Restrictions and Exceptions for Travel to Australia as of 1 February 2022

It has been two years since the COVID-19 epidemic began. Since initially sealing its borders, Australia has changed a number of its travel policies during this time.

Keeping up is challenging!

We are providing a summary of the travel limitations as of February 1, 2022, to reflect this. Additionally, we provide details on who should and qualifies for travel waivers.

Please be aware that these limitations and exemption possibilities are constantly subject to change. Any updates will be shared and published on our blog as well as our Facebook and LinkedIn accounts.

1. Australians who are fully immunized

Travel to and from Australia is unrestricted for fully immunized Australian citizens and permanent residents. If you fall under this category, there is no need for you to request a travel exception.

2. Vaccination-compliant, visa-eligible individuals

Australia is accessible to those with valid visas who are fully immunized without the need to request a travel exemption.

One of the following visas must be held in order to be eligible:

• Sponsored Regional Visa (subclass 487)
• regional visa (provisional) (subclass 489)
• Regional (Provisional) visa for skilled labor (subclass 491)

• Regional (Provisional) Skilled Employer sponsored visa (subclass 494)

• Visa for Temporary Work (Short Stay) (subclass 400)

• International Relations Temporary Work Permit (subclass 403)

• Business Owner Visa – State/Territory Sponsored (subclass 163)

• visa for retirement investors (subclass 405)

• Graduate visa that is recognized (subclass 476)

• Temporary Visa for Skill Shortage (subclass 482)

• Permanent Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

• marriage visa prospective (subclass 300)

• Visa for Contributory Parents (Temporary) (subclass 173)

• Visa for Sponsored Parents (Temporary) (subclass 870)

• Aged Parent Contributory (Temporary) Visa (subclass 884)

• Visa for New Zealanders in Family Relationships (subclass 461)

• Retirement permit (subclass 410)

• Visa for Training and Research (subclass 402)

• training permit (subclass 407)

• visa for temporary activity (subclass 408)

• Work visa for holidays (subclass 417)

• Visa for a Special Category (subclass 444)

• skilled temporary work visa (subclass 457)

• Work and vacation visa (subclass 462)

• pupil visa (subclass 500)

• Student visa, temporary (subclass 560)

• Visa for the Sector of Vocational Education and Training (subclass 572)

• a student visa for schools (subclass 571)

• Visa for the Higher Education Sector (subclass 573)

• visa for the postgraduate research sector (subclass 574)

• visa for the nonaward sector (subclass 575)

• Visa for Student Guardian (subclass 580)

• Visa for Student Guardian (subclass 590)

• Visa for maritime crew (subclass 988)

• Special Humanitarian In-Country Visa (subclass 201)

• Visa for Emergency Rescue (subclass 203)

• Visa for Women at Risk (subclass 204)

• Temporary Humanitarian Stay Visa (subclass 449)

• visa for temporary protection (subclass 785)

• Visa for Temporary Humanitarian Concern (subclass 786)

• Secure Haven Business Visa (subclass 790)

• asylum visa (subclass 200)

If you have one of these visas but are still immunized to the fullest extent possible, you must first seek for an individual travel exemption before visiting Australia. Only if the Department of Home Affairs grants you the exemption will you be permitted to enter Australia.

Please be aware that the Australian Department of Home Affairs examines this visa list on a regular basis and may eventually add subclasses.

3. Members of the immediate families of Australians and eligible New Zealanders

Australian travel restrictions do not apply to immediate family members of citizens, permanent residents, or citizens of New Zealand who typically reside in Australia.

But if you have a temporary visa, you might still need to demonstrate your relationship and ask for a travel exception.

Both of these steps can be guided through by and advised by our advisers.

Who is deemed to be “immediate family”?

In Australia, the following individuals are considered “immediate family”:

• Spouses
• Compromised relationships
• kids who are dependent
• the dependent child’s parents or guardians

Australian adults’ parents represent a unique case.

The parents of adult Australian citizens or permanent residents were added to Australia’s definition of “immediate family” in November of last year. This adjustment was made specifically for calculating trip exemptions.

In Australia, a person is considered an adult if they are 18 years of age or older, and parents are defined as:

• Natural parents
• Adoptive parents are also considered legal parents.
• Stepparents
• spouse’s in-laws

You must establish your relationship with your adult Australian children in order to travel to Australia as a parent. You also need to be properly immunized and have a valid passport and visa.

