Who is exempt from Australia's international coronavirus travel ban?

Hi PL, go to the Home Affairs COVID-19 enquiry page and select 'I want to transit through Australia'. There is a lengthy form to fill out, but you can request an exemption that way.

Hi,

Today I got the approval to departure Australia from ABF to go to Pakistan. I put the departure port Sydney in my exemption but unfortunately I lost my ticket. Now I want to depart from Melbourne because that was just the ticket in next month. I was wondering if you could tell me can I depart from Melbourne?

Thanks & Regards,

Arezoo

Arezoo: Exemptions are valid only from the international departure port nominated as part of the application process (the email you've received from Border Force should outline this). You'll either need to depart from Sydney as approved, or submit a new application for Melbourne. An exemption for one airport doesn't work in another.

Hi Chris, I just received approval for travelling outside Australia. Unfortunately I have to change flight dates. My approval letter does not say that I do not need to reapply if dates change. Does it mean I need to reapply with a new date or the date change is allowed for all authorised requests? Also, I stated I was moving overseas indefinitely. Do you know if I am liable if I come back in a month or two to take a job offer? Appreciate any help?

Hi!

I saw your comment and wanted to ask, how did you get approved? did you have a flight and visa ready?

I'm currently trying to leave Australia indefinitely and visa stations have just reopened. I'm applied for exemption but its pointless because I don't really have any visa details, or a flight date because I don't want to purchase and I cannot leave.

Can I ask how long it took to secure your approval? I am looking to travel outside of Australia indefinitely too but have not yet received visa.

Hi,

Could you please advise if you re-apply for changing airport in the end? Cos I'm still waiting for my approval but my next flight will be in a different airport.

Thanks in advance

Hi Arezoo,

Can you tell us what was your reasoning and what documents you did provide?

Thanks

Do you know about a citizen of New Zealand trying to leave Australia to go to the United States? Is the Australian government is that strict? Spent maybe about 6 months outside of Australia traveling South America. Not sure exactly how long to be considered non resident. Or what is required for a compassion exemption. thanks!!

Hi, my wife is a new zealand citizen and she is stuck in new zealand. The trans tasman travel is rumored to start in September. We got married just 3 months ago and have booked in for marriage registration on 22 july. We tried applying for the exepmtion before but got rejected. We did not have legal marriage registration as we got married overseas. I am not a Australian citizen/pr. I am on a temporary work visa. She needs to gwt here asap for our visa purpose. We have applied th expemption again attaching our wedding pics and invitation card as supporting documents. Please let us know if anyone is having similar travel problem and how do we resolve this ?

It took 4/5 attempts to finally get a last minute response. We purposely put our intended travel date for last friday and heard no response, so we kept calling home affairs and finally reached someone who cared after 2 hours of being on hold. It was sad to hear that the supervisor didnt care about our case but we eventually got a hold of the most patient and caring representative on the phone who put our application on URGENT. Then within a few hours my fiance got the email of his exemption. This process was more mentally draining than the K1 process but dont give up! I wish you all the best!

As in proof, we included both of our birth certificates, our US social security cards (he got one while studying abroad in the US awhile back), termination of lease, resignation of his job, wedding deposits, joint bank accounts, and links to the USCIS website to provide further information.

hope this helps!

Hi there

I have a similar kind of situation where my fiance is a PR of Australia and his request to come to our own marriage was denied three times so far telling that's not compassionate. we are under so much of pain at the moment. could you please let me know how you contact ABF via phone? also what re the documents you attached and how didi you write the request in the online form?

Thanks a lot. Your reply is much appreciated

Hi Djbridge12

I have a similar kind of situation where my fiance is a PR of Australia and his request to come to our own marriage was denied three times so far telling that's not compassionate. we are under so much pain at the moment. could you please let me know how you contact ABF via phone? also what re the documents you attached and how did you write the request in the online form?

Thanks a lot. Your reply is much appreciated

@chat@live: 

I am a Permanent Resident of Australia as well. My wedding was supposed to take place in July but we cancelled it and now its happening in December 2020 and i have to travel overseas in December. May i know what documents have you submitted and what reason have you provided? 

Thanks in advance and Your reply is much appreciated!

Hi Manny,

My wedding was supposed to happen in April but we postponed it to December 2020. Did you get exemption for leaving Australia? if then, can you please advise what documents have you provided?

Thanks is advance.

Please let me know how that goes

I am in Wellington NZ, and i need to get to London UK which atm looks like i will have to travel via Sydney

hey mate! Have you heard back?

Thanks- this is useful! I'm an Australian who usually lives in UK, arrived in Melbourne just over a month ago but need to get home to UK when I can. I was wondering how this works, so it seems they just check at the airport. It would be nice to know that you could be 100% sure about them letting you leave before getting to the airport, although I would meet those conditions. Any other advice gratefully received!

Thanks for sharing! Great information

Just stay put!
The last thing needed at the moment, is more people travelling around to wherever they feel is best for them. Here in HK it's kicked off again because of people doing exactly like what you've outlined.
They left HK because they thought it wasn't safe and went to Europe. Then they didn't want to be in Europe anymore so they headed back to HK. Some of them unknowingly brought the virus back which has no caused a second wave in HK.
Don't be selfish. Just stay put!

