Rules for Entering Different States via International Flight Transit?

SlavOz on 19/10/2021 - 14:22

I have a travel exemption and will be flying out to Europe next month, however I still haven't booked a flight yet as I'm still looking for the best price/route.

Qatar Airways is very good and offer a convenient route for me, but some of their international flights from Sydney stop over in Adelaide or Melbourne first. Am I even able to travel this route? The current rules around entering different states, as well as international travel from each state, are a complete mess so I have no idea.

I did a quick Google and found that SA requires all inbound arrivals to apply for an exemption from the health/border department beforehand, but not sure if that's right.

Travel

Comments

  • Flying Ace on 19/10/2021 - 14:33
    +2

    This page appears to have the most correct information.

    Transit passengers
    International transit passengers arriving into Australia can leave on another international flight that leaves from the city you arrived in. You must:
    stay at the airport if you must wait for your next flight for up to 8 hours
    go to mandatory quarantine at a state designated facility if the wait for your next flight is from 8 to 72 hours
    Transit passengers cannot travel within Australia, even to meet a departing international flight in another city.

    You're not arriving into Melbourne or Adelaide, only transitting - so as long as you don't leave the transit area I believe you would be fine.

    • dizzle on 19/10/2021 - 14:56
      +2

      International transit passengers arriving into Australia can leave on another international flight that leaves from the city you arrived in

      They way I read that is that if you're coming in AND going out on international flights it's OK. I don't think it means you can transit domestically after an international flight.

      Transit passengers cannot travel within Australia, even to meet a departing international flight in another city.

      It could be read that you can't drive to another airport, but considering it already said you can't leave the transit area I would take it that you can't fly to another domestic airport either.

    • SlavOz on 19/10/2021 - 17:59

      Thanks, I found some conflicting information so decided to call the hotline to ask. Even though the rep sounded very unsure, they told me that I would need to apply for a seperate travel permit to enter SA. That SA-ucks :(

  • mickyb80 on 19/10/2021 - 15:04

    Call the hotline.
    I was on the phone with both the NSW and Vic CC's yesterday just to check details with regards to interstate travel.
    Few items are subjective, so worth speaking with them to check.

  • Trance N Dance on 19/10/2021 - 15:31
    +1

    Just had a look at QR's schedule. There are no flights that leave SYD and stop in ADL or MEL first. Are you talking about a domestic connection on QF or VA first and then taking the QR flight internationally?

    • SlavOz on 19/10/2021 - 17:58

      Yes, it's a co-partnered ticket. Flight out of Sydney is with Virgin or Jetstar, then from ADL or MEL it's with Qatar Airways.

      I called the SA hotline, the lady sounded really unsure and nervous, but I was told that I can't transit through without prior approval from police and SA health. I might just use a different airline :(

      • Trance N Dance on 20/10/2021 - 07:07

        Yeah you'll have to either fly directly out of SYD or find a different routing. MEL is allowed soon (if not already).

        • SlavOz on 20/10/2021 - 09:28

          If I can fly from Melbourne I may still go that route, but the Vic covid website still says it's not allowed.

          • Trance N Dance on 20/10/2021 - 23:30

            @SlavOz: Check again, if you're double vaccinated you should be able to enter and/or transit under an orange zone pass.

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