Superseded - Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction (No. 16)

This direction has been superseded on 15 December 2021. See the current Requirements for International Arrivals Direction.

Summary

Effective from: 1am AEST Monday 13 December 2021

Posted: 9 December 2021

Superseded on: 15 December 2021

Direction from Chief Health Officer in accordance with emergency powers arising from the declared public health emergency

Public Health Act 2005 (Qld)

Section 362B

On 29 January 2020, under the Public Health Act 2005, the Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services made an order declaring a public health emergency in relation to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The public health emergency area specified in the order is for ‘all of Queensland’. Its duration has been extended by regulation to 26 March 2022 and may be further extended.

Further to this declaration, l, Dr Peter Aitken, Chief Health Officer, reasonably believe it is necessary to give the following direction pursuant to the powers under s 362B of the Public Health Act 2005 to assist in containing, or to respond to, the spread of COVID-19 within the community.

Guidance

A person entering Queensland under this Direction must comply with any relevant requirements of other Public Health Directions while the person is in Queensland.

Separately from the requirements under Public Health Directions, under sections 362G and 362H of the Public Health Act 2005, a person may be given a direction by an emergency officer (public health) to stay at or in a particular place for up to 14 days if the emergency officer believes it is reasonably necessary to assist in containing, or to respond to, the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

Preamble

  1. This Public Health Direction is to be read in conjunction with other Public Health Directions issued under section 362B of the Public Health Act 2005 that have not expired or been revoked.

Citation

  1. This Public Health Direction may be referred to as the Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction (No. 16).

Revocation

  1. The Public Health Direction Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction (No. 15) given on 15 November 2021 is revoked from 12:59 am (AEST) on 13 December 2021.

Commencement

  1. This Public Health Direction applies from 1:00 am (AEST) on 13 December 2021 until the end of the declared public health emergency, unless revoked or amended.

PART 1 — DIRECTION – Quarantine for international arrivals

  1. This Direction applies to a person who arrives in Queensland and who has been in a place outside Australia in the 14 days immediately before their arrival, including a person travelling from a safe travel zone country on a quarantine-free flight.

    Note: The requirements for persons entering Queensland from a safe travel zone country on a quarantine-free flight are in Part 4 of this Direction.

  2. A person who is an international arrival is required to quarantine for a period of 14 days commencing on the date of their arrival to Queensland, unless the person:

    1. transfers directly to another international flight to leave Australia without leaving the confines of the airport; or

    2. quarantines in government-nominated accommodation until the time of their international flight to leave Australia; or

    3. is a maritime crew member entering Queensland who is not required to quarantine under the Protocol for maritime crew members joining or signing off a vessel in Queensland approved by the Chief Health Officer.

      Note: Requirements for air crew are in the Quarantine and COVID-19 Testing for Air Crew Direction or its successors.

  3. An international arrival who is required to quarantine under paragraph 6, must quarantine in government- nominated accommodation unless the person is an overseas traveller.

  4. An overseas traveller is a person who quarantines in accordance with the requirements in Part 2B, and:

    1. is an Australian citizen or permanent resident; or an immediate family member of an Australian citizen or permanent resident who is travelling with the Australian citizen or permanent resident; and

    2. arrives in Queensland:

      1. on a direct flight to the Brisbane International Airport from an international port; or

      2. on a transit domestic flight and the person on arrival in Australia did not leave the confines of the airport until boarding the domestic flight; or

      3. at the Brisbane International airport and transfers directly to an intrastate flight without otherwise leaving the confines of the airport and remains in the airport’s dedicated transit area at all times and undertakes no more than one intrastate flight after arrival at the Brisbane International airport; and

        Example: An overseas traveller may fly from Los Angeles on a direct flight to Brisbane and transfer directly (without leaving the confines of the airport) to an intrastate flight to Townsville.

        An international arrival who flies from Los Angeles to Sydney and then transfers directly to Brisbane without leaving the confines of the Sydney airport, may be eligible to quarantine at home (subject to other requirements).