The people you are referencing must be HK residents/citizens because foreigners can't enter HK at the moment. In Asia, foreigners are currently persona non-grata except for a few limited exceptions. This should be clearly emphasized. Even foreign family members of local citizens can't get back to certain countries at the moment. Japan and the Philippines reportedly allow them, but Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and China do not.

that sucks dude! Im needing to transit via Sydney (going Wellington NZ to London UK, sadly bc of NZ's rules i cant go via Auckland which sucks bc AKL to London is availble with heaps of flight by Qatar Airways)

If you have trouble finding a flight to London (BA is suspending their service from 9th april to 22nd april) then try transit via Auckland, NZ

Ive submitted a form to be able to transit through Aus - waiting to hear back.

I am in a similar situation to you i.e. dual citizen with some family over in the UK. I was just wondering what evidence you provided which granted you the exemption?

Hi, Did you receive a response yet?

I too am a dual citizen but had already made all arrangements to move back to the UK months before any of this. I left my job and house here.

I have applied 3 times and the last 2 times they have not even bothered to respond to me.

Any information you have I'd be grateful for.

Thanks.

Hello,

Thank you for your post - I am in a similar position (French & Australian) living in Australia - I am trying to fly to Europe to spend 5 months and stay with my mother 83, widow. I applied for exemption of travel (this week) on humanitarian ground. Would love to hear if other people have been knocked back and why ?

If you have copies of bills (digital copies) for your place in Europe you can present those as part of your request for an exemption. Also, I would imagine if you have a European passport, just present that and say "I'm from Europe and I'm going home". Should be enough IMHO.

Show your Australian passport (assuming you entered the country on one) to immigration/border force. They will check that you have been out of the country for the majority of the last 12 months.

The Home Affairs website now says you must have been outside the country for the majority of the last 12 to 24 months. That makes it much more confusing. What's wrong with a simple clear-cut rule?

Hi Sidn, how did you go leaving? Did you have to provide any proof of residency in the UK? I'm in the same boat. I live in Norway and have to get back before my residency permit is null en void for being outside the country for too long.

Mine eventually came through, it took over a week. They are clear that you can change your date of departure though, just not the port. Good luck!

Thanks! i would be transiting - mine has come through also but they didnt say anything about changing port of entry

anyways goodluck !

I am an Aus/UK joint citizen, in process of returning to the Uk. My house has been sold, my belongings shipped, and now I am stuck. I applied for an exemption to the travel ban on Aussies leaving Australia on 2 April, and now, over 2 weeks later, I have heard nothing back Does this match other people's experience who may be in a similar position? I applied under the compassionate category and sent proof of fuel citizenship, hose sale, good shipment, house in the UK etc etc.

Hi,

I'm in the same situation. I received a response, the first time, within 4 business days but it was denied. I have reapplied twice since and have had no response for the last 4 weeks.

According to someone above they received an exemption and hadn't even been planning to relocate prior to this.

I can't seem to get any information on what to do next! I am just going to keep applying I suppose....

If you wouldn't mind posting if you get out that would be helpful!

Thanks

Hey Georgie

From my understanding of reading comments on this thread , they are responding to people in order of how soon your flight is. So if your flight is in three days time you're likely to hear before someone whose flight is in a months time. You could try put an earlier dates flight number and change it later to see if you get approved.

Hi Sarah, Yes the first time was 4 days before the flight and I received the no response 9 hours before the flight was due to leave. I immediately put in another form for that same flight but with more supporting documents and had no response.

I then put in a 3rd form for a travel date 2 weeks away which was 6th May and still now 8th May I have had no response. It is very strange. There seems to be no order.

Thank you for your thoughts. I am desperate for more advice.

Have you tried calling home affairs ? I was able to get through to them a week ago and they were helpful regarding my query.

Yes I have phoned them 3 times now but they are unable to help with these applications at all they tell me. The last time I called (which was yesterday) they were more aware of what the requested information is on the form but only what we can already see on the website.

They seem sure that the department is managing each application on the intended flight date too and can't understand why I haven't received a response but cannot actually help further than that.

Hi!

thanks for your comments. Could you please share the phone number for home affairs?

Can i ask what your special circumstances were? I'm trying to gain an exemption and would be interested to know what gets approved as mine is a very difficult situation. Thanks in advance

How long is the exemption valid? Can we say we are leaving on 14 July and leave 30 July?

Which process did your customer follow to get the verbal approval?

I just failed to get on a flight in Sydney, the exemption had not come through; I submitted the request last week. There doesn't seem to be any way to check on the application status to see if there has been a problem.

I will find out and let you know.

Can you tell me how you were able to help your customer get an exepmtion? I have been waiting for over 2 weeks.

hey mate - sorry to hear about your complex situation

Im a Kiwi, My partner is also back in the UK (she's british) and im in Wellington NZ (got stuck here while visiting parents (im also on the tier 5 visa)), and due to the alert level 4 lockdown in NZ i cant get from Wellington to Auckland to get an international flight :(

I have been approved an exemption to transit australia but the next wellington to sydney direct isnt for a while and would be looking to get a another flight on the iteninry from Sydney to LHR

Anyways onto you...

i think there is a way for you mate (i fully understand you need to go pick up your BRP in that required time u mentioned) -- https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm -- check out this link, it outlines the current border rules everywhere

For Australia:

"This does not apply to nationals of Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Isl., Micronesia (Federated States), Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa (American), Solomon Isl., Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu when they are transiting through Australia to their home country."

You hold a NZ passport right? So my understanding is that you can leave australia and 'go home' to NZ and surely the Australian border control cant stop that. With a NZ passport you're fully entitled to return home.

But due to NZ rules, you will be in quarantine in Auckland for 2 weeks (you wont be able to get anywhere else in NZ during lockdown - and sadly you wont count as essential travel in NZ to be able to go anywhere domestically )

And then get an international flight out of Auckland with Air NZ to LAX, United airlines from LAX to LHR.

