Covid19 Testing Update

From 5 January 2023, travellers entering Australia from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, will be required to undertake a COVID-19 test within a 48-hour period prior to the day of their scheduled departure and show evidence of a negative test.

This applies to travellers entering Australia by air from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, either on a direct flight, or on a flight that has a stopover in another country before landing in Australia.

You must provide evidence of either

A negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or other Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) test taken within a 48-hour period prior to the day of your scheduled departure, or

A negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) taken by or under the supervision of an authorised person within a 48-hour period prior to the day of your scheduled departure.

This requirement applies to all travellers entering Australia, irrespective if you are visiting Australia for leisure or work, or if you are a returning Australian citizen or permanent resident.

If your flight is delayed, you will still be considered to have met the pre-departure testing requirements. You will not need a new test.

However, if your flight is re-scheduled or cancelled, you will need to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR or other NAAT test taken no more than 48 hours before the re-scheduled flight or a RAT taken within 48 hours before the rescheduled flight.

You must also meet Australia’s other border entry requirements, including the requirement to hold a valid visa, in addition to providing evidence of your negative COVID-19 test result.

For further information and details regarding applicable exemptions, please refer to the following link https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid19/entering-and-leaving-australia

You can obtain further information about the above process by contacting one of our Registered Migration Agents today.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please contact SCA Connect.