    3. is fully vaccinated; and

    4. has undertaken a COVID-19 PCR test within 3 days of the scheduled date of departure from the international port and the person has received a negative test result; and

    5. has access to, for quarantine purposes a nominated residential quarantine premises; and

    6. quarantines for 14 days from the date and time of arrival at the airport of final destination at a nominated residential quarantine premises in accordance with the home quarantine requirements in Part 2B; and

      Example: A person who arrives in Queensland on 1 May (day 0) must quarantine until the end of 15 May (day 14).

    7. has explained to each household member of the nominated residential quarantine premises that they will need to quarantine in accordance with the Home Quarantine for Household Members of an Overseas Traveller Direction for 14 days from the date of the international arrival’s arrival at the nominated residential quarantine premises, and have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine, if they are aged 16 years or over; and

      Note: It is the international arrival’s responsibility to ensure that each person staying at the nominated residential quarantine premises during the quarantine period understands, they are required to quarantine and to have received at least one vaccination for COVID-19 if they are aged 16 years or over.

    8. travels for no more than two hours safe driving distance from the airport of final arrival in Queensland without stopping to the nominated residential quarantine premises using prescribed transport; and

    9. has a smart mobile phone for the quarantine period which:

      1. has an Australian phone number; and

      2. is connected to a network or mobile phone company signal or has mobile data available; and

    10. complies with the home quarantine conditions in Part 2B including undertaking a COVID-19 PCR test on Days 1 and 12 of the quarantine period; and using the Home Quarantine Check-In Service for the 14-day quarantine period.

      Note: An international arrival who meets the criteria in subparagraphs 8(a) to (j), and quarantines in accordance with Part 2B is termed an overseas traveller.

  1. Despite sub-paragraph 8(b), an overseas traveller is also a person who entered Queensland within the 14 days prior to commencement of the Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction (No.16), who arrived:

    1. on a direct flight to the Brisbane International Airport from an international port; or

    2. in Queensland at the Brisbane International airport and transferred directly to an intrastate flight without otherwise leaving the confines of the airport and remained in the airport’s dedicated transit area at all times and undertook no more than one intrastate flight after arrival at the Brisbane International airport.

PART 2A –QUARANTINE AT GOVERNMENT NOMINATED ACCOMMODATION

  1. An international arrival required to quarantine, at government nominated accommodation, must after completing immigration, customs and any other requirements:

    1. travel by an endorsed transport provider or in the manner instructed by an emergency officer (public health) from their port of disembarkation to the government nominated accommodation by the most direct practical route and means and reside in the nominated premises; and

    2. comply with the quarantine requirements in Part 2A.

  2. A person who is required to quarantine at government nominated accommodation must not leave the nominated premises for 14 days commencing on the date of their arrival to Queensland, except:

    1. for the purposes of obtaining essential medical care at a hospital; or

    2. to avoid injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm; or

      Example: escaping a risk of harm related to sexual or domestic and family violence; or accessing support from a domestic and family violence support service

    3. in the event of an emergency situation; or

    4. for a person transiting through Queensland in accordance with paragraph 6(b), to leave Australia on an international flight; or

    5. as otherwise required or permitted under a direction given to the person by an emergency officer (public health); and

    6. if the Chief Health Officer has advised that the person may quarantine in accordance with Part 2B and the person:

      1. has undertaken a COVID-19 PCR test in the previous 3 days and received a negative test result; and

      2. agrees to quarantine in accordance with Part 2B; and

      3. agrees to comply and with any advice provided by Queensland Health by means of text message or other communication.

  1. A person who is required to quarantine at government nominated accommodation must not open the door to the nominated premises, except when:

    1. leaving the nominated premises for a permitted purpose under paragraph 11; or

    2. allowing a person to enter the nominated premises for a permitted purpose under paragraph 16; or

    3. permitted by a quarantine facility worker to collect any food, laundry, medical supplies or other items left at the door of their nominated premises; or

    4. permitted by an emergency officer (public health) to be tested for COVID-19; or

    5. permitted by a quarantine facility worker to place any laundry, rubbish or other items directly outside the door of their nominated premises for collection; and

  2. A person who is required to quarantine at government nominated accommodation must not :

    1. physically interact with other guests from another nominated premises on a balcony of the nominated premises; or

      Note: a quarantined person should maintain physical distancing from other guests on other balconies at government-nominated accommodation

    1. accept or exchange items with other guests between balconies at government-nominated accommodation; or

    2. enter any balcony other than a balcony of the person’s nominated premises.