Alternatively Auckland to London with Qatar airlines (stop over in Doha)

Try look into that mate. Do not leave AKL bc trying to get back to Auckland will be a nightmare (trust me, experiencing it right now)

Maybe see if u can get a travel agent to sort out a iteninry that goes Aus --> AKL, NZ --> London, UK so you can just fully transit in nz and dont have to deal with quarantine in AKL. (Double check this tho lol)

Also i think it would be best you contact the UK Govt via phone call (it'll cost $$ but itll be worth it) https://www.gov.uk/

Also contact the NZ embassy in London to let them know whats going on https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/europe/united-kingdom/new-zealand-high-commission/

Goodluck mate

Bob, I'm sorry to hear of your situation.. Certainly a rough hand dealt to us and I've gotten no where with a response from the authorities.. I appreciate that there's a lot in the mix though the anxiety levels increase daily.

I'll put in for an exemption to leave Australia for the UK this week.. God willing I can get traction.. there is word that some information will be released from home office in the week or two about tier 5'ers in this position that were are..

I do hope you are able to make it to Auckland and subsequently onto the UK asap.

I created a FB group "kiwis for the UK 2020" a few weeks back. Pretty much a group for people in our situations re the visas and sharing (what little) information and experience we can to help each other through. Feel free to join.

Hi Harj, I was due to travel on Monday 6th, but my Exemption didn't come through. I went to the airport anyways. I was not able to fly, there is no one there to plead your case to.

Basically the process at the airport is as follows:

* You need to show your Passport and Itinerary at the entrance to get into Departures.

* Prior to getting to the Check In desk, you will be stopped by the Australian Border Force. If you don't have an Exemption Certificate in hand, they will go make a phone call for you to check the database. The database is simply a list of names, passport numbers, and departure ports for those who are approved to travel. If you are not on it, it is game over. They have no way of checking on your application.

* They are kind enough to let you wait in case it DOES come in prior to your flight closing (1hr before take off) - I did this, sat and waited in the off chance it would turn up. It did not, so I was able to get my flight moved at the Service Desk there (WAY easier than calling your airline at present) before heading home.

3 hrs later.... my Exemption came through - and I managed to get rebooked on to the 7th.

When you have an exemption in hand, the process is as follows:

* Show it to borders, they will fill out a form for you, get it signed by a manager, then you can go to check in.

* At check in they check this form against your travel details, then make a phone call to Immigration for formal approval. This took about 20 mins.

* Once you have this, you get to go to Passport Control, where they will check it all through one last time, and you will then be allowed through to security and to board.

So all up it adds quite a bit to check in.

One thing to note - the DATE of departure does not matter, just the PORT - so if you get an Exemption for the 17th, you can use it on the 10th - and vice-versa.

I believe they are trying to prioritise approvals based on your date of departure, so if you've put a date of the 17th in I expect it would be bottom of the pile.

Having been through this, it is a frustrating process and there is literally NO ONE you can talk to about the status of it, even at the airport. Its a brand new process and the guys on the ground don't have any more info than we do.

You really just have to wait I'm afraid - but they DO come through.

Thank you so much for the insight, appreciate it! My application response still has not come through that I submitted a couple days ago for travel on 10/04. I have managed to also get re-booked on the 13/04...so if it does turn up late which seems to be the case, i have alternate arrangements.

Fingers crossed!

Just out of curiosity, how long before departure did you submit your application?

Hi smgduncan, I just received my approval but i am worried about privacy. From your experience, there is any possibility for the officers in charge to know about the exact reasons for which you are granted an exemption? I would like to keep this private and I wouldn't want any comment from a particularly friendy officer. I am thinking to just omit my request from the bottom part of the authorisation reply to keep it more reserved. Did any of the forms you filled state or required that precise reasons needed to be included? Or did they jut go under the vague caterories (such as 'compassionate grounds')? I would greatly appreciate any help from you or anybody else.

When we left at the airport there was no discussion of the reason. We were sat on a bench about 10 metres away from the desk while they did their checks and signed a form. We were then told we were good to go. That's it.

what was your outcome?

Hi Kristie,

I had submitted a letter for exemption last week for this exact reason. Australian citizen accepted a full time job pending visa. Target departure date in June. I thought it might be best to seek exemption as my new employer has spent money on business immigration lawyer starting the visa. Will keep you posted on my results

Thanks so much for that Kue, and good luck!

Hi Kirstie, was jus reading the forum and curious if you did get exemption. If yes, let me know the docs to be provided for taking up a job overseas

Cheers, Sydney boy

Hi kue, please keep us posted your result for exemption. The docs required for overseas job will be useful. Thanks Baggy

Hi Kue8. Can you please tell me how you went with your exemption application? I have a business in USA and want to return there for work in June. Thanks.

Hi sydneyboy and BMO.

I have not had any response yet i had applied Monday last week.

Documents - email of job offer/contract, for USA H1b visa approval, lca, accomodation

Cheers thanks Kue. All the best . Do let us know the result . Also advise if they request for a departure date and air ticket/ itenary.

HI kue, did u get your exemption?

Negative I have not heard any response at all from any unclassified emails. Maybe because June 1 is still some time away

Good luck. Hopefully before your departure date

any updates? i've applied for travel for June 27 but I applied in March! no reply yet! it's been a month!

I doubt they are entertaining exemptions so far in advance since they have to prioritize people leaving soon. BTW Emirates and other airlines, such as THAI, Singapore Airlines and Etihad have started releasing their revised schedules, which include flights to Australia, starting July 1. This is a good sign.

