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 hotspot was declared (whichever is shorter), except for a limited range of people who can enter for essential purposes. Currently specific parts of New South Wales are 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 (for Northern Beaches this is from 1am AEST 11 December 2020), 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 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 seeking to enter Queensland from NSW needs to apply for and receive a Queensland Border Declaration Pass before they come. This includes people who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot or anywhere in NSW after 1am AEST on 11 December.

The Queensland border is closed to anyone who has been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days or since the hotspot was declared (whichever is shorter), except for a limited range of people who can enter for essential purposes. Currently specific parts of New South Wales are hotspots. People who are permitted to enter Queensland who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot within the last 14 days 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 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 hotspot was declared (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.

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 or New South Wales from 1am AEST on 11 December 2020 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.

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.

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 hotspot was declared (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 in the last 14 days has been in a COVID-19 hotspot or since the hotspot was declared (whichever is shorter), must apply for a Queensland Border Declaration Pass. The only exceptions to this are people who are:

• responding to an emergency
• entering in an ambulance or aeromedical service
• in custody required in Queensland
• maritime crew or disaster management workers who are not required to complete one under the Protocol for Maritime Crew or the Disaster Management Protocol.

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 (currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots) 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 hotspot was declared (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 or in New South Wales since 1am on 11 December 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.

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. Currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots.

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 hotspot was declared (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.

Currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots.

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 hotspot was declared (whichever is shorter), you can only enter Queensland by air. Currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots. 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.

Currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots.

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.

Currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots.

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 happens if I have a long layover between my connecting flights?

If you are arriving into Queensland from interstate and have a long layover there are different steps depending on how long your layover is:

• less than 8 hours - you will have to stay at the airport
• 8 to 24 hours - you will be directed by an emergency public health officer to a transit hotel at no charge to you
• longer than 24 hours - you will be directed by an emergency public health officer to a transit hotel and you will be required to pay for the number of nights you stay.

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 would not be required to complete a border pass.

You won’t be required to quarantine if you have only been in a hotspot in one of these situations.

Currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots.

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.

Currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots.

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.

Currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots.

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.

Currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots.

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.

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 hotspot was declared (whichever is shorter), or you have been anywhere in New South Wales since 11 December 2020.

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; or
• you have been in New South Wales at any time after 1am AEST on 11 December 2020.

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.

Currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots.

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 New South Wales from 11 December 2020, but have not been in a COIVD-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 hotspot (currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots) or in New South Wales from 11 December 2020:

• 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.

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.

If there's no requirement to sign a Border Pass Declaration, do people still need to get tested if they develop symptoms after arriving in Queensland? Will they get fined if they don't?

Testing helps us find as many cases in the community as quickly as possible. This will ensure we are doing everything we can to manage Queensland’s response to the pandemic.

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, get tested.

We are asking everyone in Queensland to do their part and protect the lives and livelihoods of everyone in Queensland.

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.

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. Currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots.

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:

1. why the services are needed in Queensland
2. why the services need to be provided and cannot be obtained in Queensland
3. why the services must be provided without delay
4. why the specialist worker must be physically present in Queensland to provide the service or perform the duty
5. 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 (currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots) will require:

• an approved Queensland Border Declaration Pass
• a Quarantine Management Plan on the form approved by the Chief Health Officer (DOCX)

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:

1. A written explanation of the essential activity the specialist or essential worker is to enter Queensland for.
2. Documentation that demonstrates:
   1. why this service is needed in Queensland;
   2. why these services cannot be obtained in Queensland;
   3. why these services must be provided without delay; and
   4. why the specialist worker must be physically present in Queensland to provide the service or perform the duty.

3. 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:

• A written endorsement as a specialist or essential worker
• A quarantine management plan in the form approved by the Chief Health Officer (DOCX).

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:

• a mining or petroleum company who holds a valid Queensland resource authority
• a registered water service provider administering a drinking water service
• a licensed entity for Environmentally relevant activity 63 - sewage treatment
• an energy network service provider operating statewide electricity network assets (transmission infrastructure, electricity distribution infrastructure and generators)
• a fuel seller (wholesale and retail).

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.

Currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots.

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:

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 hotspot was declared (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.

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 hotspot was declared (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 hotspot was declared (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. 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 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.

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. 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 14 days 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

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 airline crew leave quarantine accommodation to attend mandatory training?

Airline 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.

Do airline crew need to quarantine in government arranged accommodation?

Airline 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.

Questions about quarantine

What if I have arrived on a quarantine free flight from New Zealand?

Anyone who has arrived from New Zealand on a quarantine free flight on or since 14 January 2021 must get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.

What is quarantine?

Quarantine is when people who are well and may have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 have to stay away from others to stop the spread of COVID-19. Quarantine means staying in your home or government arranged accommodation for 14 days and not leaving. The quarantine period is 14 days from when you may have been in contact with the person.

