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COVID-19 (coronavirus) information for backpackers in Australia

Last update: April 4, 2020.

The World Health Organization has announced that COVID-19 is a pandemic, and backpackers must do all their best to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Australia and know what to do if they have symptoms. In this article, you will find useful information for backpackers in Australia in the context of the coronavirus.

NOTE: At this time of uncertainty, it is essential to get the right information. In this article, you will find links only to official websites, making sure you have the correct information for your health and safety.

DO YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF THE COVID-19?

First of all, check whether you have the symptoms of the COVID-19: A cough, high temperature, and shortness of breath. If you have symptoms, report to the closest hospital, but stay home, call them instead to minimize any risk to others, which may be more vulnerable. And, the best thing to do is to self-isolate, even if you are a healthy, fit and a young woman or man and you think you will beat this virus easily. Please stay home, safe, and do all you can to contain the virus.

And don’t forget the basics: wash your hands often, respect the social distancing (2meters), stay home.

MOST ASKED QUESTIONS:

  1. CAN I CONTINUE MY TRIP IN AUSTRALIA? Backpackers in Australia have to stop their trip and not to travel interstates to halt the spread of the COVID-19.
  2. CAN I TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA AND WITHIN AUSTRALIA? From 23:59 AEDT on March 18, 2020, all travellers coming from outside Australia won’t be able to enter Australia. Only citizens and New Zealanders who live in Australia as Australian residents are allowed to travel the country. Indeed, as mentioned on the Australian Border Force Website, everyone travelling from overseas from 23:59 AEDT on March 15, 2020, and entering Australia will be required to undertake a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Travellers will be transported directly to designated facilities after appropriate immigration, customs, and enhanced health checks.
  3. MY VISA WILL EXPIRED IN FEW DAYS / I NEED TO EXTEND MY VISA, WHAT SHOULD I DO? Backpackers will be allowed to extend their stays in Australia, but people who cannot financially support themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic have been warned to leave the country. Please contact the Australian Border Force
  4. I AM CURRENTLY IN AUSTRALIA, HOW CAN I GO BACK HOME? Please get in touch with your embassy. Some countries, including France, organize the repatriation of some of the Working Holiday Visa Makers. There is a FAQ on the French embassy website and a FAQ on the German embassy website. About 15,000 backpackers (6,000 french travellers) are currently trying to travel back to Europe and their home town.
  5. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I STAY IN AN HOSTEL? Please read this official document from the Australian Department of health for people staying in a hotel.
  6. I HAVE CORONAVIRUS. WHAT SHOULD I DO? Please read the Coronavirus (COVID-19) isolation guidance provided by the Australian Department of Health.
  7. HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE CURRENT SITUATION IN AUSTRALIA? The situation on COVID-19 is changing rapidly, every day even every hour, so make sure to visit the official website Australian Government Department of Health.
  8. HOW DO I GET THE LAST UPDATE FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION? The Smart Traveller website has plenty of information regarding the travel ban.
  9. HOW DO I KNOW IF CAMPSITES AND HOLIDAY PARKS ARE STILL OPEN? You can visit aircamp.com.au they have a handy tool for that, and they update this information
  10. WHAT IS SOCIAL DISTANCING? Watch the video here.
https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6
From March 31st, 2020

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR HEALTH INFORMATION?

States and territories can apply their restrictions, including closing their state borders. Find out more about restrictions in your state or province:

Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080

If you have a medical emergency call 000.

Update March 29, 2020: INFO ON QUARANTINE, SOCIAL DISTANCING, AND NON-ESSENTIAL SHOPS TO BE CLOSED

  • Public gatherings, excluding household members, have been reduced to a maximum of two people. Check State and Territory websites for further enforcement information.
  • Everyone should stay home unless you are: shopping for essentials, receiving medical care, exercising, or traveling to work or education.
  • Stay informed. Download the official government “Coronavirus Australia” app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, or join our WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android.
  • All travelers returning home from overseas must stay in quarantine in a hotel or designated facility for 14 days. Read more.
  • Pubs, licensed clubs and hotels (excluding accommodation), gyms, skateparks, indoor sporting venues, cinemas, beauty salons, play centers, and outside playgrounds, places of worship, and other public places must close. There are restrictions on attendance at weddings, funerals, and outdoor fitness classes. Supermarkets and pharmacies remain open. Please check your State and Territory websites for full details.

Update March 31, 2020: ENFORCEMENT ON COVID-19 MEASURES STATE BY STATE

Update April 4, 2020: EXTENSION FOR WORKING HOLIDAY VISA MAKERS

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said extending the visas of working holidaymakers and seasonal workers would ensure farmers had enough labor to plant and pick their crops.

“What we are saying to those visa holders is that if you’re prepared to stay in this country and help us get through this coronavirus then we’ll extend your visa”

Mr. David Littleproud, Agriculture Minister

CAN YOU STAY AND WORK IN AUSTRALIA? Mr. Littleproud said …

  1. yes if, you have enough money to support yourself
  2. yes if, you are working in agriculture or a critical industry, that being health and aged care as well as agriculture
  3. yes if, you stay self-isolated for 14 days before moving to a new region in order to protect regional communities from the COVID-19
  4. yes and, the workers will be exempted from a rule that means they cannot stay with the same employer for more than six months.

We’re working with state officials to ensure there is policing of this and that any backpacker or seasonal Pacific Island worker that flouts it will lose their visa rights immediately and go home,” the minister said.

I AM TRAVELING IN ANOTHER COUNTRY. WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION?

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