Who can come into Queensland?The Queensland border is closed to anyone who has been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter), except for a limited range of people who can enter for essential purposes. Currently there are no COVID-19 hotspots. It does not matter if you were only in the COVID-19 hotspot for a couple of hours – if you were there at any time from the time the area was identified a hotspot , you are considered to have been in a COVID-19 hotspot. People who are permitted to enter Queensland who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot within the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter) will generally have to quarantine for 14 days at government arranged accommodation. Queensland residents who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot can return home by air and new residents can relocate to Queensland but, they will have to quarantine in government arranged accommodation at their own expense. Anyone who arrives in Queensland and has been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter) will need to apply for and receive a Queensland Border Declaration Pass before they arrive. Queensland residents who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot can return home by air and new residents can relocate to Queensland but, they will have to quarantine in government arranged accommodation at their own expense. Anyone who has been overseas in the last 14 days must follow the Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction. |
Do I have to complete 14 days of mandatory quarantine if I come to Queensland from a hotspot?Yes. There are only very limited circumstances where a person will not be required to complete mandatory quarantine at their own expense when entering Queensland from a hotspot. You will have to quarantine when you enter Queensland if you: - have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter), and the place is a COVID-19 hotspot at the time you enter Queensland.
You do not have to quarantine if you: - need to come to Queensland to complete an essential activity which does not require quarantine
- arrive into Queensland by air and you transfer directly to another flight to leave Queensland or quarantine until your flight out of Queensland
- were in a COVID-19 hotspot for the sole purpose of transiting through an airport
- transited through a COVID-19 hotspot by road using private transport stopping only for essential fuel, supplies and to manage driver fatigue, wore a mask when stopping and did not stay overnight in a hotspot
- transited through a COVID-19 hotspot by road using private transport to enter an airport in the hotspot and fly to Queensland
- can provide evidence that you completed mandatory hotel quarantine in a COVID-19 hotspot and immediately transited to Queensland.
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What if I am in a declared hotspot, and the location is undeclared while I am there?As soon as a place is removed from the list of COVID-19 hotspots, you can enter Queensland even if you had been to that place in the 14 days before. For example, the Northern Territory is decided by the Chief Health Officer to be a COVID-19 hotspot on 1 June 2020 and removed as a COVID-19 hotspot from 10am on 1 September 2020. You may enter Queensland from 10am on 1 September 2020, even if you had been in the Northern Territory during the previous 14 days. |
What do I need to do to be able to enter Queensland?Everyone entering Queensland who has been in a declared hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter) must: - provide a Queensland Border Declaration Pass
- provide satisfactory evidence of identity such as a driver’s license or Medicare card
- children do not need to provide proof of identity
- any other evidence required
- commit to get tested for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, runny nose, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or fatigue) within 14 days of entering Queensland.
If you are entering Queensland from somewhere that is not a declared hotspot you should: - get tested for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, runny nose, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or fatigue)
- keep up to date with COVID-19 news to be aware of any hotspot announcements.
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Are there any extra rules I need to be aware of if I am entering Queensland from a hotspot to perform an essential activity?If you are allowed to enter Queensland to perform an essential activity, you will need to: - keep a record of your close contacts for 14 days after arriving in Queensland, including their:
- name (if available)
- phone number or email address (if available)
- the day, time and location that you saw them
- provide the records to an emergency public health officer if you are asked for them
- minimise contact with others for 14 days or the duration of your stay in Queensland (whichever is shorter)
- practice physical distancing whenever possible
- only remain in Queensland for the time necessary to carry out the activity
- comply with any relevant Public Health Directions
- comply with any protocol, (e.g. Protocol for Protocol for Maritime Crew for Freight movements entering Queensland and Disaster Management) approved by the Chief Health Officer that relates to the essential activity to be performed.
