Australian Covid-19 PCR tests: How each state compares

Tasmania has followed Queensland by dropping a Covid testing rule for interstate arrivals that was clogging testing sites. Compare state, territory rules.

Tasmania has announced a massive change to testing for interstate arrivals.

From January 1, travellers from high-risk areas will no longer need a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to enter the state.

Instead travellers will have to return a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) test 24 hours prior to departure.

It comes a day after Queensland also made the change following pressure from others states to relieve pressure on testing facilities.

Interstate travellers to Queensland from hotspots such as Victoria and NSW will only need a negative RAT from January 1.

“A PCR test will no longer be required,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Wednesday morning.

Queensland on Tuesday eased its testing rules for interstate arrivals by not requiring people to pass a RAT on day five of their visit.

The changes will ease pressure on Queensland’s Covid testing system and help cut vast numbers of would-be travellers clogging sites in other states.

It comes after Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton urged asymptomatic Victorians travelling interstate to get tested after noon in a bid to avoid mixing with potentially infectious people.

A worker deals with one of many people waiting for a PCR test at Bondi. Picture: Getty Images

Meanwhile, Queensland operators said there had been some cancellations because of the requirement but otherwise numbers were strong.

More than 441,000 people have flown or driven into Queensland since borders reopened on December 13, The Australian reports.

Of these, 215,000 arrived from “hot spots” NSW, the ACT and Victoria in the last week.

“We’re relieved that borders have stayed open despite the Omicron surge,” Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind told the paper.

“There’s been more activity by interstate travellers than we’ve seen in well over a year.”

Queensland’s rules seem to have got up the nose of leaders in other states, with NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard on Monday not holding back in his appraisal of the state’s stringent testing regimen.

Mr Hazzard accused Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk of “passive aggressive stupidity” for her refusal to scrap “tourism testing” requirements until the new year.

Testing sites in NSW and Victoria have been overrun as the states continue to record thousands of daily cases, leaving many struggling with extensive delays for results and forced to cancel holiday travel plans.

South Australia had required visitors from NSW, Victoria and the ACT to return a negative PCR test but the state changed its rules on December 26 to accept rapid antigen test results.

Many states have urged those without symptoms not to join long lines for tests, unless directed to do so.

All states urge residents and visitors to get tested if they have symptoms or have been directed to do so because they have been at an exposure site or are a contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

State by state rules:

QUEENSLAND

Queensland residents have been told to get PCR tests if they are feeling sick, are a contact of a positive case or are about to leave home quarantine.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Until December 26, South Australia required visitors from NSW, Victoria and the ACT to return a negative PCR test before travelling, but the state will now accept rapid antigen test results.

As of December 21, vaccinated arrivals from Victoria, NSW or the ACT no longer have to undergo a Covid test on arrival or on day six.

Unvaccinated travellers will not be admitted to SA unless they have an exemption.

Vaccinated South Australians who leave the state for 72 hours or less are not required to test before returning.

TASMANIA

Unvaccinated people require approval to enter Tasmania – even if they are residents. Quarantine and other conditions will apply.

People who have been out of Tasmania for seven days or fewer, but spent time in a high-risk area, must will need to take a RAT provided at the airport upon arrival.

Nick Williams is tested in Canberra. Picture: Gary Ramage

ACT

There is no need for a test before entering the ACT.

People wanting to enter who are close contacts of a person who has tested positive to Covid-19 will need an exemption.

If approved, they will need to get tested for Covid-19 immediately.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Interstate visitors to the Territory need to have a negative PCR test up to three days before arrival.

Visitors must have a rapid antigen test within three days or arrival, and another on day six, but do not need to isolate unless they return a positive result.

People entering the Territory will be provided with two rapid antigen tests on arrival at the airport, or they are available from NT government testing sites.

Unvaccinated travellers are banned (returning residents are exempt).

VICTORIA

Victoria does not demand a pre-entry Covid test of any description. Entrants no longer need a travel permit, regardless of their vaccination status, unless they have been overseas in the past 14 days.

NSW

New South Wales does not demand a pre-entry Covid-19 test, PCR or rapid antigen.

People who have been in a designated place of high concern in the past 14 days and are deemed close contacts but fully vaccinated can enter but must self-isolate until it has been seven days since being in the affected area. Casual contacts must be able to present a negative test result.

WA

Getting into WA requires approval and an extremely strict set of requirements, which depend on the state of origin’s risk rating. All visitors must be vaccinated, if eligible.

All Australian states and territories are deemed medium, high or extreme risk.

Would-be travellers from anywhere in Australia must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test in the 72 hours before departure.

Rapid antigen tests are not approved as a diagnostic tool in WA without specific approval from the chief health officer.

Approved travellers from medium risk areas (ACT, NT and Tasmania) must have a Covid-19 test within 48 hours or arrival and on day 12 of their 14 days of self-quarantine.

Those from high-risk states (Queensland and SA) must have tests within 24 hours and on day 12 of a 14-day quarantine. They can either self-quarantine in “suitable premises” or will have to say at a government-approved facility at their own expense.

Rare travellers from extreme-risk jurisdictions (NSW and Victoria) have similar quarantine options to those from high-risk areas but must take tests on days one, five and 13.

Originally published as Australian Covid-19 PCR tests: How each state compares