  1. A person who is required to quarantine at government nominated
    accommodation
    must wear a surgical mask:

    1. whenever directed to do so by an emergency officer (public health); or

    2. whenever leaving and returning to the nominated premises during quarantine as permitted under paragraph 11; or

    3. whenever the door to the nominated premises is open as permitted under paragraph 12

  2. A person who is required to quarantine at government nominated accommodation must:

    1. when permitted to leave and return to the nominated premises during quarantine for a purpose permitted under paragraph 11(a), must travel by ambulance; and

    2. travel to and from the nominated premises to commence quarantine or for a purpose permitted under paragraph 11(b) to (e) must be by:

      1. ambulance; or

      2. an endorsed transport provider; or

      3. an emergency services vehicle in emergency or serious situations as permitted or allowed under a direction given to the person by an emergency officer (public health); or

  3. A person who is required to quarantine at government nominated accommodation must not permit any other person to enter the nominated premises unless that other person:

    1. resides in the nominated premises for the purpose of complying with this direction; or

    2. is required or permitted under a direction given to the person by an emergency officer (public health) to perform a COVID-19 PCR test; or

    3. is required or permitted under a direction given to the person by an emergency officer (public health) in an emergency situation and contact details of the other person are recorded.

      Example: an emergency medical situation where it is not practicable to transport the quarantined person to a hospital.

      Note: A nominated premises includes the balcony of a government-nominated hotel room. A quarantined person must not permit any person to enter their balcony unless they are permitted by paragraph 16

  4. An unaccompanied minor who is required to quarantine at government nominated accommodation must quarantine in a nominated premises with a parent, guardian or other responsible adult.

  5. A person who is required to quarantine at government nominated accommodation must undertake a COVID-19 PCR test on days 1, 5 and 12 of the person’s quarantine period.

  6. A person who is required to quarantine at government nominated accommodation must quarantine for a further period of 14 days from the end of the quarantine period if the person is not tested for COVID-19 when requested to do so by an emergency officer (public health), including as soon as possible after arrival at the nominated premises, on days 1, 5 and 12 of the person’s quarantine period.

    Note: a person who is transiting through Queensland in accordance with paragraph 6(b) is not required to be tested on days 1, 5 and 12 if their next international flight is before days 1, 5 and 12.

    Notes: Under sections 362G and 362H of the Public Health Act 2005, an emergency officer (public health) can give a direction to a person to stay at or in a particular place for up to 14 days if the emergency officer believes the direction is reasonably necessary to assist in containing, or to respond to, the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

    Chapter 8, part 7AA (Fees for quarantine during COVID-19 emergency) of the Public Health Act 2005 applies to a person required to quarantine and requires a person to pay a fee for quarantine.

  7. Despite paragraphs 11 and 12, an unaccompanied minor who is an international arrival can travel from Queensland to another State or Territory to quarantine as required by the other State or Territory, if allowed by the other State or Territory.

  8. Despite subparagraph 14 a person may not wear a surgical mask when the door to the nominated premises is open for a purpose listed in paragraph 12 if:

    1. it is not practicable due to the need to avoid immediate injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm; or

    2. it is not practicable because of the emergency situation; or

    3. the person is a child under the age of 12 years; or

    4. the person has a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, which makes wearing a surgical mask unsuitable and the person has a medical exemption certificate from a medical practitioner; or

    5. it is permitted under a direction given to the person by an emergency officer (public health).

People who may quarantine outside government-nominated accommodation

Consular employees

  1. A consular employee as defined in the Consular Privileges and Immunities Act 1972 (Cth) who is an international arrival and who refuses, after being requested to quarantine in government-nominated accommodation, is requested to travel directly to their residence by private vehicle and quarantine in accordance with Part 2B.

People requiring support

  1. An international arrival who is unable to live independently without ongoing or regular support due to significant health needs, and their carers, must travel directly to their residence and quarantine in accordance with Part 2B and any other requirements of an emergency officer (public health).