Although schedules are dynamic and could be further adjusted, I personally believe the CEOs of major airlines have been briefed by high level government officials as to when they can expect to restart operations, which is why they have released schedules for July. The problem is, most people think everything that happens in the world is a series of random coincidences that policymakers and governments try to deal with. It's not like that at all; government is very much in control, even if doesn't appear that way to the rest of the population.

Not sure you'd get a reply. The travel restrictions only apply (at this stage) until 18 June, so there is no restriction from 27 June travel, so at this stage nothing to exempt you from. IIRC When the emergency was declared for three months it was foreshadowed that it might need to be extended. Nothing like maximum uncertainty.

Hi Kue8,

I am in a similar situation like you, albeit I am only a permanent resident here in Australia. My multi-round interview process began in December 2019 and supposed to start my new employment in April and now delayed by two months. I am planning to fly to the USA from Melbourne on June 2nd (fingers crossed). I am about to apply for an exemption. I look forward to knowing your exemption request outcomes.

Thanks.

Hello, I received an email back from Unclassified this weekend. I was rejected as I need to raise a new ticket with the following. If you have all your documents in order I say to apply two weeks before departure as I dont believe they record the actual time stamps

Please provide confirmation that the offer of employment still stands.

·If intending to relocate long-term to the United States, please also provide supporting evidence such as a copy of the cessation of tenancy agreement, evidence of sale or lease of own property or confirmation of resignation or approved leave from employer.

Documents need to be in English or accompanied by an accredited translation.

You will now need to submit a new webform request for consideration with all supporting documentation including documents previously provided. Please include a statement that this is second request for exemption. To submit a new request go to: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/departmental-forms/online-forms/covid19-enquiry-form

Hi filjohns

I am in the same boat (dual UK and Aussie Citizen). The rule is that as long as you have an Aussie passport, you are classed as an Aussie Citizen and have to abide by the travel restriction rules.

If you can show you have lived out of Australia longer than in Australia, you can leave as you will be classed as a person that ordinarily resides abroad (one of the exemptions you need not apply an exemption for).

Otherwise, you will need to apply for an exemption with a compelling enough reason. They definitely process them based on intended travel dates. I got my approval 1 hour before the flight was to depart...so no way I could make it in time. I then had to delay my flight and get booked onto another departure slot.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Harj

Thanks for the reply. Interestingly this is my second application. The first one was rejected within 4 hours. With the standard reply of you haven't given enough info. Initially I requested under personal business. You can't amend a current application so I started a new one with compassionate reasons. It's now been 6 days since my application. Obviously I stand no chance of realistically challenging the law but you almost wonder if the restriction of your civil liberties. I primarily consider myself British and I want to visit my country where my fiance lives. On return I'm quite aware that I have to be quarantined. Which is adhering to all requirements. Happy to pay for the hotel too.

Hi, Can I ask what you provided to receive approval?
Thanks

Hi - just wanted to ask on the situation you mentioned since I am in the same boat. I have the 15 hour layover in Sydney before going San Fran with exemption. Have you already travelled or did you figure out any issues with domestic travel to Sydney and having the long-layover. Qantas told me that for the long layover I may need to be quarantined overnight in Sydney, but not sure if that is true?

thanks

Mike

Hi Kate,

Hoping you can clarify for me.. when you are saying anyone trying to enter the UK on these grounds are you meaning just a UK Tourist Visa? Should there be more than usual supporting documents? I am an Australian Citizen trying to get over to my partner in the UK and looking at my options.. it looks like I won't be able to apply for the youth mobility visa at the moment with everything on hold so if I was to get an exemption (a very big if) to travel based on compassionate grounds, I would be trying to go for the tourist visa for the 6 months.. but have never lived there?? I work from home so could show proof of this but a medical registration in the UK and proof of living there would not be something I'd be able to give, based on your dealings do you think they are turning tourists away?

Really appreciate any advice you have :) x

Hi Bianka,

I was just wanting to see how you went with your application? I am in a very similar situation. My partner is a UK citizen and i am seeking to leave on compassionate grounds (on a tourist visa) i was wanting to know what evidence you have submitted on your application ? my GP and psychologist have both advised they are happy to provide me with a medical certificate re my mental health and depression. I am despratly wanting to go and be with my partner :(

Hey @amandacini

I actually haven't applied for the exemption yet but plan to do so once I get my UK visa approved. I saw your comment below, I think you should apply for the 2 year Youth Mobility Visa if you can? These are still being processed and you would have a better chance at a travel exemption than with a tourist visa I feel as you would need to come back to Australia after 6 months on the tourist visa and the DFO would know that and might be reluctant to allow you to leave.

I completely understand how hard it is being away from your partner, this is causing so much stress to a lot of people. I think applying with evidence of your relationship and proof you will have a place to live once you arrive, any evidence that you will be leaving your life here like resigning from your job or ending your lease etc but definitely having your GP provide the medical certificate would help.

I am hoping to apply soon so I can fill you in on how I go xx

Hi Kate,

We have similar situation. my fiance is in the US, and I havent seen her for over 5 months. I was supposed to visit her in March right after ban came into effect. She is divorced / single mother for 2 children. She also suffers depression which worsen during COVID 19 pandemic. she also needs to go through a medical procedure. I submitted a letter from a dr. stating her hardship, her imaging results, pictures, my personal statement.

I received rejection. they are looking for proof of relationship (such as birth and or marriage certificate), letter from medical professional, hospital records, evidence that no other family in country can provide the level of support.

can you help shine some light and give ideas from your own experience?