This is because you may be in the incubation period (the time between getting the virus and showing symptoms).

Who has to quarantine?

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, anyone arriving in Queensland must quarantine if in the last 14 days, they have:

• been in a declared COVID-19 hotspot or since the hotspot was declared (whichever is shorter), currently specific parts of New South Wales are COVID-19 hotspots
• been overseas (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a safe travel zone country)

People who are already in Queensland will also be directed to quarantine if they have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

When someone is directed to quarantine, they will be issued with a quarantine direction under the Public Health Act 2005. This is a legal notice.

Who is a close contact?

A close contact is someone who has:

• had face-to-face contact for any amount of time or shared a closed space for at least 1 hour with a confirmed case during their infectious period
• been to a venue or location where the risk of transmission is considered high based on public health assessment
• been identified by public health authorities to be at high risk for developing COVID-19 as they have or may have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, for example in a school or other institutional setting.

What is a quarantine direction?

A quarantine direction is a legal notice issued under the Public Health Act 2005 to a person who is directed to quarantine. The quarantine direction includes:

• person’s name, date of birth, contact details and the address they advised where they will be quarantining (i.e. residential address or alternative address)
• date that they are required to quarantine until
• if applicable, children in the person’s care who are to also comply with the quarantine direction
• penalty for not complying with the quarantine direction
• link to further quarantine information.

What's the difference between quarantine and isolation?

While both will limit your movements, quarantine is what people are required to do in case they have come in contact with a confirmed case.

Isolation is the term used when asking people who are suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 to stay in their home or in hospital until they are no longer infectious.

If you are suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, you will be asked to self-isolate (PDF) unless you are so sick that you need treatment in a hospital.

How can I look after my mental wellbeing in quarantine?

Looking after your mental wellbeing is even more important during times of uncertainty. Read our blog for some hints and tips or check out Queensland Health's Your Mental Wellbeing website.

We understand that measures put in place during the COVID-19 response, including mandatory quarantine, can be and have been difficult for some Queenslanders. There are people to support you during your quarantine. Queensland Health, as well as various government and community agencies, conduct regular wellbeing phone check-ups for people in mandatory quarantine.

If you are in mandatory quarantine and have any health concerns, please contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for 24/7 health advice. You can also call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

How can I stay connected with my friends and family during my quarantine?

Social distancing does not mean you cannot be social, keep the conversations going by:

• chatting on the phone
• having a video call
• writing an email.

To find out more about how to stay in touch while being physically apart, read our blog.

How can I keep physically active?

Getting your body moving can improve how you feel physically and mentally. We suggest trying some of the:

• workout routines ^‘Healthier. Happier.’ have put together
• suggestions in our ‘Looking after yourself while you’re self-quarantining’ blog post.

Do I have to quarantine when I arrive in Queensland from overseas?

Everyone entering Australia from overseas excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a safe travel zone country must go into monitored quarantine in government arranged accommodation for 14 days in the city of their arrival at their own expense.

I have arrived already quarantined for 14 days in another state or territory, do I have to quarantine again in Queensland and pay the fee?

No, you only have to quarantine for 14 days in the state or territory you arrive in.

During your quarantine, if the location you are quarantining becomes a COVID-19 hotspot, you will not need to quarantine again when you arrive in Queensland. However, when you arrive in Queensland, you will need to provide written proof to an emergency officer that you have completed your mandatory hotel quarantine in another state, that you have had a COVID-19 test in quarantine and that you travelled on a direct route from the hotel to the airport. During this travel time you must wear a mask and you must not leave the confines of the airport.

Why are quarantine fees being charged?

Mandatory quarantine is needed to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Queensland. The quarantine fee is proposed to reduce the financial burden of COVID-19 prevention measures on Queensland taxpayers. The total fee, which is a contribution to the overall cost of government arranged accommodation will help repay the government for the cost of providing quarantine to you.

Can Queensland residents quarantine in their own homes?

Quarantine must be in government arranged accommodation. Quarantine outside of government arranged accommodation will only be available in very limited circumstances.

You cannot arrange to quarantine at home or another pre-booked accommodation. This is due to the significant health risk that cannot be appropriately managed at other residences or accommodation providers. If the mandatory quarantine requirements are not strictly followed and people mix more easily in the community, there is unacceptable risk of COVID-19 transmission in the community.

What are safe travel zone countries?

Safe travel zone countries are selected on the advice of National Cabinet and the Queensland Chief Health Officer. These decisions are based on a number of factors, including the number of days since the country has had community transmission of COVID-19.

Currently there are no safe travel zone countries. Other countries, still have travel restrictions in place – Queenslanders should visit Smart Traveller before making travel arrangements.

Can Queenslanders travel to safe travel zone countries?