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What will happen if there is an outbreak somewhere else in the country?We are continuously monitoring the situation within other jurisdictions across the country. We will consider declaring other hotspots or reimplementing border restrictions on other states. If needed, the full Queensland Border Declaration Pass system may be activated. A local government area may be declared as a COVID-19 hotspot if there are one or more unlinked cases of COVID-19 in the past 28 days. An unlinked case is when it is unknown where the person got COVID-19 from. Other criteria may be used at the discretion of the Chief Health Officer. |
If I am currently in mandatory quarantine due to entering from a COVID-19 hotspot, that is no longer a hotspot, can I leave quarantine?If you enter Queensland from a location that is a hotspot, you may leave quarantine once the area is no longer a declared COVID-19 hotspot. You must complete the following before you can leave quarantine: - declare in writing that you haven’t been in a COVID-19 hotspot or a country that is not a safe travel zone country in the last 14 days
- provide your contact details and an address where you’ll be residing in Queensland
- have a negative COVID-19 test while in quarantine
For example, Adelaide was removed as a COVID-19 hotspot on 12 December 2020, so you would be able to end quarantine from 12 December 2020, even if you had been in greater Adelaide in the last 14 days. |
Questions about Queensland residents |
I’m a Queensland resident. Can I return to Queensland from a hotspot?Yes. You can return to Queensland. If you are a Queensland resident who has been to a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter), you must quarantine for 14 days in a government arranged accommodation or other place nominated by the government at your own expense. You will only be allowed to enter Queensland by air. If you are returning to Queensland to perform an essential activity you may not be required to quarantine at your own expense, but will still need to follow some set rules (such as minimising contact with the community and keeping a written record of close contacts for 14 days), depending on what type of essential activity you are doing. If you were performing an essential activity in the COVID-19 hotspot, but are not going to be performing the essential activity in Queensland, you will have to complete 14 days quarantine in government arranged accommodation. You must quarantine in government arranged accommodation when you return to Queensland if in the last 14 days you have been in a hotspot or overseas (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a safe travel zone country). You will be directed by an Emergency Officer as to where you must quarantine. This will be at government arranged accommodation at your own cost. Anyone entering Queensland who has been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter), must apply for a Queensland Border Declaration Pass. The only exceptions to this are people who are: |
I’m a Queensland resident and need to travel interstate for health care/surgery. Will I need to quarantine for 14 days when I get home?You will have to quarantine if you travelled to a hotspot for health care. You can transit through a COVID-19 hotspot by road using private transport if you stop only for essential fuel, supplies and to manage driver fatigue, wear a mask when stopping and do not stay overnight in a hotspot; to enter Queensland without needing to quarantine. |
I’m a Queensland resident and have been in a hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter), can I still enter Queensland?Yes. You can return to Queensland, but you must quarantine for 14 days in government arranged accommodation at your own expense. You will not be permitted to enter Queensland by road, you will only be able to enter Queensland by air, unless you have an exemption from the Chief Health Officer. Exemptions will only be granted in extreme exceptional circumstances. Certain people can enter Queensland by road under Schedule 2 of the Direction including truck drivers, workers related to the transport of freight and logistics, people receiving essential health care, and people performing essential activities. All persons wanting to enter Queensland from a hotspot must apply for a Queensland Border Declaration Pass. |
My child attends boarding school in Queensland. Can they return to Queensland without quarantining?Find out about restrictions in place for boarding school students. Students who have not been in a hotspot or overseas in the last 14 days can enter Queensland and do not need to quarantine. Any student who has been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days will need to complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass, all other students can enter without completing a pass. |
Questions about hotspots |
What is a hotspot?Hotspots are places in Australia where health officials have found a lot of people with COVID-19, or places that are at risk of a lot of COVID-19 infections. Hotspots are legally listed so that people travelling from those high-risk areas into Queensland can be identified. A hotspot can be declared on a date, however restrictions will apply to persons who have been in a hotspot in the previous 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter). The start date identified can be earlier than when the hotspot was declared. This is because the start date for the hotspot is when the risk of COVID-19 transmission started. People from hotspots are not able to enter Queensland unless they are entering for a limited number of essential activities. Queensland residents returning from a hotspot will have to quarantine at a government arranged hotel or other government organised accommodation for 14 days at their own expense. This will help reduce the chance that they might infect other people. |
I’ve been overseas. Can I enter Queensland?Anyone who has been overseas in the last 14 days must follow the Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction. |
Can I travel from New Zealand to Queensland without quarantining?Anyone who has been overseas in the last 14 days must follow the Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction. |
If I leave a hotspot and stay in a non-hotspot for 14 days, can I enter Queensland?Yes, you will be able to enter Queensland without quarantining. You could be required to provide a booking confirmation for the accommodation you have been staying in outside of a hotspot. The Queensland border is closed to anyone who has been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days. |
If I live outside of a hotspot but work in a hotspot can I visit Queensland? / My partner works in a hotspot can we visit Queensland?No. If you have been in a COVID-19 hotpot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter), you will not be allowed to enter Queensland. If you haven’t been in the hotspot you will be able to visit Queensland without your partner. |
Can I drive to Queensland from a hotspot without having to quarantine?No. If you have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter), you can only enter Queensland by air. Only certain people can enter Queensland by road including truck drivers, workers related to the transport of freight and logistics, and people performing select essential activities. If you do not fall into one of these categories, you will be required to apply for an exemption to enter by road. If your exemption is granted, it will include details of where you will complete your mandatory quarantine. There are only very limited circumstances where a person will not be required to complete mandatory quarantine at their own expense when entering Queensland from a hotspot. |
Questions about transferring through a hotspot |
If I have a layover in a hotspot am I able to enter Queensland?Yes. If you have had a layover in an airport located in a hotspot you will be able to enter Queensland if you did not leave the airport. You will have to complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass. Police at the border may ask you for evidence that you were only in a hotspot to transfer flights, and not for any other reason. |
If I travel through a hotspot by road am I able to enter Queensland?Yes. But only if you drive straight through the hotspot to a non-hotspot without stopping except to obtain essential fuel or to manage driver fatigue. For example, you can stop to use the bathroom or to change a baby. You must wear a mask when exiting your vehicle in a hotspot not interact with the community. You must travel in, a private vehicle or taxi with a protective shield between the driver and passenger or a taxi van that allows for physical distancing between the driver and the passengers. Only if these options are unavailable, you may travel in the back seat on the passenger side of a taxi or rideshare with a mask. Children under the age of 12 do not have to wear a mask. |
I’ve come from a hotspot will I be able to transfer to another flight in Queensland?Yes. You can enter Queensland from another state or territory by air in order to transfer to another flight to leave Queensland. You must remain in the airport until you transfer to another flight or you can quarantine until your flight out of Queensland. |
What is considered the 'confines of the airport'?The confines of the airport are the terminal or terminals of an airport used for the arrival and departure of aircraft and passengers by air. This does not include airport hotels. |
Do I need to complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass if I transited through a hotspot?Yes, you will still be required to complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass if you: - were in a COVID-19 hotspot for the sole purpose of transiting through an airport and didn’t leave the airport
- transited through a COVID-19 hotspot by road using private transport stopping only for essential fuel, supplies and to manage driver fatigue, wore a mask when stopping and did not stay overnight in a hotspot
- transited through a COVID-19 hotspot by road using private transport to enter an airport in the hotspot and fly to Queensland.