Maritime crew

  1. A maritime crew member must comply with any relevant protocol for maritime crew approved by the Chief Health Officer.

    Note: Cruise ships are subject to the Restricting cruise ships from entering Queensland waters Direction (No. 2) or its successor and to the Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements) Determination 2020 (Cth).

    Note: Maritime vessels are subject to any General Manager Maritime Safety Queensland Directions issued under the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 which may impose time-based arrival restrictions.

PART 2B – HOME QUARANTINE

  1. A person must not leave the nominated residential quarantine premises for a period of 14 days commencing on the date of their arrival in Queensland, unless:

    1. for the purposes of obtaining essential medical care at a hospital; or

    2. to avoid injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm; or

      Example – escaping a risk of harm related to sexual or domestic and family violence

    3. in the event of an emergency situation; or

    4. to undertake a COVID-19 PCR test; or

    5. the Chief Health Officer has advised the person may end quarantine before 14 days and the person:

      1. has undertaken a COVID-19 PCR test and received a negative test result within 3 days prior to leaving quarantine; and

      2. complies with any advice provided by Queensland Health by means of text message or other communication.

  1. An overseas traveller must not permit any other person to enter the nominated residential quarantine premises unless that other person:

    1. resides in the nominated residential quarantine premises and is also quarantining at the nominated residential quarantine premises; or

    2. enters to provide emergency, medical or other essential care to a person residing in the nominated residential quarantine premises, including a COVID-19 PCR test; or

    3. enters to respond to an emergency situation; or

    4. is an essential worker required to attend the property; or

    5. enters as otherwise required or permitted under a direction given to the person by an emergency officer (public health).

  2. An overseas traveller must maintain contact records for any person attending the property during the quarantine period, including:

    1. the date, time and location at which the essential worker entered the property; and

    2. if possible, the name, phone number and email address of the essential worker who entered the property.

  3. An overseas traveller must undertake a COVID-19 PCR test on Day 0 to 1 and Day 12 of the quarantine period and at any other time during the quarantine period if they have symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

  4. An overseas traveller must use prescribed transport to go to a COVID-19 testing centre.

  5. An overseas traveller must use a drive-through COVID-19 testing centre where available, or if a drive-through COVID-19 testing centre is not available:

    1. on arrival at the COVID-19 PCR testing centre, advise the healthcare professionals that they are in quarantine and are attending for routine testing; and

    2. maintain at least 1.5 metres physical distance, where reasonably practicable, from all persons other than members of their household; and

  6. An overseas traveller must wear a face mask at all times when leaving the property for a permitted purpose or when a person enters the property for a permitted purpose.

  7. An overseas traveller must use prescribed transport when travelling to or from the nominated residential quarantine premises for a permitted purpose, without stopping, except in an emergency or if directed to do so by law enforcement and taking the most direct route possible.

  8. An overseas traveller must use the Home Quarantine Check In Service in compliance with the Use of Technology to Support Home Quarantine Direction during the quarantine period to confirm their location and compliance with the home quarantine requirements.

  9. Any records required to be kept under paragraph 27 must be provided to an emergency officer (public health) or contact tracing officer, if requested.

  10. An international arrival who does not comply with the requirements in paragraphs 25 to 34, is required to quarantine at government-nominated accommodation for the remainder of the quarantine period.

PART 3 – QUEENSLAND INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS REGISTRATION

  1. An international arrival must apply for and receive a Queensland International Arrivals Registration and must:

    1. declare the person’s name, date of birth, primary residential address in Australia, phone number and email address; and:

    2. declare whether the person is an Australian citizen or permanent resident; and

    3. if requested, provide satisfactory evidence of identity; and

      Examples of evidence of identity – Passport, drivers license, Medicare card

    1. declare whether the person is an unaccompanied minor and, if so, the details of the parent, guardian or responsible adult who will consent to quarantine with the minor; and

    2. provide any other information or documents required by an emergency officer (public health) or required for the Queensland International Arrivals Registration.

  1. Despite paragraph 36, for a minor arriving in Queensland with a parent, guardian or responsible adult may be included in the Queensland International Arrivals Registration of the adult they are travelling with.

