- Reviewed: 19 March 2020, 13:57 NZDT
- Still current at: 19 January 2021
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Bushfires
We have information about bushfires in Australia here.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
There have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Australia.
Local authorities in countries and territories with confirmed cases of COVID-19 may impose containment measures including travel restrictions and quarantine requirements to prevent the spread of the virus.
Such measures may be imposed at short notice and specific details may change rapidly, including where and to whom they apply to and for how long. All travellers should stay informed of measures being taken by authorities in the areas they are travelling to. We recommend that all travellers consult the official website or the nearest embassy or consulate of your country or territory of destination to find out about any border controls and other measures that may apply to you.
For information on countries and territories which have COVID-19 related border restrictions affecting foreign nationals, including travellers in transit, please check the International Air Transport Association (IATA) website before you travel. IATA provides a comprehensive list of all countries and territories that have imposed COVID-19 related border restrictions and is being continually updated.
As part of its response to managing the COVID-19 outbreak, the New Zealand Government has some temporary travel restrictions in place in New Zealand. Please refer to the New Zealand Ministry of Health website for up to date information.
For further travel advice and information about COVID-19, please see our webpage here. We encourage all New Zealanders living and travelling overseas to register with us.
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 to their surroundings and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings.
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 terror groups and from domestic-based extremists. Credible intelligence, assessed by Australian authorities indicates that individuals or groups have developed both the intent and capability to conduct terrorist attacks in Australia. Attacks could be indiscriminate, and occur anywhere at anytime.
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.
General travel advice
Demonstrations occasionally occur in Australia. New Zealanders in Australia are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning.
Bushfires are possible throughout the warmer months in Australia, which can also affect air quality at times. If travelling to Australia check the state fire and emergency sites for up to date information.
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.
Although we have a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia which entitles New Zealand residents to emergency hospital treatment, the agreement does not cover out-of-hospital medical treatment including services like ambulance cover, 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
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 Mon - Fri 0845 - 1700 hours
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 Mon-Fri 0900-12.30, 1330-1600 hrs
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 Mon-Fri 0900-1230 hrs and 1330-1600 hrs
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 Mon - Fri 08.00 - 1700 pm
See our regional advice for Australia
Related News features
New Zealand High Commission 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
Website: http://www.mfat.govt.nz/australia
Hours: Mon - Fri 0845 - 1700 hours