Or anyone else?

It will be much appreciated,

I'm currently sat in Sydney airport having missed my flight, waiting to be picked up as my application has been rejected and I'm not allowed to leave Australia. I have PR but have a business in the UK. I also travel back a couple of times a year. The business is in trouble but apparently that isn't enough to let me leave to the country I am a citizen of & pay taxes in. Absolutely ridiculous situation!

That is ridiculous, given you are a citizen of the UK. Perhaps you should try demonstrating that you live there and most of your income comes from your business in the UK.

Yes, I have business interests in Asia and have applied for exemption. Was approved within a few days. But you'll have to spend two weeks in quarantine at a hotel, covered by the govt, on your return.

AsiaBizTraveller, Awesome! Can you please tell me if you applied under Urgent and Unavoidable Personal Business? Or Critical Business? And what evidence did you submit? Thank you so much!

@bmo. I applied under unavoidable personal business, they finally accepted once I sent historical financial statements to show why I needed to travel at this time (the business is seasonal) as well as a letter from another director in the biz saying I was required to return. I'm halfway through the journey in Doha (Qatar airways flight Syd to LHR). The first flight was packed, so make sure you get some masks etc as no chance for social distancing. Good luck!

BMO, he won't be allowed into any Asian country unless he holds a work permit, is a diplomat or there's a rare Asian country allowing foreigners in ATM. The only ones that might, are Japan and South Korea, but with conditions. He may be a citizen of the Asian country where he does business, which may allow him entry.

Almost all countries are requiring everyone to do a 14-day quarantine when entering their country. I think it's ridiculous to contemplate any business travel right now. I have a business to run but I am certainly not prepared to do 28-days of quarantine (14 in each country) to conduct a trip that can really wait for a few weeks. Not to mention, currently being in Asia and a foreigner, they simply aren't going to let me enter no matter how essential my business may be...except upon the approval of the prime minister, which I don't see happening.

@AsiaBizTraveller, but will any Asian country let you in at the moment? I can tell you, few will. Thailand is closed unless you're a diplomat or hold a Thai work permit. Singapore is closed to non-residents; non-citizens normally resident in Singapore need special permission to return. Both countries require a 14-day quarantine for all persons entering.

Malaysia is closed too - basically no foreigners allowed in, business interests or not. China is closed - no foreigners except diplomats being allowed in. Even foreigners with work permits - no. Ditto for Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. Cambodia probably as well. If you were allowed to enter Cambodia, you'd need insurance to the tune of US$50000 and a medical certificate certifying covid-19 negative status.

I have a business in Asia and I can't even travel from Thailand to Myanmar, not even by road. Like me, you'll just have to wait until the borders re-open. Perhaps in a month's time or so.

BMO, by July you should be able to return. Being America, their entry requirements aren't as erroneous as Asian countries are, with less emphasis on restricting foreigners. Are you an American citizen? If so, you stand a much better chance of being allowed back soon, but if you can wait until July, chances are, you'll be able to travel again by then, so I would wait.

TheFreqFlyer I am Australian but own a company in America, and work there 6 months of the year. I won't have problems being let into America. I'm more worried about whether or not I will be allowed to leave Australia in July after our Minister For Tourism said that International travel could be banned for 12 months. My company won't survive that long if I can't go back.

July is still a long way away. I am not a clairvoyant, but I am relatively sure that you'll be able to travel again by then.

Good that the USA will take you back; I didn't think it would be a problem if you have some kind of residency status. I presume you're a Green Card holder (permanent resident)? Thank goodness your business isn't in China, which is not letting any foreigners back in, irrespective of their residency status (single exception seems to be diplomats).

Is this the case though? government says travel ban will be in place until 2021. despite the biosecurity act only liable for 3 months

Everyone seems to be reading from the same script. Emirates and several other airlines have recently released their flight schedules, with services to return on July 1. This includes flights to Australia, which will be increased over the course of 2-3 months. This signals to me that flights will likely go ahead then, even if there is a possibility that the schedules may be revised again.

A lot of what's reported in the media is fear mongering. Hearing someone say the borders will only re-open in a year certainly sounds scary now, but if you calm down and put things into perspective, I think you'll probably realize that travel should return in the next couple of months. Besides, they're already starting to relax some restrictions in several countries including Australia, but also Vietnam and Europe.

yeah, what you're saying makes perfect sense. even the possibility is a little scary though!

Hi,I am hoping that you can advise me.I am anAustralian citizen married to an American.What are my chances of successfully getting an exemption to travel to the USA?

Hi Skangsshj, this article is about getting an exemption to leave Australia. If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident overseas, you don't need an exemption to come back home.

However, leaving India is the hard part with basically zero flights, so you should check with the Australian High Commission in India for your options.

On what basis did you receive your exemption? Did You have any personal circumstances that fell under the exemptions ?

What was your reasoning for the exemption MikeyJ?

Al I can say is I applied last night and had an EMAIL from Australian Government this morning CONFIRMING my exemption.

I thought of going under *compassionate* but went under the checked box of *personal urgency* I think it was.. anyway.. Give it some days I say. It's Friday on a short week.

BUT to answer your question yes, there was an email response

Hey Mikey,

what was the reason you gave you needed to leave in the further description and the documents you attached? Also, when were your planned flights? It appears they might be processing travel in the near future first. Looking to head back to our house in the French countryside where we have no rent and very few bills to pay...

how did it go? did you get it granted?

Hi Kue8, is your flight still 1 June (tomorrow)? Did you manage to get your exemption approved by ABF?

