Coronavirus: come home now, DFAT tells Australian travellers
Australian travellers overseas have been urged to return home ‘as soon as possible’ in advice issued on Tuesday night by DFAT.
Australian travellers overseas have been urged to return home “as soon as possible’’ in advice issued on Tuesday night by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The government’s Smartraveller website said regardless of “destination, age or health”, all Australians should consider whether it was the right time for non-essential travel.
It also warned that some people who chose to travel overseas “may not be able to return to Australia” when they were planning to.
In the 2018-19 financial year, close to one million a month Australian residents, on average, went overseas. Another one million Australians live overseas but they are not the subject of the advice.
“As more countries close their borders or introduce travel restrictions, overseas travel is becoming more complex and difficult,” the advice said. “Consider whether you have access to healthcare and support systems if you get sick while overseas. If you decide to return to Australia, do so as soon as possible. Commercial options may become less available.”
DFAT said it was issuing the advice because travellers might come in contact with more people than usual, including on long-haul flights and in crowded airports.
“Healthcare systems in some countries may come under strain and may not be as well-equipped as Australia’s or have the capacity to support foreigners,’’ the advice said. “You may not have your normal support networks overseas.’’
The advice warned that overseas travel had become more complex and unpredictable.
“Many countries are introducing entry or movement restrictions. These are changing often and quickly. Your travel plans may be disrupted. You may be placed in quarantine or denied entry to some countries, and you may need to self-quarantine on return to Australia.’’