For example, if you drove to an airport carpark and then took private transport to the airport.
You won't be required to quarantine if you have only been in a hotspot in one of these situations. |
Why can I no longer visit Queensland from a hotspot for compassionate grounds?These are really tough times we have had to make tough decisions to protect the lives of Queenslanders. You can apply for an exemption from the Chief Health Officer if you believe extreme exceptional circumstances exist. In the rare circumstances an exemption is granted, you will still have to complete quarantine, but may be permitted to leave quarantine to visit a dying relative (if the hospital agrees) or in another exceptional circumstance. |
Does everyone coming from a hotspot have to fly to enter Queensland?The majority of people entering Queensland from a hotspot will have to enter by air. Certain people can enter Queensland by road including truck drivers, workers related to the transport of freight and logistics and people performing essential activities. Maritime crew can enter Queensland by ship. |
What do I do with my car if I’m returning from a hotspot?You will have to arrange for storage of your car at your own expense. You can only enter Queensland from a hotspot via air. Certain people can enter Queensland by road including truck drivers, workers related to the transport of freight and logistics and people performing essential activities. |
What does private transport mean?Private transport is either a private vehicle (either your personal vehicle or a hire car) or a taxi with a protective shield between the driver and passenger or a taxi van that allows for physical distancing between the driver and the passengers. Only if these options are unavailable, you may travel in the back seat on the passenger side of a taxi or rideshare with a mask. |
Can I transit through a hotspot to return to Queensland without the restrictions applying to me?You can transit through a hotspot and not be required to quarantine or get tested when you return to Queensland if you: - arrived in a COVID-19 hotspot by air for the sole purpose of transiting through the airport and did not leave the confines of the airport. For example, you flew directly from an airport not in a hotspot, to an airport located in a hotspot, and did not leave the airport.
- transited through a COVID-19 hotspot by road using private transport stopping only for essential fuel, supplies and to manage driver fatigue, wore a mask when stopping and did not stay overnight in a hotspot
- transited through a COVID-19 hotspot by road using private transport to enter an airport in the hotspot and fly to Queensland.
For example, if you drove to an airport carpark and then took private transport to the airport and flew home to Queensland.
You will still be required to complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass. |
Questions about what happens at the border |
What evidence do I need at the airport?You will need to present your Queensland Border Declaration Pass and photo ID, if you have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter). There may be other evidence you need to provide depending on your reason for entering Queensland. You can check evidence requirements here. |
What is the Queensland Border Declaration Pass?You must complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass if in the last 14 days you have been in a COVID-19 hotspot or you have been in a COVID-19 hotspot since the start date identified for the COVID-19 hotspot, whichever is shorter. For example, Northern Beaches was declared as a hotspot from 19 December and the start date identified for the Northern Beaches hotspot was 11 December. You will need to complete a Border Pass if you were in the Northern Beaches in the 14 days before coming to Queensland or you have been in the Northern Beaches from 11 December 2020. It does not matter if you were only in the Northern Beaches for a couple of hours – if you were there at any time from 1am AEST 11 December 2020, you must complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass. You may also be asked for other information or documents required by an emergency officer or the Queensland Border Declaration Pass. Examples of information required could be names of people travelling together in the one party, planned date of arrival to Queensland and planned place of entry to Queensland. Example of documents required could be a boarding pass if you are arriving by air. In addition, you will have to: - declare that the information provided is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.
- show satisfactory ID at the border such as your driver’s license or Medicare card.
- agree to go and get a COVID-19 test if you develop COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of entering Queensland. Queensland Health may contact you to remind you that you should be monitoring yourself for symptoms and getting tested if you develop symptoms.