Hi Euges116,

Sorry I never replied back.. In short no. Once in a life time job offer was unable to get a E-3 Visa appointment and stamp so the hospital had rescinded the job offer due to covid. Wish everyone the best

It might not be. Don't make assumptions. No one knows the exact timeline of when things will return to normal, though it's unlikely to take more than a few weeks.

Don't make any plans too far in the future. Re-evaluate the situation in a month's time and you'll probably find it possible to travel again by June. Make those travel plans shortly before departure, provided you are certain at the time, that travel is possible.

Hi Annal12345,

I am a Danish PR and my partner is Australian citizen. We did long distance for 6 months but I came to Australia on a research visa on the 13th of March(2days before the lockdown) and we live together for 4 months now. My visa will expire in September and I will have to go back to Denmark for defending my MSc thesis anyway.

We are hoping she will get the travel exemption so she could come live with me in Denmark and we are looking to apply for compassionate grounds. However, we only have 6 months' shared rental history and we could also get a lot of statements of relationship from her parents/our friends.

Do you have any suggestions on what other documents we could get to strenghten our application?

We would very much appreciate some help!

Hi Ilie,

I received my approval 2 weeks ago after one try (I was surprised after reading everyone else's experience)! I would suggest you apply on the grounds that you will both be out of the country indefinitely.

- both your passport details

- Submit documentation relevant to your Masters, your danish CPR and other documents that establish your residency.

- Does she have a visa? What can she use to prove she has a right to be in Denmark

- provide your rental history in this recent place, also provide something that indicates that you have severed this lease, I provided a letter from my real estate agent saying I was leaving my place on a certain date.

- if relevant provide a document from either of your employer's stating that you have finished your employment in Australia

- In a word doc, you could have some photos of the two of you

- maybe flights you've taken together

Best of luck

Try obtaining a doctor's letter or some sort of medical evidence to substantiate your claim re: mental health.

I feel for you, really do. The stress of things if needed to get overseas right now is huge for so many.

For me, I proposed my travel dates and airline. I've attached copies of my passport and entry clearance to the overseas port in the files box.

Hi MikeyJ, congratulations on your exemption approval!

If I understood well, you did not have a flight booked when you applied for exemption.

Did you just state you were looking to book for a specifc date?

It would be greatly helpful if you could let me know.

Thanks in advance

Question. Does the USA allow Australian travelers not ordinarily resident there to enter the country ATM? On the IATA website, it's very vague, seeming to imply it may be possible, but no specific instructions. They should be more specific - can an ESTA be used at the present time (assuming Australia allows you to depart)?

My concern is that even if the Australian government approves your request, you may not be granted entry by the US authorities. If you can wait for another few weeks, travel should be permitted as usual again.

Keep in mind that many countries are even more "cruel" - many (most?) Asian countries are not allowing foreign residents (expats) to return to their families (who are usually local citizens), except if they have a work permit although those currently in these countries are allowed to leave. In general, there is a much greater distinction being made between foreigners and locals in Asia. Basically, only local citizens (and diplomats) can return to these countries at this time. Whereas in Australia's and America's case, foreign residents or foreign nationals who are married to local citizens, are being allowed in, even if they don't live there.

I'm no expert mate but I'd include everything you have from a photocopy of your passport to travel docs (entry clearance, visas).. a witness letter, maybe, sure, why not?

Only other thing I can think of is keep in mind what port you actually go international from.. I was to fly from Brisbane to UK but now has a transit in Sydney then to UK.. I applied for a second exemption so I can leave the Sydney airport.

yes I hear you. Find it pretty strange that that isn't automatically an exception. I would understand if they would force you to pay for the costs of 14 day quarantine if you wanted to come back before all restrictions were lifted. This way mostly stopping people getting in/out of the country at will... Nonetheless, it is a bit odd we're not allowed to leave...

Yes I agree! It would be totally fair that we should have to pay for the cost of quarantine if we are leaving the country at this time. I am going to write letters to my MP and the Minister for Immigration, it feels like a huge oversight.

Esp as there is NO such authority in the Migration Act. They are relying on the Biosecurity Act and it is highly debately if that provides sufficient legal authority to impose such a ban. Looks like it might be ultra vires (beyond legal authority).

The order is only in place for four week from 25 March 2020. May be extended or dropped then.

its already been extended- evidenced by the fact that its already been over 4 weeks and its still in effect. It can also be extended fro 3 months at a time indefinitely. so if they wanted to keep this going for a year they can, especially if they deem COVID as a threat to public health

Jayce, businesses are starting to open up now and airline schedules for July are being released. I predict it should be possible to travel overseas again come early July. Of course, as more information comes to light it will become easier to predict, but at this stage that's what it looks like. There is some light at the end of the tunnel.

I hope youre right! honestly during these times that's all we can rely on. I do also think that the Australian people wont really stand for an extended period like this.

Hey Fred888

I don't think that the Migration Act is the relevant legislation. The Biosecurity Act, maybe.

But Australia's a party to the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (1966), even though Australia hasn't bothered to incorporate it into an act of parliament. There's a provision in the ICCPR that allows this measure, c.f. my post further up in this thread. It appears as if they do have the legal authority by international treaty law

When UN treaties, to which a state is a party, allow for something, it's rather difficult to make the case that the state is acting ultra vires.

"Does anyone with dual citizenship question the legality of the Australian government requiring dual citizens to justify and provide documentation for returning to the other country of citizenship. Does it not raise issues of Australia impeding on another country's sovereignty by preventing those citizens from going to that country?"