  2. In addition to the requirements under paragraph 36, an overseas traveller who enters Queensland after commencement of the Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction (No.16) must when applying for a Queensland International Arrivals Registration declare:

    1. travel details including arrival date in Queensland and date and time of the final destination of the person’s booked flight to Queensland; and

    2. whether the person has access to, for home quarantine purposes, a nominated residential quarantine premises; and

    3. whether the person has explained to each household member of the nominated residential quarantine premises that they will need to quarantine for 14 days at the nominated residential quarantine premises in accordance with the requirements in the Home Quarantine for Household Members of an Overseas Traveller Direction from the date and time of the person’s arrival at the nominated residential quarantine premises, and that they must have received at least one COVID- 19 vaccine, if they are aged 16 years or over; and

    4. whether the person will quarantine for 14 days from the date and time of arrival at the airport of final destination at the nominated residential quarantine premises in accordance with Schedule 2 Part 2B; and

    5. whether the person agrees to undertake a COVID-19 PCR test on Day 0 to 1 and Day 12 of the 14-day quarantine period; and

    6. whether the person agrees to use the Home Quarantine Check-in Service for the 14-day quarantine period; and

    7. whether the person is an immediate family member of an adult Australian citizen or permanent resident; and

    8. whether the person is fully vaccinated; and

    9. whether the person has evidence of undertaking a COVID-19 PCR test within 3 days prior to the scheduled date and time of departure from the international port and received a negative test result; and

  3. Despite paragraph 36, the following persons are not required to apply for and receive a Queensland International Arrivals Registration:

    1. An international arrival arriving in Queensland on a domestic flight; or

    2. maritime crew who are not required to quarantine in Queensland under the Protocol for maritime crew members joining or signing off a vessel in Queensland approved by the Chief Health Officer.

      Note: Travellers entering Australia must complete an Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before the time of departure. Further information about the Australia Travel Declaration is available at: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/australia-travel-declaration.

      Note: An international arrival arriving in Queensland on a domestic flight is required to complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass.

PART 4 – TRAVELLING FROM A SAFE-TRAVEL ZONE COUNTRY

  1. A person entering Queensland from a safe travel zone country on a quarantine-free must:

    1. within 3 days prior to the scheduled time of departing the safe travel zone country on a quarantine-free flight have undertaken a COVID-19 PCR test and received a negative test result; and be fully vaccinated

    2. have been in the safe travel zone country for 14 days prior to departing the safe travel zone country on a quarantine-free flight; and

    3. have not in the 14 days prior to departing the safe travel zone country on a quarantine-free flight been to a safe travel zone country hotspot or to the North Island of New Zealand.

PART 5 – SCREENING AND EVIDENTIARY PROVISIONS

  1. An emergency officer (public health) may require any person subject to this Direction to answer questions or provide evidence about:

    1. whether the person has symptoms consistent with COVID-19; and

    2. whether they have been exposed to COVID-19 in the past 14 days; and

    3. whether a person has been undertaking managed isolation or quarantine in a safe travel zone country facility in the past 14 days; and

    4. whether the person has returned a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 3 days of departing the international port; and

    5. whether the person is fully vaccinated for COVID-19, or has evidence of a recognised medical contraindication; and

    6. their name; and

    7. their date of birth; and

    8. their mobile phone number while in Australia; and

    9. if undertaking home quarantine, whether their mobile phone is a smart phone and has an Australian telephone number or has the Home Quarantine Check In Service; and

    10. if undertaking home quarantine, whether there will be household members at the nominated residential quarantine premises and whether they are aware of the need to quarantine for 14 days at the nominated residential quarantine premises

    11. their intended address while in Australia; and

    12. their email address; and

    13. the time and date the person departed the international port; and

    14. their flight number; and

    15. their flight seat number; and

    16. the places the person has been in in the 14 days before arriving in Queensland.

  2. A person must not refuse or fail to answer a question or give an answer that is false or misleading in providing information in connection with this Direction.

PART 6 – EXEMPTIONS

  1. The Chief Health Officer, the Deputy Chief Health Officer or their delegate may grant a person an exemption from all or part of these directions on the basis of extreme exceptional circumstances.