Once you receive your Queensland Border Declaration Pass you will need to enter Queensland within 14 days. If you don’t enter within this time, you will need to apply for new Queensland Border Pass. |
How long is a Queensland Border Declaration Pass valid for?A Queensland Border Declaration Pass is valid for 14 days from the day the declaration is made. |
I already have a Queensland Border Declaration Pass. Do I need to apply for a new one after a hotspot is declared?If you already have a valid Queensland Border Declaration Pass when a new hotspot is declared, you don’t need to re-apply, unless you have been in that hotspot in the last 14 days. |
I don’t have access to a printer can I show my Queensland Border Declaration Pass on my phone?Yes, Queensland Border Declaration Passes can be presented either in printed or electronic form. If you have your Pass on your phone or another hand-held device you won’t be able to go through any express lanes. |
How do I know which Queensland Border Declaration Pass to complete?- G – for people who have been in a state or territory that contains a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days, but have not been in a COVID-19 hotspot
- S – for people claiming to provide essential activity exemption entering from a hotspot
- Q – for people entering from a hotspot who are not claiming an exemption from quarantine
- F – for freight and logistics workers
- H – for people entering Queensland for day admission, procedure or appointment for essential health care
- HQ – people entering Queensland for essential heath care who will stay in Queensland overnight and need to quarantine
- Z – for people with an exemption from the Chief Health Officer
If there are multiple pass holders present in your vehicle, please display a single pass in order of types: Quarantine (Q), Health Quarantine (HQ), Specialist (S), Freight and Logistics (F), Health (H), Exemption (Z), General (G). |
When will I know the outcome of my Queensland Border Declaration Pass application?The outcome of your application will be emailed to you. If you have not received an outcome on your application within 3 business days, contact 134 COVID (13 42 68). |
What if I can’t wait 3 days to enter Queensland?The Queensland Border Declaration Pass system is in place to streamline processing at border checkpoints and provide protection for Queenslanders. If you do not fall within one of categories of people exempt from completing a Queensland Border Declaration Pass you will have to wait until you have received your border pass to be able to enter the state. |
Who is exempt from completing a Queensland Border Declaration Pass?The following categories of people are exempt from completing a Queensland Border Declaration Pass if they have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter): - maritime crew not required to complete a Pass under the Protocol for Maritime Crew
- disaster management workers responding to an immediate disaster under the Disaster Management Protocol
- a person entering Queensland to respond to an emergency (could include national and state security employees, police, health or emergency services workers). e.g. a paramedic driving an ambulance over the border with a patient with life threatening injuries
- a passenger of an ambulance or aeromedical service
- people in the custody of a state or commonwealth law enforcement agency who have to enter Queensland to comply with a court order or assist with or participate in an investigation or other action at the direction of the law enforcement agency.
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What proof do I need to show at the border for my student placement?Your student placement must be an arrangement for work or another professional experience for at least 12 weeks duration. Placements are only for clinical placements or for higher education students enrolled in a course of study at a higher education provider such as a university, TAFE or vocational education and training supplier. The course must contain a mandatory placement component to satisfy curriculum and study outcomes. Students must be able to provide evidence of enrolment at a higher education institution and evidence of an agreement to undertake a student placement in Queensland. All students undertaking a placement must complete 14 days quarantine in government arranged accommodation prior to starting their placement. |
How will you contact trace if there is an outbreak in another state without the Queensland Border Declaration Pass?If a person gets a positive test result for COVID-19, we start contact tracing. This is to prevent the virus spreading further through the community. It is the same process that we use with other contagious viruses. As part of this process, we speak to the sick person to find out who might have had close contact with them while they were infectious. If there are people who had close contact with the sick person, our staff get in touch with them directly. If they start showing symptoms, we ask them to get tested so we can take action as fast as possible. If we can’t find the people who had been in close contact with a person who tested positive, we will issue an alert through the media, social media and on our website. This lists the dates, times and places where the sick person was. We ask the public who may have had contact with that sick person at one of those times or places to contact us. Anyone who has been to a state or territory that has a hotspot in it, even if they haven’t been to the hotspot must complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass, This measure has been put in place to help ensure we can easily complete contact tracing when there is an increased risk of community transmission within parts of Australia. |
Questions about specialist or essential workers |
What is a specialist or essential worker?A specialist or essential worker is someone who is required to provide time critical services in Queensland that are needed in Queensland and cannot already be obtained in Queensland. Specialist or essential workers must be endorsed by a relevant Queensland Government Agency, or Queensland Health where there isn’t a relevant agency to be able to enter Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot. Endorsement of a person’s status as a specialist worker will only be provided in line with strict criteria set out in the Border Restrictions Direction. Employers should be undertaking long-term resource and workforce planning that is not dependent on specialist worker endorsements being granted. Specialist or essential worker endorsement applications must be submitted by the employer, government agency or entity that the specialist worker is working/contracting for with evidence of the following: - why the services are needed in Queensland
- why the services need to be provided and cannot be obtained in Queensland
- why the services must be provided without delay
- why the specialist worker must be physically present in Queensland to provide the service or perform the duty
- the employer having a quarantine management plan to manage preventing the transmission of COVID-19 amongst other employees and the community. The plan must comply with the form approved by the Chief Health Officer (DOCX).
If a worker is self-employed, they may apply themselves, with details of their business. |
What does a specialist or essential worker need to enter and remain in Queensland?A specialist or essential worker who has been endorsed to enter Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot will require: You will then be issued a Quarantine Direction by an emergency officer. |
How can I get approval to come to Queensland as a specialist health worker?Specialist health workers need to follow the same steps outlined for specialist or essential workers. Applications for specialist or essential worker status will require evidence of the following: - A written explanation of the essential activity the specialist or essential worker is to enter Queensland for.