It's more of a rights issue than a sovereignty issue. Not that renders this any less important. Imo, human rights are of greater importance than sovereignty (although many people and most states disagree with me). But even though this is contentious in terms of civil rights, the government is acting within a framework permissible by international law, in my opinion. And I'm no fan of Peter Dutton, to put it mildly.

The government has Art. XII(3) of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (1966) on their side. On the one hand, Art. XII(2) reads:

(2) Everyone shall be free to leave any country, including his own.

However, this is qualified by Art. XII(3):

(3) The above-mentioned rights shall not be subject to any restrictions except those provided by law, are necessary to protect national security, public order (ordre public), public health or morals or the rights and freedoms of others, and are consistent with the other rights recognized in the present Covenant.

A pandemic constitutes a 'public health' emergency and, thereby, activates that provision.

In principle, though, I agree that every human being should be free to travel, without let or hindrance, as per this treaty and also as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).

thanks a lot for the info mate... We'll try to get ourselves sorted first before making an application..

Did you receive an exemption?

Too early to say. Wait and see.

great, thanks for the info, very helpful

Hi Bianka,

I am sorry to hear about you're situation. I have a similar problem to you, my partner is living in Denmark and I don't have any documentation to prove the relationship. Can you let me know how you go if you apply?

Cheers

Hi Bianka,

I am a Danish PR and my partner is Australian citizen. We did long distance for 6 months but I came to Australia on a research visa on the 13th of March(2days before the lockdown) and we live together for 4 months now. My visa will expire in September and I will have to go back to Denmark for defending my MSc thesis anyway.

We are hoping she will get the travel exemption so she could come live with me in Denmark and we are looking to apply for compassionate grounds. However, we only have 6 months' shared rental history and we could also get a lot of statements of relationship from her parents/our friends. We could also get depression documentation from the doctor

How did your situation turn out?Did you make it to UK?

We would very much appreciate some help!

Hi Kyle!

please let me know if this works out for you. I'm in a very similar situation and with the talks of the travel ban being in place until 2021, I am quite distressed.

Thank you for sharing!

Wait and see looks like the right advice. At this stage the travel ban runs out on 18 June, so there is nothing now banning you from travel on 6 July, which also means you can't be exempted- there is nothing ATM to exempt you from. Of course it's likely the emergency and the ban will be extended, but for how long is anyone's guess.

I doubt it will be extended further. There are lots of indications that normal travel will resume early July. Of course, time will tell, but I'm confident that's the way it will be. Airlines aren't going to go to the trouble of releasing schedules and then a few weeks later issue new schedules and do the same several times over. They know they'll be able to fly come July 1, hence the schedules coming out in recent days.

That sounds about on par for Dept of Home Affairs. The most incompetent dept in Australia. No surprise with that moron Peter Dutton in charge.

Im in a very similar situation to you. My husband and I are PR's but UKCitizens..with a British passport. We just want to get home to my Mum who is 90....! I really hope you can get back! I havent applied yet..as we want to go in June. Please let me know how you go!

Hi, why you don't apply? Because processing will take more than 1 week and if you get the approval that is valid for 3 months. I applied and I got the approval 2 days ago after 10 days.

Thanks,

Arezoo

Hi kayceemelb, OK, they are in different departments, hope granted soon each other. I am in Adelaide, so wanted to be granted before I head to Sydney Airport. I change my flight date if I don't receive an exemption by Monday morning.

Have you received exemption approval yet?

Hi, I have received an e-mail this afternoon saying "authorised". I am a PR holder from Japan, applied under the compassionate or humanitarian ground. My father is seriously ill. I have been coming and going between Japan and Australia for a couple of years. Actually, I have my residence certificate and health insurance card in Japan. I submitted my father's medical certificate from the hospital, a copy of my family register to prove my parent-child relationship, a copy of my Japanese residence certificate and my Japanese health insurance card.

Hi YO. How long ago did you apply? And when is your flight date? I applied 2 April to fly 19 May, but no response so far, so interested to know. Thanks.

Hi richardd, I have applied on Sunday 19th Apr, and my flight date is tomorrow from Sydney, ABF seems to make exemptions according to the applicant's departure date.

YO, when did you get your approval? Just one day in advance, or longer? And how did they inform you? Via email? Well done, and safe travels!

richardd, I've received the approval around 2pm today, via email, just one day in advance, my flight is 9pm tomorrow.

thanks, good luck!

Hi Yo

Would it be possible to know what the medical certificate said? Was very detailed in relation to your father circumstances? I am in the same situation than you and applying soon. Many thanks

Gather more supporting evidence and wait until late May/early June to re-submit, since that flight is still nearly 2 months away. BTW normal flight schedules, though on a reduced frequency, are showing up starting on July 1. If you can move your flight to early July, that may work out in your favour.

richardd. Thank you for all those helpful suggestions, I am going to try to provide all that evidence as best I can, though I really do wish that I had a marriage certificate between me and my partner because I feel maybe that would of been to our advantage in our current situation, never the less it's going to be a hassle that I will have to put my partner through in order to get things done. I have not yet sold my home as I had planned to come back to put all my affairs in order after my partner has given birth and when things have settled down in terms of this virus to apply for Canadian citizenship. A friend of mine that is an employee at the airport had mentioned to me that there is a chance that travel to the States and Canada will be allowed by June, though once again I will mention that I do not want to take the risk if travel is still not permitted at the time that I will need to travel.

Good luck William!

that would be amazing to be able to travel by June, but the government seems to say nothing until 2021! hope your friend is right!