  2. An exemption may be given on conditions and if so, the person given the exemption must comply with the conditions.

PART 7 – DEFINITIONS

  1. Definitions used in this Direction are in Schedule 1.

PART 8 – PENALTIES

A person to whom the direction applies commits an offence if the person fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with the direction.

Section 362D of the Public Health Act 2005 provides:

Failure to comply with public health directions

  • A person to whom a public health direction applies must comply with the direction unless the person has a reasonable excuse.

  • Maximum penalty—100 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment.

Dr Peter Aitken
Chief Health Officer

09 December 2021

Published on the Queensland Health website at 7:10pm AEST 9 December 2021

Schedule 1 - Definitions

Australia means the Commonwealth of Australia and includes the external territories of Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands and Heard and McDonald Islands but excludes the Australian Antarctic Territory.

Australian Defence Force air crew means

  1. an Australian Defence force air crew member performing military tasking in accordance with a lawful order, excluding members ordinarily travelling for posting or leave purposes; or

  2. an off-shift Australian Defence force air crew member travelling as a passenger on an aircraft to reposition at another location to immediately commence military tasking in accordance with a lawful order.

Close contact means another person in the company of the first person:

  1. within an enclosed space for a period of 2 hours or longer; or

  2. within 1.5 metres of each other for a period of 15 minutes or longer.

Confines of the airport means the terminal or terminals of an airport used for the arrival and departure of aircraft and passengers by air, or the area of an airport that the person uses to transfer directly between terminals.

Example: a person did not leave the confines of the airport if they stay in a passenger terminal until their next flight or transferred directly between terminals to depart on their flight. However, a person leaves the confines of the airport if they go to a hotel in the airport precinct and stay overnight.

Contact details means a person’s full name, date of birth, telephone number for either the person or a parent, guardian or responsible adult for a minor, email address or a parent, guardian or responsible adult for a minor, home address and intended address upon departure from quarantine at government-nominated accommodation.

COVID-19 PCR test means for a person who is:

  1. 12 months of age or over, an oropharyngeal and deep nasal swab for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to detect whether a person has the COVID-19 virus; or

  2. under 12 months of age, a saliva swab for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to detect whether a person has the COVID-19 virus.

    Note: A COVID-19 PCR test does not include a self-test.

COVID-19 vaccine means a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration or endorsed by WHO-COVAX and the vaccine was obtained overseas.

Note: Information about the World Health Organization COVAX program and WHO emergency use listing is available here: WHO COVID-19 vaccines.

Eligible health professional means any of the following:

  • a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (as defined by the Health Insurance Act 1973 Cth); or

  • a fellow of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (as defined by the Health Insurance Act 1973 Cth); or

  • a person on Medicare’s Vocation Register of General Practitioners (as defined by the Health Insurance Act 1973 Cth); or

  • a practice registrar on an approved 3GA training placement; or

  • a paediatrician; or

  • a public health physician; or

  • an infectious diseases physician; or

  • a clinical immunologist.

Emergency officer (public health) means an emergency officer appointed under the Public Health Act 2005.

Note: Emergency officers appointed under the Public Health Act 2005 includes public health officers and police.

Endorsed transport provider means a person, business or entity that provides a transport service to a person who is required to quarantine and is endorsed by a government authority and has a Transport Plan in the form approved by the Chief Health Officer.

Note: Information about endorsed transport providers and Transport Plans is available here: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions/covid-19-testing-for-quarantine-facility-workers/endorsed-transport-providers.

Evidence of vaccination means an Australian International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate or if vaccinated in another country a certificate that meets the following criteria:

  1. issued by a national or state/provincial-level authority or an accredited vaccination provider; and

  2. written in English or accompanied by a certified translation; and

  3. containing the following information:

    1. name as it appears in the international arrivals passport; and

    2. date of birth or passport number; and

    3. the vaccine brand name; and

    4. the date of each dose or the date on which the international arrival received the final dose.

      Note: A paper-based or digital certificate that contains the required information may be used.

