Victoria’s new Covid travel rules: What you need to know about travelling from NSW

Border rules in Victoria and NSW are changing. Here’s everything you need to know about travelling.

Border rules are changing and it will have a big impact on travelling between Victoria and NSW but also internationally.

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES?

Fully vaccinated people in New South Wales red zones will be able to enter Victoria without facing 14 days quarantine.

WHEN DO THE CHANGES COME INTO EFFECT?

Fully vaccinated people can travel from NSW red zones into Victoria from 11.59pm on October 19.

WHO CAN ENTER VICTORIA FROM NSW?

Anybody who has received both doses of their Covid vaccine can enter Victoria. This applies to people who aren’t Victorian residents.

DO I HAVE TO QUARANTINE IF I ENTER VIC FROM NSW?

After entering from New South Wales, arrivals must isolate, get tested again within 72 hours, and stay isolated until they get a negative result.

New rules for international travellers come into effect on November 1. Picture: Richard Dobson

I AM UNVACCINATED OR ONLY HAD ONE DOSE. CAN I RETURN?

Unvaccinated people or anyone who has been granted an exemption from receiving a Covid vaccine can still enter Victoria from NSW, but they must still get tested and complete a 14- day isolation period.

I LIVE IN A NSW ORANGE ZONE. WHAT HAS CHANGED FOR ME?

Fully jabbed people arriving from orange zones in NSW will not be required to get tested or isolate for any period of time.

DO I NEED TO GET A COVID TEST IF I WANT TO COME TO VIC FROM NSW?

Yes. Those who are not fully vaccinated must get a Covid test both 72 hours before entering Victoria AND within 72 hours of entering the state. You must get another Covid test on day 13 of your isolation period.

I LIVE IN METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE. CAN I TRAVEL TO REGIONAL VICTORIA?

No. Melburnians will not be allowed to enter regional Victoria until the state reaches its 80 per cent double dose target, expected to be in early November. The 15km limit, which is now in place, will extend to 25km next week.

Travel will become easier between NSW and Victoria as well as internationally. Picture: Tony Gough

DO I NEED A TRAVEL PERMIT TO COME TO VICTORIA?

Yes. Both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers entering Victoria from NSW must carry a valid travel permit which can be downloaded from the Victorian coronavirus website.

I LIVE IN MELBOURNE, CAN I VISIT SYDNEY FOR TOURISM PURPOSES?

Anybody who visits Sydney would be subject to the current restrictions in that jurisdiction.

IS NSW REOPENING ITS BORDER FOR INTERNATIONAL GUESTS

Yes. NSW will lift its border to all international arrivals from November 1. This means that fully vaccinated people who arrive into Sydney will no longer be required to quarantine for two weeks.

I LIVE OVERSEAS. HOW CAN I ENTER VICTORIA?

People can fly into Sydney if they are fully vaccinated and then enter Victoria under the permit scheme. You won’t need to quarantine, just isolate while getting the required Covid tests.

WHAT IF I WANT TO FLY TO MELBOURNE FROM LONDON?

Victoria’s border remains closed to direct international arrivals. Those who are granted an exemption will need to do 14 days in hotel quarantine.