HOW TO RETURN TO AUSTRALIA DURING A PANDEMIC
Still trying to get home? Flying has never been this difficult!
This blog is written after our personal experience trying to return home and going through the quarantine period.
These days if you want to travel to Australia from elsewhere in the world, it will seem like mission impossible!
Since Covid-19 the situation is clearly not as easy as it used to be. Previously we just got out our device and booked a flight.
There are a few steps and some critical information you must know that, as of now, will help you return to Australia.
On the 16thof March 2020, Australia declared a state of emergency with heavy restrictions. These restrictions have resulted in a low number of infections in the country. You can view the current situationhere.
The restrictions implemented have caused some returning travellers to become confused, frustrated, and trying to understand how the new system works to get back home.
In this post you will find useful information necessary to return to Australia.
Image by Pexels
Every country has established different quarantine requirements and it is important to be informed of the laws and regulations, the need to take them seriously and possible fines for breaching.
You can return to Australia from overseas if you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or in an exempt category of essential workers.
For current information in Australia visit the latest travel restrictions.
It is mandatory to quarantine for 14 days in supervised accommodation at a designated hotel in the city of your arrival.
Failure to comply with quarantine rules could result in a $50,000 fine or up to 12 months imprisonment for individuals.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Australia’s current situation
The current situation is changing all the time. To keep yourself informed of changes to restrictions and regulations, the advice is to regularly check as many government websites, airlines and social media platforms as possible.
We recommend several Australian Government websites:Coming to Australia,Coronavirus (COVID-19) andSmart Traveller.
Using this link allows you to register yourself to receive updates by email.
Also registering on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website will help the government know how many Australians are seeking to return home. This registration does not however guarantee help to find a flight.
Contact with the Australian Embassy in the country you’re currently residing can also give reliable information.
Depending on the State/Territory of your arrival, you can check these websites for current information:
Process to find a flight
Our latest information is that the Australian Government controls the amount of people entering the country according to the number of quarantine rooms available in each city. It means that planes cannot carry more passengers than will fit in the empty rooms.
Then the current difficulty is finding a seat on a plane.
Repatriation flights are hard to get information on. You might get lucky and see a plane with a red tail and a white kangaroo waiting for you! But they are few and far between from the information we gathered.
We’re used to booking flights with an online flight agency.
Planes are currently flying almost empty – Image by aTripinside
But beware! We do not recommend booking flights online anymore.
Flights are only being scheduled a few days in advance, meaning if you buy a flight a month ahead you risk losing your money. We have heard a few cases of this happening.
Flights should be booked directly through airlines only.
We also recommend purchasing all your connecting flights with one company and avoid airport transfers. If you have to enter a country during a stop-over, even to collect your bags, you may be subject to further testing and quarantine periods or restrictions.
Australian Embassies can inform you which airlines are flying to Australia.
Emirates, ETIHAD, Qatar and Singapore Airlines are all now flying again.
Contacting the airlines directly by phone to ask the availability of flights is the best idea. You may not find a flight immediately but routine calls several times a week will increase your chances.
It is important you have your baggage prepared and be ready to depart, as your flight could be as early as the next day.
When you find a flight make sure you are clear on the Airlines policies in case of cancellation.
Some Airlines may require you to show evidence of a negative test result to Covid-19 prior to boarding.
Workers boarding a domestic flight during covid-19 – Image by aTripinside
Getting on the plane without any worries
Flights are not being cancelled within 24 hours of schedule, so you do not need to worry when at that point.
From the time of your arrival at the Airport, to the time you arrive in Australia, officials will take care of everything.
Upon arriving at the Airport of your departure you will notice a few changes. No queues being the most obvious! Family may not be allowed to greet you.
Check-in and boarding is as per normal.
Airline companies supply masks on board and it is compulsory to wear during flight. Attendants wear face shields when attending passengers.
For stop-overs and transfers you will be put into small groups while moving around airports. Your movements will be restricted and monitored in airports.
Access to food courts is limited, some food will be available from dispensing machines.
One hour before your flight you will be called into a lounge area close to your boarding gate.
Arriving in Australia you will experience short delays exiting your plane while walkways are sanitised.
After exiting you will be given a new mask and asked to clean your hands.
You will be asked if you have any obvious symptoms and your temperature will be checked.
Once through Immigration all passengers from your flight will be kept together and taken to Customs for baggage checks as normal.
You will then be asked about any dietary requirements you may have for your quarantine stay.
An Authorised Health Officer will then interview you to determine your eligibility and reason for your entry (essential worker or returning resident), as well as details of your final destination.
You will need to sign a form to say you agree to undertake quarantine at a designated hotel. Unfortunately you will not be given a choice of hotels.
You will then be directed to a bus that will take you to that hotel, you will find supportive information about quarantine here
Upon arriving at your hotel you will be given information regarding your 14 day quarantine including payment options, meal delivery times and support available should you need. Nurses are available 24 hours a day.
You will be tested within 48 hours of your arrival, and again a second test on Day 12. Results are sent to your phone.
During quarantine you will receive calls from nurses to check on your health.
On the day of your release, 14 days exactly from the time of your flight arrival, you will have a final health screening by nurses.
We wish you luck coming home. Stay positive!!!!
This article is reviewed on a regular basis by the aTripinside team to ensure the content is up to date and accurate. Feel free to reach out to us athello@atripinside.comif you want extra information or you have any issues.
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