Evidence of a recognised medical contraindication means there is a COVID-19 vaccine medical exemption recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register for the person, or an eligible health professional has completed an Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) immunisation medical exemptions form for the COVID-19 vaccine for the person.

Evidence of undertaking a COVID- 19 PCR test means a test result that is in English or is a certified translated copy of COVID- 19 PCR test report in another language, that includes the following information:

  1. the international arrival’s name or passport number

  2. the international arrival’s date of birth or age at time of test

  3. the test result

  4. the test method used

  5. the date of collection for the COVID- 19 PCR test.

    Note: A paper-based or digital record that contains the required information may be used.

Fully vaccinated means a person:

  1. has received the prescribed number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, and it has been 7 days since the final dose and the person has evidence of vaccination;

  2. is under 16 years of age; or

  3. is unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine because of a recognised medical contraindication and has evidence of a recognised medical contraindication; or

  4. has a medical certificate or letter from a medical practitioner, certifying that the person is currently taking part in a COVID- 19 vaccine trial and receipt of a Therapeutic Goods Administration approved vaccine would impact the validity of the trial.

    Note: The medical certificate or letter from a medical practitioner about the clinical trial will only be valid for a period of time.

    Note: Proof of receiving the prescribed number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine includes a COVID-19 digital certificate, an immunisation history statement (printed or digital) or an international COVID- 19 vaccination certificate.

Government-nominated accommodation means hotel or other accommodation premises at which the person is directed to quarantine by an emergency officer (public health).

Note: A person may be required to pay a fee for quarantine under chapter 8, Part 7AA (Fees for quarantine during COVID-19 emergency) of the Public Health Act 2005.

Home Quarantine Check In Service means the arrangements described in the Use of Technology to Support Home Quarantine Direction.

Household member means a person who ordinarily resides at the nominated residential quarantine premises, and who will continue to reside at the nominated residential quarantine premises during the quarantine period for the international arrival.

Immediate family member means a parent, spouse, de facto partner, dependent child, that is travelling with an Australian Citizen or permanent resident

Note: Information about the Australian Department of Home Affairs requirements for immediate family members is available at: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/immediate-family-australian-citizens-or-permanent-residents-or-new-zealand-citizens-usually-resident-australia

International air crew has the same meaning as in the Quarantine and COVID-19 Testing for Air Crew Direction or its successors.

International arrival means a person who arrives in Queensland on a flight that is not a quarantine-free flight or a person who, in the 14 days immediately before their arrival to Queensland:

  1. has been in a place outside Australia, other than a safe travel zone country; or

  2. arrived in Australia by sea; or

  3. arrived in Australia by air on a flight that is not a quarantine-free flight, regardless of whether the flight originated from a safe travel zone country; or

  4. has been in a place declared a safe travel zone country hotspot,

but excludes international air crew, Queensland based air crew and Australian Defence Force air crew as defined and regulated by the Quarantine and COVID-19 Testing for Air Crew Direction or its successor and PLS/SWP workers with an endorsed international PLS/SWP quarantine plan under the Seasonal Workers International Quarantine Plans and Checklist Direction or its successor.

Maritime crew includes anyone required to be part of a crew operating or providing services to support the operation of a vessel, including supernumeraries.

Minor means a person under the age of 18 years.

Nominated premises means : a person’s allocated room within government-nominated accommodation as directed by an emergency officer (public health)

Nominated residential quarantine premises means a self-contained dwelling with no shared common areas accessible by any persons other than those residing at the property.

Note: A self-contained dwelling may include a duplex, townhouse or ground floor apartment where there are no shared common areas, with separate or external entrance that requires no access via shared enclosed areas such as a foyer, stairwell or lift. It may include temporary commercial accommodation (for example, a short-term rental accommodation). It does not include an apartment within a high-rise building, hotel room, accommodation with shared facilities, a dormitory or caravan.

Parent means a biological parent, step-parent, parent in-law, or adoptive parent.

Note: A parent is an immediate family member.

Overseas traveller see paragraphs 8 and 9.

Note: an overseas traveller includes an international arrival who entered Queensland in the 14 days prior to commencement of the Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction (No.16) and has been quarantining at government-nominated accommodation.

Physical distancing includes remaining at least 1.5 metres away from other persons where possible.

