of its citizens due to the threat of Covid-19. The process of obtaining an exception to Australia's international travel ban is not necessarily an easy process.
Firstly, you need to determine whether you are exempt from applying for a travel exemption. Australian citizens and permanent residents who have only been in Australia or New Zealand for the 14 days immediately before departure can travel to New Zealand without applying for an outwards travel exemption. Diplomats accredited to Australia (holding a Subclass 995 visa) and their immediate family members are also exempt from applying for a travel exemption. Travellers transiting through Australia for 72 hours or less are also exempt.
If you are not exempt, you must apply for a travel exemption. You must apply at least two weeks but not more than three months before departure. However, if your travel relates to the death or critical illness of a close family member, you can apply inside this timeframe and your application will be prioritised. You must meet at least one of the following conditions in order to apply for an exemption: your travel is as part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the provision of aid; your travel is essential for the conduct of critical industries and business (including export and import industries); you are travelling to receive urgent medical treatment that is not available in Australia; you are travelling on urgent and unavoidable personal business; or you are travelling on compassionate or humanitarian grounds.
You must provide evidence to support your claims, which must be officially translated into English. Evidence may include proof of a current valid visa, a letter from a doctor or hospital about any medical treatment/condition with statements on why travel is necessary, a letter from an employer showing why the travel is necessary, or any other proof you may have to support your claims.
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What evidence is required to support an application
To support an application for a travel exemption to Australia, individuals must provide evidence to explain their request. This evidence must be in English. The Australian Border Force Commissioner will assess the application and grant the exemption, if approved.
If you are a foreign national invited by the Australian government, you must provide evidence that you are:
- Providing aid in the COVID-19 response
- Providing critical or specialist medical services, including air ambulance, medical evacuations, and delivering critical medical supplies
- A student in the final years of study of a medical, dental, nursing, or allied health profession university degree
- Travelling for compassionate and compelling reasons, such as the death or serious illness of a close family member
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you must provide evidence that you:
- Are moving to another country on a long-term basis, such as leases, job offers, and evidence that your goods are being transported
- Are travelling for urgent and unavoidable personal business
- Are travelling for compassionate or humanitarian reasons
- Are travelling to receive urgent medical treatment that is not available in Australia
- Are travelling as part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak
- Are travelling for critical work or business
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How long does it take to process an application
The time it takes to process a travel exemption application varies and is dependent on several factors. The Australian Border Force (ABF) Commissioner has the discretion to approve travel exemptions, and the strength of the evidence provided in support of the application is crucial.
The ABF advises applicants to apply at least two weeks before their departure date, but no more than three months in advance. However, there is no guarantee that the application will be processed within this timeframe, and significant delays have been reported, even in emergency situations.
The ABF has stated that it will prioritise applications from those travelling due to the death or critical illness of a close family member, even if the application is made within the two-week window.
The application process can be challenging, and some individuals have reported applying multiple times before receiving approval. It is important to be thorough and specific when applying for an exemption and to provide sufficient supporting evidence. The ABF has provided a new COVID-19 travel exemption portal, which allows applicants to check the status of their application and its priority based on the travel date.
If a request is refused, applicants can reapply, but it is important to note that failing to comply with the travel ban is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both.
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What happens if an application is refused
If your application for a travel exemption is refused, you should not continue with your travel plans. Failing to comply with the ban is a criminal offence, punishable by up to five years' imprisonment, a $63,000 fine, or both.
If you are travelling to South Australia from a restricted zone and your exemption request is denied, you may be refused entry or arrested. You will be issued a $1,000 on-the-spot fine, as well as an upfront $3,000 per person charge for medi-hotel accommodation, if required.
If your exemption request is refused, you can reapply. You can also contact the SA Ombudsman to dispute the outcome. It is important to be thorough and specific when applying for an exemption. A migration lawyer can help you structure your statement and provide advice on how to support your claims with evidence.
If you are seeking an exemption from Australia's outbound travel restrictions on the basis that you are leaving Australia for three months or longer, you must provide evidence to support your claims. All evidence supporting a travel exemption claim needs to be officially translated into English. If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you cannot leave Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions unless you have an exemption.
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Frequently asked questions
Individuals in the following categories can apply for an exemption from the travel restrictions: foreign nationals invited by the government to assist in the COVID-19 response; foreign nationals whose entry would be in the national interest; a person providing critical or specialist medical services; a foreign national with critical skills or for work in a critical sector; a foreign national sponsored by an employer to work in Australia in an occupation on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL); a student in the final years of study of a medical, dental, nursing, or allied health profession university degree; a person who resides on a vessel that seeks a safe port; and persons travelling for compassionate and compelling reasons.
You can apply for a travel exemption online at https://travel-exemptions.homeaffairs.gov.au/tep. You must apply at least two weeks but not more than three months before departure. You must provide evidence to support your claims, which must be officially translated into English. Evidence may include proof of a valid visa, a letter from a doctor or hospital about any medical treatment or condition with statements on why travel is necessary, a letter from an employer showing why the travel is necessary, and any other proof to support your claims.
Individuals in the following categories are automatically exempt from Australia's international travel restrictions and do not have to apply for a Travel Exemption to enter Australia: diplomats accredited to Australia (holding a Subclass 995 visa); travellers who have been in New Zealand for 14 days or more immediately prior to arrival by air in Australia; travellers transiting Australia for 72 hours or less; Business Innovation and Investment (Subclass 188) Visa holders; and immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents.
You must meet at least one of the following conditions in order to apply for an exemption: your travel is part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the provision of aid; your travel is essential for the conduct of critical industries and business (including export and import industries); you are travelling to receive urgent medical treatment that is not available in Australia; you are travelling on urgent and unavoidable personal business; or you are travelling on compassionate or humanitarian grounds.
