If you’ve made plans to travel or you’re already abroad, there are some things you will need to know about quarantine when you return. As we are still in the midst of a pandemic, there are precautions you need to be mindful of when you get back.
Upon your return, you’ll need to undergo a quarantine period to prevent the potential spread of the virus. A Public Health Order by the Minister for Health and Medical Research, states that all international travelers must quarantine in a designated quarantine facility, such as a hotel. You’ll have to remain in your allocated accommodation until you’re medically cleared.
Key facts
- Returning residents are, by law, expected to undergo a quarantine period at an associated facility such as a partnering hotel.
- A hotel quarantine is set for a minimum of 14 days but can be up to 24 days long.
- The quarantine period is designed to keep you safe and prevent COVID-19 from spreading, so there are several restrictions in place.
- Not abiding by quarantine rules comes with severe penalties.
What to expect when you arrive
From the time you arrive back in the country, there are specific measures taken to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.
At the airport
Upon landing, border officials will typically board the plane and share relevant information with all passengers. Officials will then guide passengers through the airport. It’s important to note that you generally won’t be allowed to do activities in the airport like shopping.
Moving through customs
Returning residents who arrive by plane are required to undergo a COVID-19 symptom and temperature check at customs. Should you display any symptoms, a test will be done at the airport and you’ll be transported to a partnering hotel to await your results. Your luggage will follow separately.
If you have no symptoms, you’ll generally be allowed to collect your luggage and proceed to a hotel or other quarantine facility.
Travel to your hotel
Travel to a quarantine hotel is typically arranged for all travellers. Buses, which are limited to half the number of passengers, wait at the airport ready to take you to your designated hotel.
Arrival at your quarantine hotel
When you arrive, you will be allocated a room based on availability. Checking in at the hotel can take some time. Remember that this experience will be quite different to a normal hotel stay.
Take note: This is general information and procedures may vary according to states. It’s best to check the specifics of your states quarantine procedures before you arrive.
Can you choose your own hotel?
You cannot choose your quarantine hotel. Rather, hotels are allocated to travellers based on availability on the day. Special requirements such as disability access should ideally be affirmed with the health authority in the state you are travelling to in advance.
How long is quarantine in Australia
Hotel quarantine is generally set for a minimum of 14 days but can be up to 24 days long. The Chief Health Officer may release you after 14 days if they are satisfied that the risk of spreading infection is low. Typically your health will be monitored throughout your stay and you’ll be required to undergo regular testing for COVID-19.
Pictures taken at a quarantine hotel in Darwin
Your time in quarantine
Your room
Depending on the size of your party, you’ll be assigned a single, double or family room. Facilities in your room typically include a bed, desk and chair, small bathroom, bar fridge, and kettle. Depending on the hotel you’re in, you may have a window or access to a small balcony.
Hotel amenities
You will generally be confined to your hotel room for the entire duration of your quarantine and will only be able to use limited hotel amenities outside of that room. Services that can be provided without any social interaction, like laundry services and food delivery. It’s also important to note that hotel staff won’t be able to enter your room to clean it for you.
Meals
Your hotel quarantine accommodation generally comes with three meals per day. As in ordinary circumstances, food will vary based on the establishment. Food allergies and other dietary requirements will be catered for.
Health services
Expect to be routinely tested for COVID-19. You’ll typically be tested on day 2 and 12 of your quarantine period or at any time should symptoms appear. Anyone who tests positive will receive the necessary medical care which may be in a different facility such as a hospital. You may also be required to wear a health monitoring device throughout your stay. You’ll also have access to other health services should you need them
Recreation
It’s best to plan for your quarantine period, especially if you have children with you. You can generally expect WiFi, a telephone and television. However, you may want to pack books, puzzles and games and download movies if the internet connection isn’t reliable. You may also want to arrange for a WiFi dongle to be delivered to you to ensure your connection remains stable.
Exercise
The hotel gym will typically be off-limits. So, you’ll need to make use of in-room exercise options that you can do in the limited space such as online workouts. It may also be a good idea to pack a yoga mat, resistance bands or a skipping rope. Depending on where you’re quarantining, you may even be able to rent exercise equipment like stationary bikes, treadmills or weights.
What happens if you don’t comply with the quarantine rules?
Not abiding by quarantine rules generally comes with severe penalties. These penalties vary between states. In Tasmania, you can be fined up to $8,400, while the maximum penalty is $25,000 in South Australia. Avoiding quarantine can cost you up to $11,000 and six months in jail in New South Wales, and you could face 12 months in jail or a fine of $50,000 in Western Australia.
Hotel Quarantine by State
Every person arriving in Australia from overseas is required to contribute to the cost of their hotel quarantine. Generally, you can expect services and facilities that can be provided to your room without social interaction.
| State | Cost (14 days of quarantine) | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales |
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| South Australia |
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| Victoria |
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| Queensland |
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| Western Australia |
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| Northern Territory |
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| Tasmania |
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| Australian Capital Territory |
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Source: nsw.gov.au, covid-19.sa.gov.au, coronavirus.vic.gov.au, qld.gov.au, health.wa.gov.au, coronavirus.nt.gov.au, coronavirus.tas.gov.au, covid19.act.gov.au (May 2021)
Everything you need to pack for quarantine
Quarantine accommodation can vary, so it’s best to be prepared with some of the following items.
Documents/Cards
- Identification – Medicare details, driver’s licence, bank cards and statements
- Credit/debit cards
Healthcare
- Medication and other essential health items
- Basic cleaning equipment – dishwashing liquid, garbage bags, etc.
Entertainment
- Entertainment – downloaded movies, music, Netflix, etc. Cards, puzzles, etc. would help too.
- Tech accessories – chargers, adaptors, WiFi dongles.
- Comfort items – clothes, toiletries, etc.
Kitchen utensils
- Melamine/plastic plates, bowls and proper utensils
- A small kitchen knife
Tips for transitioning back to normality after quarantine
Resuming normal life post-quarantine can be an adjustment. Here’s what you can do to make it a bit easier:
- Take it slow getting back into the swing of things.
- Prepare a to-do list of things you need to do such as grocery shopping.
- Talk to your kids about life getting back to normal.
- Stick to a routine while in quarantine that’s similar to your regular habits.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Do I still have to do 14 days quarantine if I return a negative COVID-19 test result after arriving in Australia?
Yes, even if you receive a negative COVID-19 test result, you will need to complete the mandatory quarantine period of at least 14 days. Only once the Chief Health Officer has cleared you will you be released from quarantine.Am I still required to have a COVID-19 test if I am only transiting through Australia?
Yes, as an international transit passenger arriving in Australia, you can leave on another international flight from the city you arrived in. However, you must stay at the airport for up to 8 hours while waiting for your next flight or go to a state designated quarantine facility if the wait is longer. You will not be allowed to travel within the country even to meet a departing international flight in another city.Do I need to get a COVID-19 test before travelling to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes, pre-departure test is required for all travellers to Australia. The test must be done at least 72 hours or less prior to departure. A negative test result must be shown at the time of check-in. Travellers arriving from green safe travel zones are exempt from pre-departure testing requirements.Do I still need to quarantine if I travel to Australia after getting the vaccine?
Yes, international travellers arriving in Australia will still need to quarantine upon arrival even if they have been vaccinated.When is day 1 of quarantine?
This varies depending on the location you travel to. In certain states, day 1 is the day after your arrival in Australia. On the other hand, some states consider day 1 as the day your plane lands. It’s best to check when your day 1 is with the authorities in your state before you arrive.
