COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) UPDATE
As at September 11 2020
The Australian Government is monitoring the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and restrictions are currently in place regarding travel and public gatherings.
For the latest information about restrictions in NSW, please refer to the NSW Government COVID-19 website.
Domestic Travel
NSW has temporarily shut its border with Victoria to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and jobs of NSW citizens.
The closure is effective from 12.01am Wednesday, 8 July and follows the concerning spread of COVID-19 in Melbourne. Read more about the border closure.
Each state or territory has its own entry requirements and travel restrictions for residents and travellers from NSW. Please visit Tourism Australia’s Travel Status Map for the latest travel advice and information.
NSW residents and visitors from other Australian states can move throughout NSW for a holiday and work but must continue to follow the health advice regarding physical distancing, hygiene and public gatherings.
If you break any of the rules in NSW you may receive a fine or penalty.
Holidaymakers should call their planned accommodation venues, attractions and tourism operators to ensure they will be open and confirm bookings before travelling.
Visitors and businesses must follow the latest health advice in terms of physical distancing, practicing good hygiene, and staying home if feeling unwell.
Only residents and essential personnel will be permitted to travel to Lord Howe Island during the travel ban (effective 22 March 2020 until at least 27 November 2020), and anyone returning to the island will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
What can I do in NSW?
The following is permitted in NSW:
- travel to regional NSW for a holiday
- visits to museums, galleries and libraries
- pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants are open but must observe Public Health Orders regarding capacity and group bookings
- caravan and camping parks are open
- some NSW National Parks are open
A full list of current restrictions and the latest health advice is available at NSW.gov.au
International Travel
At this time, only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members are permitted to travel to Australia. All travellers arriving in Australia must self-isolate in a designated facility (such as a hotel) for 14 days in their port of arrival. See Australian Border Force for more information.
An international travel ban is in place for all Australian citizens and permanent residents with few exceptions.
Health and Hygiene
For information on how to protect yourself and others against COVID-19, please follow Australian Health and NSW Health expert advice.
NSW Health recommends wearing a mask in indoor settings where physical distancing is hard to maintain, such as on public transport or in supermarkets
Good hygiene and physical distancing recommendations include:
- Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub
- Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
- Stay home if you are sick
- Practice physical distancing by standing two arm lengths apart (1.5m) at all times