July 1 is likely. Check airline schedules, most international flights are tentatively resuming then.

The only problem with that, Ewar is that the application asks for flight details and date. In my case, having sold my Sydney house and waiting to fly 19 May one way to London, I am staying with my sister near Goondawindi, Qld. So I need time to get to Sydney to get my flight and get a friend to sell my NSW regd car! I need a few days' notice, not 24 hours as seems to be happening with the approval process. And what happens if I then get knocked back? So now it seems I will have to apply again and hope the Dept of Home AffairsI will give me a decision with more notice.

Exactly my point. What is to stop you from applying again for travel on May 1st? It doesn't ask you to show you have booked a ticket, just the flight you would take and from where you will depart as this can't be changed. The exemption simply unblocks your passport from travel restrictions.

The exemption specifically states "You do not need to re-apply for permission to depart if your flight details change, unless the departure airport changes."

Ewar thank you, very helpful comments. I wonder if I apply again, if I have to refer to the earlier case reference they give you ( not having had any response, let alone a rejection), or if you just start all over again from scratch. I don't suppose you have the answer to that!

Please let me know when you get the exemption.

I'm in a similar situation, an AU citizen with US green card. I am currently in AU but if I stay out of the US for more than 6 months, border protection can question my intention of living in the US. I have to be in the US before July to avoid the situation.

will do. when have you applied? and when is your flight? there seems to be no way to follow up, no one will give any answers

Having originally appled 2 April for a flight 22 May and heard nothing, I re-applied today, indicating a flight 30 April to permanently migrate to the UK, house sold, goods shipped, still car to sell. We shall see!

Hi richardd and stephanie918,

Thank you for sharing your details.

I had a situation and I'm currently waiting for my new passport (hopefully I get it this week).

I guess I'll follow Richard's advice, apply for an exemption three days before the flight, and then change the flight for a later date. We don't need to apply for a new exemption if there is any change in flight dates provided your port of departure remains the same.

kmahajan, surely US border protection would understand why you couldn't return earlier? And aren't they extending the normal period you can remain outside the country before the green card is cancelled in light of this situation?

Even Thailand, a country that was very slow to grant extensions is allowing PR holders an extra year to return. Normally they only allow a 1-year absence before the permit is cancelled. Unlike the USA, they don't question PR holders why they spend a lot of time abroad.

Stephanie, I applied originally 2 April, and heard nothing, my flight then was 22 May. I have now today applied again, with a 30 April flight date, so we shall see if that works a lot uicker, being a much closer date. Fingers crossed!

i like that strategy! I wonder if the double up in the system will screw anything up? hopefully not. let us know if this strategy works

I'll post when I hear back re my application, maybe not for another 2 days.

We are in a similar situation. My Aus husband just received his green card and it expires in July. I am a US citizen. We applied for the exemption saying we are permanently moving to the US and were denied within 3 days. We've reapplied with more information including the fact that I'd been there for 9 months waiting for my husband's green card application. When covid hit I came back to Aus since we knew the application would be significantly delayed. I was accepted into a uni program so also provided that in the second attempt. Waiting to hear back but we purchased our flights already, included stat decs, documents with my US address on them including a drivers license, W2, US bank statement and a college acceptance letter. They said our case did not meet the requirements and was assessed under each exemption the first time, so we hope with this extra info, we will be approved. 

I've been reading others migrating to another country have been approved so I think it depends on the agent reviewing your case. It's pretty crazy being a US citizen and Aus permanent resident, that I can't go back to the US. If we are denied again we are going to look into seeing if the US embassy can help. I doubt it but still. 

Good luck! Let me know how you go. What documents did you provide? 

what grounds did you apply under? business? migrating? i'm starting to think they must be approving business at the 11th hour....??

I applied under the compassionate category, but noted in my comments that I thought I might also qualify under urgent business.

Fingers crossed for you, and forbid both! I expect you will hear on 29th.

Congrats Richard and thank you for sharing all the details.

Wish you the best for future.

Richard, I'm so happy to hear you got your exemption through.

I'm an AU/ Irish citizen, set to move back to Ireland in July / August in a very similar situation to you. A close family member is ill, so I've secured a new job in to move us all back home. It would be very stressful to put everything in place for the move, giving up my job and flat, if travel is not a sure thing. I suspect that things will be quite different by July, but this is very reassuring!

Kylemull, you could try again if you think you can beef up your case with attachments which verify your statements, and you have a strong case. Good luck!

also did you mention your previous application? or mention why you might need to "change" it?

No I did not refer to my earlier application.

last question :) seeing as your one way ticket is mid may, did you attach that in your new application given you said you're now leaving in April? or did you just mention that you bought a one way ticket. i could attach my one way, but it does saay June so that could contradict

No I mentioned I had a one way ticket, but did not submit ticket this time. I just said I planned to fly 30 April and showed airline and flight details identical to my booking on 19 May.

did you end up getting an exemption?

Stephanie, just try to present strong arguments and back them up with proof as attachments. I fly Qatar 19 May. Good luck!

thanks so much, i'll give it a shot. i'm so happy for you!

John, Thai airports will be closed to inbound flights other than repatriation flights until May 31. At this stage, I doubt the closure will be extended beyond this date, since flight schedules are starting to show limited flights to/from Thailand from June 1. However, most flights won't resume until July 1, which is when flight schedules more or less return to normal, though with reduced frequencies. Being a citizen of Thailand makes things easier for you, since you'll be allowed back in any time, but a 14 day quarantine awaits you between now and May 31, not sure about what will happen on June 12.