COVID-19: Inbound passenger cap decreased

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Australian government recently reduced incoming international travelers by 50%.

Key Points:

• On July 14, the new cap limits on inbound passengers decreased from 6,070 to 3,035 internationals arrivals per week.
• Each airport has the following inbound passenger cap per week:
  • Adelaide – 265 passengers.
  • Brisbane – 500 passengers plus an additional 150 surge capacity.
  • Melbourne – 500 passengers.
  • Perth – 265 passengers.
  • Sydney – 1,505 passengers.
• All travelers should plan to arrive in the capital city of the state in which they intend to spend the majority of their time. Arriving in a different state other than the final destination may result in extended quarantine requirements.

Additional Information: Australia is unlikely to increase incoming passenger arrivals back to their original level until early 2022. Additional repatriation flights, which are not counted in the arrival cap, will be offered to Australian citizens wanting to return home.

The country plans to start its second step of reopening once the minimum vaccination threshold is met. A pilot program will be introduced for returning vaccinated travelers, requiring a 7-day, home quarantine instead of a 14-day, hotel quarantine.

BAL Analysis: Australian citizens, permanent residents and temporary visa holders already in Australia should consider carefully whether they must travel overseas, especially in light of the new arrival caps. Skilled workers intending to enter Australia for critical work activities may face increased difficultly proving the urgent nature of their work. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@balglobal.com.

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