Exemptions from ban on international travel by Australians

Hi. I am an Australian, who is living overseas. I am wondering about coming back to Australia for a month or two to be in a safer place during the covid pandemic. But I would need to leave again to take up a new job in July or thereabouts. Does anyone know if I would be exempt from the ban on Australians traveling overseas? Or would I be trapped in the country indefinitely?

Per "Department of Home Affairs Website" under "Covid-19" & "Leaving Australia":

Australians:

Australian citizens and permanent residents cannot travel overseas due to COVID-19 restrictions.

However, if you want to leave Australia, you may be able to apply online for an exemption to travel if you fall under one of the following categories:

> 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

> compassionate or humanitarian grounds

> your travel is in the national interest.

Depending on your reason for requesting exemption, evidence must be provided and could include:

> proof of ID

> marriage certificates

> birth certificates

> death certificates

> proof of relationship (for example, shared tenancy agreement, joint bank account etc.)

> visa status

> letter from a doctor or hospital indicating why the travel is necessary

> letter from an employer indicating why the travel is necessary or the work undertaken is critical

> letter from a related business or company

> any other proof you may have to support your claims.

All evidence supporting a travel exemption claim needs to be officially translated into English.

You should apply for an exemption as early as possible —at least 48 hours before your intended departure time. If granted an exemption, you must take evidence of that exemption to the airport.

You will not need to apply for an exemption if you are:

> ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia

> airline and maritime crew and associated safety workers

> a New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa

> engaged in the day-to-day conduct of outbound and inbound freight

> associated with essential work at offshore facilities

> travelling on official government business, including members of the Australian Defence Force.

Be aware that countries around the world are implementing their own border restrictions in response to COVID-19 and the international air network is reducing in capacity. This may impact your ability to enter another country.

Foreign nationals:

Due to the current situation in Australia due to COVID-19, including state and territory border restrictions, business closures and social distancing requirements, all international visitors are encouraged to depart if it is possible to do so.

Important: You should be aware that countries around the world are implementing their own border restrictions in response to COVID-19 and the international air network is reducing in capacity. This may impact your ability to enter another country.

Travellers may be able to re-enter Australia if they meet entry conditions. These requirements are under constant review and may change at any time.

Is there any flights to Malaysia? Supposed to fly back on the 8th of June by Malaysian airlines but they cancelled all flights and my 3 month stay as a visitor will be expiring by mid June.

Air Asia has stated that they will be flights to KL from Sydney, Melbourne (Avalon), Gold Coast, and Perth. From the 1st of July. Subject to government approvals.

If you want to get home earlier search: "Fly Back Home with Malaysia Airlines" they have been operating some flight in May and possibly June flights will be added. No start date for resumption for regular services yet. Subject to government approvals.

Also contact your local embassy or consulate for more info they may be organising more flights soon too.

Remember Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia enforces the use of face masks on-board their aircraft for all passengers.

Depending on the visa that you have you might be able to apply for an extension or be eligible for a new visa whist you are in Australia. Look at the “Department of Home Affairs - Immigration” website under “Covid-19” for more information.

If your visa has expire you could apply for a “Bridging Visa” look at the “Department of Home Affairs” website under “Covid-19” for more information.

Hi , I'm looking for information regarding travel to Bali as I'm working in Australia and living in Bali with my pregnant Indonesian wife. I'm in Australia unable to return to Bali. I have applied for exemption to travel but still waiting a reply from home affairs. Question is do I need to have a kitap to prove that I live in Bali . I'm an Australian citizen.

Slightly off-topic but I regularly summer in Canada and my friend spends summer here using eTA for visa - with her March 31 flight cancelled she wisely decided to stay and applied for a "Streaming" visa (cost $385) - good for 12 months and was automatically sent a bridging visa … Not expecting a response to the visa application before the borders open so a nice little earner for the Home Affairs Dept.

Is Australia not offering an amnesty or automatic visa extension for foreign nationals stuck in Australia? New Zealand is, and so is Thailand. Strange, if Australia isn't.