Following on from our previous Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel Ban update, travel restrictions have been extended to travellers from Iran from 1 March 2020.
The Government is denying entry to temporary visa holders who have departed or transited through mainland China or Iran within 14 days of arriving in Australia.
At this stage, the Coronavirus travel ban restrictions will continue until 7 March. However, the ban has already been extended three times and it is possible it may be extended further.
How the Coronavirus travel ban applies to travellers from Iran and China
The Coronavirus travel ban now applies to any foreign nationals (excluding permanent residents of Australia) who have been in Iran on or after 1 March 2020.
Arriving at the border while the travel ban is place will result in denied entry and visa cancellation.
We recommend that businesses and individuals continue to postpone travel arrangements between China, Iran and Australia until confirmation that the travel ban has been lifted. If you have had your visa cancelled due to the travel ban, you may wish to seek professional advice.
Are there any exemptions to the travel restrictions?
The Government has advised the travel restrictions do not apply to:
- Australian citizens;
- Permanent residents;
- New Zealand citizens resident in Australia;
- And immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents including spouses, minor dependants and legal guardians.
Immediate family members who do not hold a permanent visa will be required to complete an Australian Immigration Enquiry Form.
Limited exemptions are also available for Year 11 and 12 students who remain in China due to the travel ban (apart from those in the Hubei province) and seek to resume their studies. These will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
While exemptions may apply, all travellers arriving from Iran or mainland China will be required to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of departure.
For further information on how the Coronavirus Travel Ban may impact your visa arrangements, please read our Q&A’s here and our previous article here.
For advice on your particular migration arrangements, please contact our Registered Migration Agents on 08 9221 3388 or visa@interstaff.com
Source:
Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents
Migration Institute of Australia
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