COVID-19

Visa holders who arrive in Australia may have their visa cancelled and be detained and removed if they:

• are not fully vaccinated for international travel purposes in accordance with Australia’s border entry requirements; or
• do not have a medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine as defined by the Australian Government; or
• are not in an exempt category or hold an individual travel exemption.

Unvaccinated travellers (who are not considered exempt) have to enter under the cap system i.e. have a place in quarantine linked to their flight – and this will incur costs to the traveller.

There are differing requirements for people prior to, and after entry into individual States/Territories.

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise increased caution

We advise that New Zealanders exercise increased caution in Australia (level 2 of 4).

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Australia

Natural Disasters

Australia has experienced an increase in extreme weather events in recent years. We encourage New Zealanders to pay close attention to weather forecasts and warnings. The Bureau of Meteorology provides an app, similar to New Zealand’s Metservice, that we encourage you to download. Australia’s emergency phone number is 000 from a local phone, 112 from a New Zealand/international phone.

We have information about bushfires in Australia here.

Crime

The level of crime in Australia is similar to in New Zealand.

Although New Zealanders are not specifically targeted for crime, petty crime such as bag snatching, passport theft and pickpocketing can occur in Australia, particularly in tourist areas. We advise New Zealanders to be alert of their surroundings and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings.

Theft from safety deposit facilities has been known to happen, particularly in cheaper hotels and hostels.

Beware of online letting scams. Scammers have duped tourists into transferring money to an overseas bank account in return for renting accommodation in Australia.

Watch out for drink spiking when consuming alcohol with new acquaintances. Extra care should be taken to ensure your food and drink is never left unattended. We recommend against accepting drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances.

Terrorism

New Zealanders travelling and living in Australia are advised to take account of the terrorism threat level assigned by Australian authorities when making travel decisions. The current national threat system assesses the likelihood of an act of terrorism occurring in Australia as ‘Probable’ (level three on a five level scale).  

Australia remains a target of terrorist interest, both from international terrorist groups and from domestic-based extremists. Credible intelligence, assessed by Australian security agencies indicates that individuals or groups have both the intent and capability to conduct  terrorist attacks in Australia. Attacks could be indiscriminate including places visited by tourists.

General travel advice

New Zealanders in Australia are advised to monitor the media for information about threats to safety and security and follow any instructions issued by local authorities. Remain vigilant about your personal security and take sensible precautions.

There is an outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in Australia. Japanese encephalitis is a disease transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus is spread when mosquitoes bite an infected animal and the mosquito then bites a human. Japanese encephalitis virus cannot be transmitted from human to human, or by eating meat from an infected animal. Infected pigs and some waterbirds are the animals most likely to infect mosquitoes. This poses a particular risk to those visiting places with affected pigs or engaged in outdoor activities areas and exposed to mosquitos. While most infections are asymptomatic or cause mild symptoms, in rare cases it can cause severe disease and death. Given this particular outbreak and the presence of other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes in Australia (such as Barmah Forest virus disease or Ross River virus), it is important to always protect yourself from mosquito bites. Information on avoiding mosquito bites is available at avoiding bug bites while travelling. Further information on the Japanese Encephalitis outbreak is available on the New Zealand Ministry of Health website. Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably at least 6 weeks before you travel. Your health care provider may discuss the benefits of getting vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis if you are at a higher risk of exposure (e.g. spend a large amount of time outdoors in affected areas).

Australia is home to a number of fascinating yet dangerous animal species. Beware of crocodiles in tropical areas, unless a waterhole overtly permits swimming don’t swim there and observe any shark warnings. Swimming at beaches pose similar risks to New Zealand. Make yourself aware of snake and spider bite protocols.

Like in New Zealand, demonstrations occasionally occur in Australia. New Zealanders in Australia are advised to exercise vigilance around large demonstrations and protests as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning.

New Zealanders making short-term visits to Australia are advised to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Make sure this covers you for all activities you plan to do while in Australia.

We have a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia which entitles New Zealand residents to emergency hospital treatment. However, the agreement does not cover out-of-hospital medical treatment including services like ambulances, medical evacuations and elective treatment including doctors' visits.  

New Zealanders planning to live in Australia long-term should see our Going to Australia section, and the New Zealand High Commission to Australia’s Living in Australia section.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Australia are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

• For current health alerts

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The New Zealand High Commission Canberra, Australia

Street Address 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 (visitor entrance on Forster Crescent) Telephone +61 2 6270 4211 Fax +61 2 6273 3194 Email nzhccba@bigpond.net.au Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/australia Hours By appointment only, please call or email.

New Zealand Consulate-General Melbourne, Australia

Street Address Level 4, 45 William Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia Postal Address PO Box 559, Collins St West VIC 8007 Telephone +61 3 9678 0201 Email melbourne.consulate@nzte.govt.nz Web Site https://www.nzte.govt.nz/en/contact-us/australia-pacific/melbourne/#enquiry Hours By appointment only, please call or email.

New Zealand Consulate-General Sydney, Australia

Street Address Level 22, 20 Bond Street, Sydney, 2000, New South Wales Postal Address GPO Box 365, Sydney, NSW 2001 Telephone +61 2 9270 5900 Fax +61 2 9270 5999 Email nzcgsydney@bigpond.com Hours By appointment only, please call or email.

New Zealand Honorary Consulate Western Australia, Australia

Street Address 1 Sleat Road Applecross WA 6153 Telephone (08) 9364 1700 Fax (08) 9329 3603 Email info@nzconsulateperth.com Hours By appointment only, please call or email.

See our regional advice for Australia