COVID-19 and border restrictions

Movement restrictions remain in place between some states and territories.

If you need to travel to NSW, apply for a permit through Service NSW or call 13 77 88 (24/7).

If you are seeking an exemption to travel, you must be able to prove that your reason to travel is approved for that border and be able to provide evidence at any time during your travel. Vehicle checkpoints and random checks are in place where there are border restrictions. Checking officers in these jurisdictions have discretionary authority and penalties may apply.

Movement restrictions can evolve quickly and information will continue to be updated. Please take steps to keep yourself informed of the most up-to-date information about what you can do in NSW.

Where cross border travel is permitted, you should continue to practise physical distancing and good handwashing hygiene. If you have even the mildest symptoms, you should stay at home.

All states and territories have committed to providing services and freight operations and maintain cross-border travel for workers delivering essential goods and services. Full details of eligibility to travel and exemptions can be found here.

This page provides information and relevant links for people who need to cross the border, or residents of cross-border communities.

See the state border summaries below for current restrictions and exemptions.

Border status

New South Wales

The advice below aligns with the Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order 2020, and it relates to people who have been in Victoria during the previous 14 days or people who live in the border zone. The Order commenced at the beginning of 8 July 2020, with amendments on 20 July 2020, 22 July 2020, 7 August 2020 and 4 September 2020.

Border status:

  • The NSW border is currently closed to people entering from Victoria and this restriction has been in place since midnight 7 July.
  • All NSW residents are strongly urged not to travel to Victoria. NSW residents who travel beyond the border zone into Victoria must self-isolate when they return to NSW for 14 days. Fines apply.
  • To support the border community residents, exemptions have been developed to reach a balance between protecting the community against the COVID pandemic and maintaining access to daily routines with minimal disruption.
  • An expanded border region is in place to help people  go about their daily activities more freely.

Can I travel?:

  • The permits available are restricted to critical activities only. Visit Service NSW to see the full list of permitted reasons to cross the border.
  • People living in the border region can obtain a Border Zone Resident Permit for the following activities across the border:
    • Go to a workplace if work cannot be done at home
    • Go to school or other education facility if that study cannot be done at home
    • Get necessary goods and services. If telehealth is a possible alternative, it should be used instead of travel.
    • Provide care to a vulnerable person, receive care if you are a vulnerable person or for compassionate reasons
    • Undertake seasonal work if you both live and work within the border zone.
  • To check if your address falls within the “border region”, search for your location here.

Before travelling:

  • Read the instructions carefully and apply for the required permits before travel.
  • It is your responsibility to provide evidence for your trip and carry the relevant permit with you at all time during the time across the border.
  • A guide with frequently asked questions is available to answer your questions.
  • Apply for the relevant permit for the days you will be travelling through Service NSW or call 13 77 88 (24/7).

Travelling safely:

  • You should not travel if you are unwell.
  • The advice remains that travel across the border would be for unavoidable purposes only to restrict the spread of COVID-19.
  • Anyone crossing the border must attend their destination by the most direct route. The permits do not allow for additional stops for any reason.
  • Be aware of the latest rules on what you can and can’t do in NSW.

More information:

  • Our experienced Service NSW staff can help you with question about COVID-19 and NSW border permits.  To speak to a representative from Service NSW, please call 13 77 88, (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
  • Visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 for more information on COVID-19 and how to manage any symptoms, protect your business, quarantine requirements and border restrictions.
  • Stay up to date on the latest advice and restrictions on gatherings, workplaces and events on the NSW Government Covid-19 page.

Australian Capital Territory

  • Detailed advice is available at covid19.act.gov.au
  • If you have questions or need help while being quarantined at home, you can contact the ACT COVID-19 Helpline on (02) 6207 7244 between 8am and 8pm daily.

Northern Territory

  • Detailed advice is available at coronavirus.nt.gov.au
  • If you intend to travel to the NT from an identified coronavirus hotspot you are strongly urged to reconsider your plans; likewise, if you a Territorian intending to travel to a hotspot you are advised not to.
  • If you are seeking information regarding travel in the Northern Territory including remote and community travel, call 1800 518 189 from 8.00am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
  • Call 1800 518 189 from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, Sat and Sun.

Queensland

  • Detailed advice is available at covid19.qld.gov.au
  • Advice on Queensland border restrictions is available on the website.
  • For non-urgent enquiries about COVID-19 including hot spots, border passes, restrictions, testing or more, call 134 COVID (13 42 68).

South Australia

  • Detailed advice is available at sa.gov.au/covid-19.
  • You can find out more about restrictions and responsibilities in South Australia here.
  • For non-urgent enquiries, contact the SA COVID-19 Information Line – 1800 253 787 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day).

Tasmania

  • Detailed advice is available at tas.gov.au.
  • Tasmanian COVID-19 advice is available on gatherings and travel.
  • For non-urgent health advice contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline – 1800 671 738.

Victoria

Western Australia

  • Detailed information is available at the Covid-19 information page
  • For non-urgent Coronavirus enquiries on restrictions within Western Australia call 13 26843.

Important links

  • If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or a severe fever, call triple zero (000).
  • The National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 can answer questions about symptoms. Staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Advice for Australians overseas: DFAT’s Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 from Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas. For non-urgent inquiries, email smartraveller@dfat.gov.au.