- Documentation that demonstrates:
- why this service is needed in Queensland;
- why these services cannot be obtained in Queensland;
- why these services must be provided without delay; and
- why the specialist worker must be physically present in Queensland to provide the service or perform the duty.
- The employer has a quarantine management plan to manage preventing the transmission of COVID-19 amongst other employees and the community. The plan must be in the form approved by the Chief Health Officer (DOCX).
Only people with specialist skills that are not available in Queensland will be granted approval to enter Queensland as a specialist health worker. A Hospital and Health Service within Queensland or your employer will be required to confirm that you have specialist skills needed in Queensland and that cannot be obtained in Queensland. |
I am employed by a private construction company providing critical infrastructure work. What evidence do I need to provide to enter Queensland from a hotspot?All specialist workers who are undertaking essential activities in Queensland will need to provide evidence of the following documents if requested by an Emergency Officer: |
I am a contractor or individual worker and am applying to enter Queensland as a specialist or essential worker in mining, resources, energy and water sectors. How do I apply?Please ensure your application is submitted by the owner/operator of the asset or project, otherwise your application cannot be processed. Applications from a contractor or individual worker will not be approved. For example, applications must be submitted by: |
I have been in a declared hotspot and I have previously received an exemption to enter Queensland, is this still valid?If you received an exemption prior to a hotspot being declared and have not yet entered Queensland, your exemption is no longer valid. You can apply for a new exemption. Exemptions will only be granted in extreme exceptional circumstances. You may not be granted the same exemption now that border restrictions have been tightened. |
I am a Queensland resident who is performing specialist or essential activities in a hotspot. Do I apply to re-enter Queensland as a specialist or essential worker?No. You would need to enter Queensland as a Queensland resident and quarantine at government-nominated accommodation for 14 days, unless you are entering Queensland to undertake an activity that would class you as a specialist worker. An example of this would be a specialist technician who is required to provide undertake an urgent maintenance task in a hotspot, and then return to Queensland and be required to undertake an urgent maintenance task in Queensland. In this case, you should apply for specialist worker endorsement with a quarantine management plan (DOCX) to allow you to undertake the urgent task in Queensland. |
I am a specialist or essential worker coming to Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot by road. Do I need to quarantine?No. Specialist or essential workers can enter Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot by road. You must quarantine in accordance with any requirements in the Quarantine Management Plan prepared by your employer or business. If you are feeling unwell and develop any COVID-19 symptoms, you should not go to work and must be tested immediately. |
I am a specialist or essential worker who is in quarantine due to entering from a COVID-19 hotspot that is no longer a hotspot, can I leave quarantine?Specialist or essential workers who are not in government arranged quarantine can leave quarantine immediately without direction by an Emergency Officer once an area is no longer a declared COVID-19 hotspot. |
Questions about essential activities |
Who is classed as performing an essential activity?#essential-activity People performing an essential activity in Queensland need to provide evidence and complete quarantine as required by the table below when requested by an Emergency Officer when entering Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot. People who are not Queensland residents, can only remain in Queensland for the time necessary to complete the essential activity. The below table outlines who these people include: National and State Security and Government employees | - Any government official who is responsible for the safety of Australia or Queensland against threats such as terrorism, war or espionage, and is required to be physically present in Queensland to do so.
- Active military personnel required to be on duty in Queensland.
- Active members of the Australian Federal Police or Australian Border Force required to be on duty while in Queensland.
- Active members of State, Territory or Commonwealth law enforcement agencies required to be on duty while in Queensland
- A Federal, State, Territory or local government elected representative who is travelling to Queensland to complete official duties.
- Consular officers or consular employees of an overseas country (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a safe travel zone country) travelling to Queensland to complete official duties in Queensland. Consular employees will need to quarantine by global quarantine requirements with consent.
These employees will need to provide their relevant government issued identification or consular official or diplomat passport of a foreign country when requested by an Emergency Officer. | Health services and emergency services | - A Queensland or New South Wales Ambulance Service employee, paramedic, an officer of St John Ambulance Australia, RACQ Lifeflight crew, Royal Flying Doctor Service crew, CareFlight crew or other aeromedical services crew who are providing patient transport or emergency medical care.
- Someone who is responsible for the retrieval, delivery or transportation of organs or tissue for medical transplantation.
- Someone who, is responsible for providing critical health support services or for the critical maintenance, resupply or repair of health services infrastructure critical to Queensland. This includes Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.
- Someone who is required to provide fire or emergency services in Queensland including rural fire service, state emergency services and firefighters
These employees will need to provide their Government or employer issued identification or an official letter from an employer confirming their employment. | Freight and logistics operators | Freight and logistics operators are: - Heavy vehicle drivers
- Rail crew and rail drivers
- Passenger transport operations, excluding taxi and rideshares
- Non-heavy vehicle commercial freight operators
- Logistics and support workers
- Anyone else who is essential to the delivery of freight.
This does not include air crew and maritime crew who are subject to separate requirements. They must be: - transporting freight to, from or through Queensland under a commercial freight operation or anyone else in the vehicle who is essential for the delivery of the freight. This includes two up drivers, a pilot or escort for an oversized or over mass vehicle or tow truck drivers for heavy vehicle salvage
- providing logistics and support for the transport which requires the person to be physically present in Queensland to provide the logistics or support. For example, a specialist mechanic or rail engineer providing essential mechanical or engineering support for the transport of freight. Anyone responsible for providing support that can be performed remotely such as administrative support are not allowed to enter Queensland.
- transporting passengers by road or rail to, from or through Queensland, under a commercial passenger operation or public transport operation. Each passenger, including the driver, must complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass
These people must comply with the Queensland Freight Protocol. | Emergency energy, drinking water, sewerage, liquid fuel, telecommunications or resources event | Anyone required to respond to an emergency energy, drinking water, sewerage, liquid fuel, resources or telecommunications event and provide emergency services to Queensland’s: - energy generation, transmission or distribution networks
- drinking water supply, or sewerage services
- liquid fuel supply
- resources sector
- telecommunications, data services, broadcast or communications infrastructure.
These services must be critical to Queensland and not be able to be practicably be obtained in Queensland due to the nature of the emergency. | Specialist or essential workers | A specialist or essential worker is someone who is required to provide time critical services in Queensland that are needed in Queensland and cannot already be obtained in Queensland. Specialist or essential workers must be endorsed by a relevant Queensland Government Agency, or Queensland Health where there isn’t a relevant agency to be able to enter Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot. Specialist or essential worker endorsement applications must be submitted by the employer, government agency or entity that the specialist worker is working/contracting for with evidence of the following: - why the services are needed in Queensland
- why the services need to be provided and cannot be obtained in Queensland
- why the services must be provided without delay
- why the specialist worker must be physically present in Queensland to provide the service or perform the duty
- the employer having a quarantine management plan to manage preventing the transmission of COVID-19 amongst other employees and the community. The plan must comply with the form approved by the Chief Health Officer (DOCX).
If a worker is self-employed, they may apply themselves, with details of their business. | Airtime crew and maritime crew | Any air crew or maritime crew who are entering Queensland in the course of their duties. International air crew must comply with the Quarantine and COVID-19 Testing for International Air Crew Direction. | Disaster management worker | A disaster management worker is anyone who is endorsed (including volunteers and paid duties) in line with the Disaster Management Protocol to: - perform disaster management or disaster operations in Queensland
- return to Queensland after performing disaster management or disaster operations in a COVID-19 hotspot
- perform activities to respond to or to assist in the recovery from a public safety emergency in Queensland; or
- respond to or to assist in the recovery from a public safety emergency in COVID-19 hotspot.
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I am coming to Queensland from a hotspot as an essential worker from the hotspot, do I need to complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass if I drive?Yes, anyone who has been in a hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter), must complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass. In addition to having a Queensland Border Declaration Pass and a Quarantine Management Plan, a specialist or essential worker entering Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot will need to be issued with a quarantine direction by an emergency officer under the Public Health Act 2005. This is a legal notice. For workers entering by road, Queensland Health will provide the employer of a worker with the details about how they will be issued with a quarantine direction. Only the following people can enter by road without an exemption: - emergency infrastructure workers
- specialist or essential workers
- disaster management workers
- ambulance or aeromedical workers
- freight or logistics operators
- fire or emergency services workers
- people providing critical maintenance resupply or repair of health services infrastructure critical to Queensland
- active military members
- Government officials who in carrying out their duties in Queensland are responsible for the safety of Australia or Queensland against threats such as terrorism, war or espionage.
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Questions about exemptions |
Can I apply for an exemption to enter Queensland or from requirement to quarantine?The Chief Health Officer may give a person or a group of people an exemption from the Border Restrictions Direction: - to enter Queensland if the Chief Health Officer considers the person is essential for the proper functioning of the State and the person must be physically present in Queensland
- to complete quarantine in a place outside of a government-nominated hotel if extreme exceptional circumstances exist
- from the requirement to quarantine if extreme exceptional circumstances exist
- from a requirement in this Direction if other extreme exceptional circumstances exist.
Apply for an exemption. |
Can I apply for an exemption from quarantining in government arranged accommodation? I want to quarantine at my home because I need special care.The Chief Health Officer can give an exemption from quarantine only for very exceptional circumstances. If you need special care, you will be placed in government accommodation that is medically supported to provide your care. Your carer will be placed into quarantine with you if you need care from a particular person. |
Will I be able to apply for an exemption if I have been in a hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter)?You should only apply for an exemption if extreme exceptional circumstances exist. You will need to get this exemption before you can enter Queensland. You can request an exemption online using the Health Service Portal. You may need to provide evidence to support your request. |
Can I apply for an exemption for a wedding?Exemptions are very unlikely to be granted for weddings. |
Can I apply for an exemption to attend a funeral?An exemption to attend a funeral is only likely to be granted if you complete 14 days of quarantine in government arranged accommodation at your own expense prior to the funeral. You can request an exemption online using the Health Service Portal. You may need to provide evidence to support your request. |
Can I apply for an exemption to visit someone who is near their end of life?An exemption may be able to be granted for you to visit someone who is dying evidence can be provided. If an exemption was granted, you would have to quarantine for 14 days, or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter) however, you would be able to leave quarantine to visit your relative. If your relative is in aged care facility or disability accommodation service you will require approval from the operator of the facility as well as an exemption to enter Queensland under the Border Restrictions Direction or Quarantine for international arrivals Direction. You must comply with all the conditions given under the exemption. The facility must also take reasonable steps to manage your visit in line with the conditions of the exemption. For example, this could mean: - that the operator needs to ensure the resident you are visiting is in a single room
- that you wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- that you are escorted to and from the room
- that you avoid common areas and contact with other residents.
You can request an exemption online using the Health Service Portal. You may need to provide evidence to support your request. |
Questions about Disaster Management |
What is a public safety emergency?A public safety emergency is an emergency as outlined in the Public Safety Preservation Act 1986 or an equivalent emergency that is declared by another state or territory Government or government agency. |
Who is a disaster management worker?Under the Queensland Disaster Management Protocol anyone who is providing disaster management or disaster operations activities related to preventing, preparing for, responding to and recovering from a disaster. This includes volunteers and people who are paid. |
I’m a disaster management worker. Do I need to get tested?Voluntary testing for COVID-19 is strongly encouraged for any disaster management workers who are travelling into and out of COVID-19 hotspots and entering Queensland. The Disaster Management Protocol recommends disaster management workers undertake a COVID-19 test within 7 days prior to entering Queensland and then continue voluntary testing every 7 days if it is practicable to do so (factoring in any immediate disaster or public safety emergency needs). This will help to keep our essential disaster management workers, and the community safe from the spread of COVID-19. If you are feeling unwell and develop any COVID-19 symptoms, you should not go to work and must be tested immediately. You will then be required to follow any public health advice, including remaining isolated until you receive your test result. Even if you test negative, you should not return to work until your symptoms have passed. When you’re are attending a Queensland Health COVID-19 testing facility, you should identify yourself as a disaster management worker by showing a copy of your endorsement as a disaster management worker. This will entitle you to be tested, even if asymptomatic, and you will be prioritised for testing. |
Do disaster management workers have to get tested every 7 days if they have not been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days?Disaster management workers do not have to get a COVID-19 test if they have not been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter). Any person should go and tested if they develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (fever or history of fever, symptoms of acute respiratory infection (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat), loss of smell or loss of taste, unexplained tiredness, headache, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting) while present in Queensland. |
I’m off duty, do I still need to keep records?Yes, disaster management workers who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the 14 days, or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter), before their arrival in Queensland are required to maintain records of close contacts at all times while they are in Queensland until 14 days has passed since they were in the hotspot or they leave Queensland. This includes when they are off-duty, between shifts, or on recreational days. |
Do disaster management workers coming from a COVID-19 hotspot need to quarantine when entering Queensland?Disaster management workers responding to an event in Queensland do not have to quarantine for 14 days in government arranged accommodation unless directed to do so by an emergency public health officer. Disaster management workers entering Queensland to perform disaster prevention, preparation or recovery work must quarantine at employer provided accommodation for 14 days. These workers may leave quarantine to attend the disaster management worksite. Queensland residents who are returning home from completing disaster management activities in a COVID-19 hotspot and not commencing disaster management work in Queensland must quarantine at their home accommodation for 14 days or if their home is not suitable for quarantine they must quarantine at employer approved accommodation for 14 days. |
Questions about freight services |
Will freight and equipment be able to cross the border into Queensland?Yes. Freight and logistic workers can enter Queensland, via road, rail and air. Commercial freight operations can include moving a range of different things for a variety of industries, such as fresh food and groceries, pharmaceuticals, heavy haulage for construction equipment, new vehicles, and furniture removals. The transport of freight includes the commercial transport of livestock or other live animals such as beehives. It can also include passenger transport services like coaches. Any commercial passenger operations must only be transporting passengers that are permitted to enter Queensland. There are additional requirements for freight and logistics operators entering Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot such as: - they comply with the Queensland Freight Protocol including:
- keeping records of people they come into close contact with while in Queensland
- practise physical distancing wherever possible, including maintaining a distance of at least 1.5 metres from people.
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I’m a freight and logistics operator. Do I need to get tested?Voluntary testing for COVID-19 is strongly encouraged for any freight or logistics operator who is travelling into and out of COVID-19 hotspots and entering Queensland. The Queensland Freight Protocol recommends freight and logistics operators undertake voluntary testing every 7 days while they continue to travel into and out of COVID-19 hotspots. This will help to keep our essential drivers, their families, and the community safe from the spread of COVID-19. If you are feeling unwell and develop any COVID-19 symptoms, you should not go to work and must be tested immediately. You will then be required to follow any public health advice, including remaining isolated until you receive your test result. Even if you test negative, you should not return to work until your symptoms have passed. When you’re are attending a Queensland Health COVID-19 testing facility, you should identify yourself as a freight and logistics operator by showing a copy of your valid Freight and Logistics Border Pass. This will entitle you to be tested, even if asymptomatic, and you will be prioritised for testing. |
Do freight and logistics operators have to get tested every 7 days if they have not been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days?Freight and logistic operators do not have to get a COVID-19 test if they have not been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter). At this stage, testing is recommended, but not mandatory. |
Where can freight and logistics operators be tested?Freight drivers can be tested at Queensland Health fever testing clinics. Operators can show their ID Card and valid Queensland Border Declaration Pass (Freight and Logistics) to health workers when they arrive to be prioritised for testing. Costs may be incurred if operators go to a private testing facility. |
I’m off duty, do I still need to keep records?Yes, freight and logistics operators who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the 14 days before their arrival in Queensland are required to maintain records of close contacts at all times while they are in Queensland until 14 days has passed since they were in the hotspot or they leave Queensland. This includes when they are off-duty, between shifts, or on recreational days. |
I operate a rideshare. Am I a passenger transport operator?No, rideshare operators are not passenger transport operators for the purposes of the Queensland Freight Protocol. |
Do freight and logistics operators have to quarantine if they are re-entering Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot?Queensland resident freight and logistics operators can re-enter Queensland by road, rail or air to reposition for work if they were required to travel to a COVID-19 hotspot in the course of their work, and their essential activity is complete. They must be re-entering to re-commence work as a freight and logistics operator. |
Do freight and logistics operators need a Queensland Border Declaration Pass?Yes, freight and logistics operators do need a Queensland Border Declaration Pass under the category of Freight and Logistics. |
I’m a hotspot resident freight driver. Can I visit friends in Queensland once I’ve completed my freight task?No. Freight and logistics operators who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days or since the start date identified for the hotspot (whichever is shorter) prior to entering Queensland may only remain in Queensland for the time needed to complete their essential activity. Social and recreational activities are not permitted while an operator is in Queensland. Once the task is complete the operator must depart Queensland by the most direct route possible. |
Questions about enforcement |
How will the border restrictions be enforced?Queensland Police and other Emergency Officers will be responsible for enforcing the measures under the Public Health Act 2005. Existing compliance routines for essential services vehicle will remain in place to minimise disruption. |
What is the penalty for not complying with the Border Direction?Failure to comply with the Borders Direction may be subject to enforcement, including an on the spot fine of $4,003, a court-imposed penalty of up to $13,345 or 6 months imprisonment. In addition, if you provide false, misleading or incorrect information on a Queensland Border Declaration Pass it is an offence punishable by a fine of $4,003, a court-imposed penalty of up to $13,345 or 6 months imprisonment. |
What surveillance will be in place to make sure people follow the rules?The Queensland Police Service will meet all arrivals by air and road, and will be enforcing the requirements. We are asking anyone who comes to Queensland to follow all the public health advice to protect Queenslanders and ensure we do not have to increase restrictions again. If you breach any of the requirements under the Border restrictions Direction you may be subject to enforcement, including an on the spot fine of $4,004, a court-imposed penalty of up to $13,345 or 6 months imprisonment. |
Questions about seasonal workers |
What is a seasonal worker?Under the Seasonal Workers Health Management and International Quarantine Plans Direction, a seasonal worker refers to: - An employee or contractor who usually lives outside of Queensland who travels to, and stays within, Queensland to work in agribusiness or commercial fishing; or
- An employee or contractor who:
- usually lives in Queensland who travels from place to place within Queensland to work in agribusiness or commercial fishing
- does not return to their usual place of residence each day
- For example, workers on broadacre or crop farms who travel from farm to farm harvesting or planting crops are seasonal workers
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Can a seasonal worker come to work in Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot?No, seasonal workers are not permitted to enter Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot. A seasonal worker can move to Queensland to make it their new place of residence and complete 14 days of quarantine at their own expense, like other people who may be moving to Queensland to start new jobs. They must also have a place of residence for when they leave quarantine and be able to provide evidence of where this place is. |
Questions about air and maritime crew |
What are the rules for maritime crew?Maritime crew entering Queensland to join a vessel or sign off a vessel need to comply with the Protocol for Maritime Crew. |
Can air crew leave quarantine accommodation to attend mandatory training?Air crew or aeromedical crew can leave the place of quarantine for essential regulatory or safety flight related duties like flight simulation training or safety and security training. They must travel in a private vehicle or by transport arranged by the airline. |
Do air crew need to quarantine in government arranged accommodation?Air crew or aeromedical crew can complete their quarantine in airline crew accommodation provided by their employer, their residence or a nominated premises as directed by a public health emergency officer. |
How should air crew travel to and from their quarantine location?Air crew and aeromedical crew must travel by private vehicle or transport provided by the airline, and only with crew members from the same flight. They cannot travel by taxi, rideshare or public transport. Everyone in the vehicle must wear a surgical face mask at all times, unless they are the only person in the vehicle. Travel should use the most direct route possible – only stopping for essential fuel, supplies and to manage driver fatigue. Any vehicle transporting air crew (including private vehicles) must be thoroughly cleaned after each trip. Air crew should keep windows open where possible to help increase airflow. |