Queensland border restrictions, road map explained

The Queensland border is set to open to some travellers from November 19. So who can cross, and will they have to quarantine? Here’s everything you need to know.

Queensland border restrictions are set to ease from late November but rules around quarantine and vaccination will remain.

From November 19, or when the state reaches 70 per cent fully vaccinated, domestic travellers arriving from a hotspot are required to quarantine at home for 14 days, be fully vaccinated, arrive by air and have a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

The Queensland – New South Wales border at Coolangatta on the Gold Coast. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Restrictions continue to ease when the state reaches 80 per cent fully vaccinated and then again at 90 per cent when restrictions are scaled back to minimal restrictions for fully vaccinated people.

DOMESTIC ARRIVALS FROM NOVEMBER 19 OR 70 PER CENT FULLY VACCINATED

When arriving into Queensland travellers who have been in a hotspot in the past 14 days must be fully vaccinated, arrive by air, have returned a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival and undertake 14 days home quarantine.

For arrivals who have not been to a hotspot, there are no restrictions on entry into Queensland and no requirement to quarantine.

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS FROM NOVEMBER 19 OR 70 PER CENT FULLY VACCINATED

Overseas travellers flying directly into Queensland must undertake 14 days quarantine in a government nominated facility.

Arriving from overseas via another state or territory, travellers must quarantine in a government nominated facility until 14 days has passed since arriving into Australia or a domestic hotspot.

Safe travel zone arrangements are Quarantine-free.

From November 19, Queensland has a safe travel arrangement with New Zealand’s South Island.

DOMESTIC ARRIVALS FROM DECEMBER 17 OR 80 PER CENT VACCINATED

Restrictions will ease from mid December allowing travellers coming from hot spots to enter Queensland provided they are fully vaccinated and have a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

Travellers will be allowed to arrive by road or air with no quarantine required if meeting these criteria.

There are no restrictions for travellers who have not been in a hotspot in the last 14 days.

CROSSING THE BORDER FOR CHRISTMAS DAY

By Christmas Day travellers will be permitted to cross the Queensland border from a hotspot by road or air so long as they are fully vaccinated and have a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS FROM DECEMBER 17 OR 80 PER CENT VACCINATED

Arrivals from overseas will be uncapped from mid December allowing travellers arriving directly on a flight into Queensland provided they are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

These travellers must return a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours prior to departure be fully vaccinated.

A period of home quarantine will be required for these travellers subject to conditions set by Queensland Health.

Safe travel zone arrangements will continue to be quarantine free.

DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS FROM 90 PER CENT FULLY VACCINATED (EXPECTED 2022)

There will be no restrictions on entry to Queensland for fully vaccinated travellers when the state reaches 90 per cent fully vaccinated.

This could be in early 2022.

Travellers who are not fully vaccinated will need to meet relevant

requirements for entry and will be required to undertake a period of quarantine.

HOME QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

There is currently a home quarantine trial for 1,000 returning Queenslanders from hot spots.

These travellers must be fully vaccinated, have returned a negative PCR test within 72 hours of entry and use the home-quarantine check-in system.

Quarantine at home for 14 days is a requirement for these residents who must also subject themselves to a test on days one, five and 12.

A suitable home is required for these people, who must have a direct entry and arrive by air.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS AND TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Travel to Queensland is restricted from New South Wales, Victoria and New Zealand’s North Island.

There are also interstate exposure venues in South Australia, if travellers have not been to an interstate exposure venue at the relevant time, they can enter Queensland as if it were a green zone.

There are currently 17 blue zones for towns on the Queensland and New South Wales border who can cross for a variety of essential purposes, including to work or seek medical care or essential supplies.

The rest of Australia is declared a green zone, meaning there are no travel restrictions.

Travellers coming from overseas are required to quarantine for 14 days in a government-nominated facility.

LEAVING QUEENSLAND TO TRAVEL OVERSEAS

Residents with a valid passport can fly out of Queensland or another state where international flights depart.

COUNTRIES WHO DON’T REQUIRE AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLERS TO QUARANTINE

The UK, US, Canada, Italy, Greece, Germany, South Africa (from November 1), and Singapore (from November 8). You can also travel to Thailand from November 1, but you have to spend your first night in a government-approved quarantine hotel.

Originally published as Queensland border restrictions, road map explained