However, if you have one of these visas, you must ask for a travel exception.

If you are considered a “immediate family member” by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, you must submit an application for a travel exemption in one of these circumstances:

You are in possession of a temporary visa, such as a visitor’s visa or a temporary partner (subclass 820 or 309) or child (subclass 445) visa.

You lack a vaccination and have a Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa.

It’s crucial to understand that unless the Department of Home Affairs granted you an exemption, you won’t be permitted to go to Australia. Additionally, you must possess a current visa.

Just to be clear, those with partner visas (subclasses 100, 309, 801 and 820) and child visas (subclasses 101, 102 and 445) are excluded from the requirement to get a travel exemption.

4. Substantially exempt categories

Along with the permits and classifications already mentioned, the following groups of people are also exempt from travel restrictions:

Those who arrived by flight in Australia after spending at least 14 days in New Zealand

Australian-accredited diplomats, including the members of their immediate families

those passing through Australia for no more than 72 hours

airline staff, maritime staff, and marine pilots

people hired through the Pacific Labour Scheme or the Seasonal Worker Program, both of which have government approval

Those who are in possession of a Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) visa

People who have a Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa and are part of the Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce’s “Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Event” stream

individuals who are invited or supported to participate in military operations by the Australian Defense Force or the Department of Defense

Individuals who wish to enter Australia on a Special Purpose visa and who have a predetermined status

fully immunized residents of:

Singapore,

Japan, also

traveling from Singapore, Japan, and South Korea, arriving in an Australian state or territory that doesn’t need travelers to go through quarantine when they are completely immunized

Passport holders from New Zealand with all required vaccinations want to enter Australia on a Special Category visa (subclass TY444)

5. Exemption requests for accompanying youngsters who are Australian citizens or permanent residents

In cases where an adult must accompany a kid to Australia, Australia provides travel waivers for the adult.

The minor child must be an Australian citizen or legal permanent resident. The adult should, unless there are unusual circumstances, be a relative, such as an aunt, uncle, or grandmother.

Travel waivers for this group are typically accepted in the following situations:

Typically, one guardian per child under two years old is exempt from travel requirements.

Typically, only one guardian from the same family who is responsible for more than two children is granted a travel exemption.

If medical advice and supporting documentation are presented, the Department of Home Affairs will consider adding extra guardians on a case-by-case basis.

6. Person-specific exemptions

If you do not possess an eligible visa or if you are not immunized and possess any sort of visa, you may apply for an individual exemption.

a foreign national en route to Australia at the invitation of the federal government, a state or territory government, or any entity with jurisdiction for the purpose of helping with the COVID-19 response

a foreigner whose admittance into Australia would be in the interests of the nation and who has the backing of the Australian Government or a state or territory government authority

a provider of urgent or specialized medical services, such as air ambulance, medical evacuations, and emergency medical supply delivery

foreign national working in Australia’s most crucial area or possessing crucial skills

a foreign worker who has been invited by your company to work in Australia in a profession on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)

Person who, with the approval of the appropriate state or territory authority where safe haven is sought, temporarily dwells on a vessel that seeks safe port at the nearby assigned port for reprovisioning or safety reasons.

Student who has been chosen to participate in an international student arrivals plan and who:

endorsed by the state or territory in question, and

As satisfying the Protocols and Preconditions for International Student Arrivals, the Department of Education, Skills, and Employment has given its approval.

Student who has proof of a confirmed placement in an Australian hospital or medical practice and is in their last three years of a medical university degree. The assignment has to start soon—within the next two months—and it must offer medical services to Australians.

Students pursuing higher degrees in research, such as PhD and Masters by research, who are enrolled in an Australian educational institution and who:

proof of an active research grant from a Commonwealth organization or assistance from an appropriate government organization outlining:

why the study is deemed important and/or in Australia’s best interests, and

how the research depends on your role

Student who has completed grades 11 and 12 with:

the Department of Education, Skills, and Employment’s (DESE) support, and

help from the health and education departments of the relevant state or territory governments.

Student in the latter two years of a dental, nursing, or allied health degree program, with proof of a position confirmed in an Australian hospital or medical practice starting in the next two months.

• traveling because it is kind and necessary.

Holder of a Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa who is not immunized under the following conditions: