1. When will Australia’s airports be open for international travel?
Airports have never been closed. Airlines did cancel all or most of their flights, which has reduced the numbers of flights substantially. However, there were always flights arriving and departing from all major Australian cities and they continue to operate every single day.2. When will airlines be back flying in and out of Australian cities (the ones that have cancelled their services)?
This is an impossible question to answer, as each airline has to receive approval from their own government and from each government of the country they will be flying into. However, we can tell you that from 1st July a lot more flights are been added in the system. This includes many more flights from Middle Eastern carriers (Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates) and also few flights with Qantas and some Asian carriers.
3. Can my girlfriend, husband-to-be, uncle, wife, kum, parents come to visit me in Australia?
The last information we have received from the Immigration Department is that they are no longer issuing any standard visas (this excludes urgent requests). However, if your relatives/friends already have visas in place, depending on the actual visa they may or may not be allowed to fly into Australia. More information about passengers arriving into Australia can be found on these links:
https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/coming-australia
https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid-19-visa-travel-questions-answered
4. It says that people coming to Australia need to go into quarantine for 14 days? Is that at home?
Yes, that is correct. Everyone that arrives in Australia will need to go into a 14-day quarantine. Unfortunately, the quarantine will be in a hotel, which means that no one will be able to visit them for the duration of the quarantine. Only once each passenger gets negative result on COVID-19 twice, will they be able to go home.
5. Who pays for the 14 days hotel quarantine?
At the moment, the government pays for all passengers’ 14 days quarantine. However, there is talk that this may change in future and that each passenger will have to pay for this out of their own pocket.
6. Can I travel to Europe/America/Asia or any other overseas destination now?
As all Australians are under a complete non-essential travel ban, the only way to leave the country is to get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs. Even passengers that have two passports will need to get this exemption. Without the exemption, passengers will not be allowed to board the plane.
More details about this exemption and how you can apply for one can be found here https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/leaving-australia
7. Is there a direct contact number for the department that approves exemptions (to leave Australia)?
Unfortunately not. You need to apply online and wait for the reply or call Department of Home Affairs on the general inquiries line 13 18 81. Please make sure you write down the reference number provided once you lodge a request (it will appear on a computer screen when you click ‘submit’).
8. What are acceptable reasons to get an exemption?
Unfortunately, we do not have this information. You will need to visit the Department of Home Affairs website or call 13 18 81 for more information. However, as all non-essential travel is not permitted, we would think that the reason has to be something that cannot be postponed or cancelled. This would generally mean that the holidays do not qualify. Regardless of the reason you provide, you will need to provide supporting documentation for your application. All documents have to be translated into English.
9. When will we be able to travel without an exemption?
Nothing has been officially confirmed as yet. We are expecting that some “travel bubbles” around the Pacific may open in July, which could mean that the restrictions may slowly ease for other destinations. We will not know until we receive an official announcement from the government agencies.
10. What is the procedure at the airport? How many hours before flight departure do I need to get to the airport?
Only passengers will be allowed into the airport building/terminal. This means that temperature & thermal body checks, together with paperwork checks (passports, electronic ticket and exemption, if one is needed) are done as soon as you get to the airport. If everything is in order, you can say goodbye to your loved ones and continue on to check-in on your own (and yes waving and blowing kisses through the tinted windows is a must). Passengers should be at the airport minimum of 3 hours before departure.
11. Are airlines following social distancing measures on all flights?
No. If there are empty seats, airlines will spread the passengers out as much as possible however, if airlines are given an opportunity to sell all of the available seats on each flight, they can and will.
12. Are we given masks, hand sanitisers and gloves on each flight?
Most airlines do provide these packs, but it is strongly recommended that each passenger has their own anti-bacterial pack with them at all times. We also suggest that you take some antibacterial wipes, to wipe seats, tables and screens on each of your flights.
Didn’t we say in our previous newsletter that there is freedom at last! But only if it does not include overseas travel 😉 Having said that, we are making slow progress and each week and each month, we are getting closer to some exciting new destinations! We will keep you posted on the latest news and changes as they roll out. But for now, let’s explore our own backyard and enjoy beautiful Australia!
We hope you and your loved ones remain safe and in good health during these uncertain times.
We have always been and will continue to be here for you and we sincerely thank you for your support and loyalty.
From our families to yours,
Setravel xxx
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