Prescribed transport means any of the following with a maximum seating capacity of no more than 11 passengers:

  1. a vehicle driven by a household member who quarantines with the overseas traveller under the Home Quarantine for Household Members of an Overseas Traveller Direction; or

  2. a hire car, hired by a contactless process at the airport of final arrival in Queensland; or

  3. a private vehicle driven by an overseas traveller that the overseas traveller accessed by a contactless process and that during the quarantine period, only the overseas traveller or a household member who quarantines with the overseas traveller under the Home Quarantine for Household Members of an Overseas Traveller Direction travels in; or

  4. an endorsed transport provider.

    Note: Prescribed transport does not include public transport.

Quarantine facility worker means an individual, including an employee, volunteer or contractor who performs a quarantine service at government-nominated accommodation.

Quarantine-free flight means a flight that only carries passengers who have completed an Australian Travel Declaration at least 72 hours prior to departure declaring:

  1. details of their health status; and

  2. that they have been in a safe travel zone country for 14 days or more and have not been in a safe travel zone country hotspot.

Note: Information about quarantine free flights is available from the Australian Department of Home Affairs: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/new-zealand-safe-travel-zone1. Determinations about quarantine-free flights are made by the relevant airline.

Quarantined person means an individual who has been directed to quarantine by an emergency officer (public health) under section 362H of the Public Health Act 2005.

Quarantine service means a service or work of any kind during the course of which a person is physically present at government-nominated accommodation, or a service in relation to government-nominated accommodation, which is identified in the operational protocol for COVID-19 testing of quarantine facility workers approved by the Chief Health Officer including:

  1. health;

    Example: providing medical care to or taking a swab for COVID-19 testing from a quarantined person

  2. personal care;

    Example: assisting a quarantined person with a disability with personal care needs such as showering

  3. security;

    Example: monitoring and directing the movement of a quarantined person within the government-nominated accommodation

  4. cleaning;

    Example: cleaning a guest room at which a quarantined person is residing or has resided including after the quarantined person has departed

  5. any other service identified in the operational protocol for COVID-19 testing of quarantine facility workers2 approved by the Chief Health Officer.

    Example: providing check in or check out services for a quarantined person, preparing meals for consumption by staff or guests, maintaining hotel premises, or driving a bus transporting quarantined persons.

Queensland International Arrivals Registration see Part 3. The Queensland International Arrivals Registration is available on the Queensland Government website at: https://www.qld.gov.au/internationalarrivalstoqld3.

Queensland-based air crew has the same meaning as in the Quarantine and COVID-19 Testing for Air Crew Direction (No.2) or its successors.

Responsible adult is an adult who has been given written consent by an unaccompanied minor’s parent or legal guardian to complete quarantine with the minor and who has consented to complete the quarantine with the minor.

Safe travel zone country means a country, or part of a country, specified in Schedule 2.

Safe travel zone country facility means a hotel or hospital where a person has been directed to complete managed isolation or quarantine by a relevant government authority in a safe travel zone country.

Safe travel zone country hotspot means an area identified in Schedule 2 as a hotspot of a safe travel zone country.

Surgical mask means a single use surgical mask with a minimum level 1 barrier protection level under the Australian Standard (AS 4381:2015) that covers the nose and mouth.

Symptoms consistent with COVID-19 means fever or history of fever, symptoms of acute respiratory infection (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat), loss of smell, loss of taste, runny nose, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or fatigue.

Unaccompanied minor means is a child who is not in the presence of a responsible adult.

Vessel means a commercial vessel, research vessel or government vessel that is in Australian waters and is 50 metres or more in length. It does not include cruise vessels, private vessels, super yachts or recreational vessels.

Schedule 2 – Safe Travel Zone Countries and Safe Travel Zone Country Hotspots

  1. Safe Travel Zone Country

Each of the following is a safe travel zone country:

  • The South Island of New Zealand

    1. Safe Travel Zone Country Hotspots

The safe travel zone country hotspots for each safe travel zone country are listed below:

Safe Travel Zone CountrySafe Travel Zone Country Hotspots
  • The South Island of New Zealand

Last updated: 15 December 2021