Australia: New South Wales bans entry for non-Australian citizens from New Zealand from Feb. 25 /update 21

Event

New South Wales (NSW) authorities have banned the entry of non-Australian citizens with travel history to New Zealand within the last two weeks from Feb. 25. It is unclear whether the government provides any exceptions from the policy. Arrivals from New Zealand who can still enter NSW must quarantine at designated facilities for 14 days at their own expense. Additionally, authorities are advising those already in NSW and who have been to New Zealand from Feb. 20 to undergo COVID-19 tests and isolate until the test results return negative.

Officials continue to limit indoor and outdoor public groups to 50 people in Greater Sydney. Up to 500 people can attend outdoor performances and protests, while 2,000 people can attend seated outdoor gatherings. Outdoor venues can operate with one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet). Most nonessential businesses can open with a capacity limit of one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet). Facemasks are mandatory on public transport; health staff also continue to advise the use of facemasks in areas where social distancing is not guaranteed.

In other areas of New South Wales, indoor gatherings are limited to 50 people, while outdoor gatherings are capped at 100 people. Up to 3,000 people can attend outdoor performances and protests, while 5,000 people can attend seated outdoor gatherings. Nonessential businesses can operate with their capacity limited to one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet). Capacity limits do not apply to transport hubs, hospitals, courts, supermarkets, schools, hotel accommodations, and commercial operations, including office buildings, factories, warehouses, and mining and construction sites, among others. Authorities urge residents in regional NSW to wear facemasks in indoor public areas where social distancing is impractical, especially on public transport, though there is no mandate.

Domestic Border Controls
NSW allows most travelers from all Australian states and territories to enter without quarantine. However, officials continue to ban nonresidents who have been to places of "high concern" in Victoria at specified times. Returning residents who visited these locations at the specified times must complete a health declaration if arriving by air or train and self-quarantine for 14 days.

International Quarantine Requirements
Most travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Costs for quarantine are at the traveler's own expense, payable at the end of the period. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,380) for the first adult, AUD 1,000 (USD 793) per additional adult, and AUD 355 (USD 281) per child; the government does not charge fees for children under three years old. Authorities require quarantined travelers to take a COVID-19 test on the 10th day of quarantine. Refusal to take tests will result in an additional 10 days in quarantine.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by government health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Plan for transport disruptions and delivery delays between Victoria and New South Wales. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

New South Wales Government
NSW Health
NSW Self-isolation Guide