Other countries still have travel restrictions in place. Queenslanders should visit Smart Traveller before making travel arrangements.

What is a quarantine free flight?

You can travel from a safe travel zone country to Australia, quarantine free, if you:

• have been in the safe travel zone country for 14 days or more and not been in a COVID-19 hotspot, and
• travel to Australia on a quarantine free flight.

Currently there are no safe travel zone countries.

A quarantine free flight only carries passengers who have completed an Australian Travel Declaration (at least 72 hours prior to departure) declaring their health status and that they have been in a safe travel zone country for 14 days or more, and have not been in a COVID-19 outbreak location in the last 14 days before travel. Quarantine free flights will be determined by your airline. You should not travel if you are feeling unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms.

If you plan to onward travel to other states or territories, you should check local requirements prior to travelling. Some states and territories may require travellers from safe zone countries to quarantine on arrival.

What are green and red zones?

Two different zones, red and green, have been created at Australian airports to ensure the separation of passengers arriving on quarantine free flights from those who are not.

If you travel on a quarantine-free flight, you will be guided through the green zone to complete all border clearance processes in the airport of arrival in Australia.

You will also be required to sign a COVID-19 Declaration Card stating you have been in a safe travel zone country for the past 14 days and provide contact details while in Australia to help with contact tracing if required.

Passengers may have to go through additional health screening – either before boarding their flight overseas or on arrival in Australia.

Further information for travellers arriving in the green travel zone.

If you travel on a flight that isn’t quarantine free you will be guided through the red zone and will have to undergo health screening within the airport terminal. You will also have to complete 14 days mandatory quarantine in government arranged accommodation, at your own expense.

What if my flight isn’t quarantine-free?

If you enter Queensland from overseas on a flight that is not quarantine free you will have to quarantine for 14 days in government arranged accommodation at your own expense.

Do I need to apply for an exemption to travel to Australia from New Zealand?

International travel to Australia is managed by the Department of Home Affairs

Is there government arranged accommodation available in regional Queensland as well?

Yes. The Queensland Government has arranged for quarantine accommodation in a variety of metro, regional and rural areas.

How do I get from the airport to the accommodation to quarantine?

When you arrive, transport from the airport to government arranged accommodation may be provided, or you may be required to arrange a taxi or rideshare to the premises. You will not be permitted to take public transport to the premises.

What do I do with my pets while I’m in quarantine?

You will need to arrange for the care of animals prior to your arrival in Queensland.

What if I decide I no longer want to remain in Queensland after starting my quarantine?

If you arrive in Queensland from overseas you will have to quarantine in government arranged accommodation for 14 days, at your own expense. You cannot leave quarantine to travel interstate or overseas unless you have an exemption from the Chief Health Officer.

If you come to Queensland from a safe travel zone country and you are directed to quarantine, you will only be able to leave quarantine early if allowed by an emergency officer or if you are granted an exemption by the Chief Health Officer.

You will have to quarantine if you haven’t travelled on a quarantine free flight or from a country that is not a safe travel zone country. If you have been in a place outside of Australia in the 14 days immediately before you enter Queensland, you will have to follow the requirements under the Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction.

If you arrive in Queensland and you have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days, and have not been overseas in the last 14 days, you will need to quarantine in government arranged accommodation for 14 days.

If you decide you do not wish remain in Queensland after starting your quarantine, you can leave quarantine prior to completing the full 14 days to immediately leave Queensland without stopping, provided you:

• wear a mask and travel in an ambulance, your personal vehicle, government-arranged transport or taxi with a protective shield between the driver and passenger. 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
• have received a negative COVID-19 test result while in quarantine.

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 I am currently in mandatory quarantine due to entering from overseas from a country that is now a safe travel zone country, 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 hotspot.

If you entered Australia through a ‘green zone’ in another state or territory’s airport before coming to Queensland, you can leave quarantine. If you flew directly into Queensland from overseas, you cannot leave quarantine early because Queensland did not have ‘green zone’ and ‘red zone’ procedures in its airports.

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.

Can I quarantine at a cheaper hotel, at home or with family or friends?

No. Quarantine for people arriving from overseas (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a safe travel zone country) or from a declared COVID-19 hotspot must be in government arranged accommodation unless they are otherwise directed by an public health emergency officer. You cannot arrange to quarantine at home or other accommodation. This is due to the health risk that cannot be properly managed at other residences or accommodation providers. In limited circumstances, you may be directed to quarantine at another place by an emergency officer.

I have a flight stop-over in Queensland, will I be charged the quarantine fee?

If you are entering Queensland by air in order to transfer to another flight, you may be required to go into government arranged accommodation at the airport. You will not be charged a fee if you are in transit for less than 24 hours.

If you are required to be accommodated for over 24-hours an invoice will be issued and the fee will be calculated based on the time spent in government arranged accommodation.

If I apply for a quarantine exemption and it is granted while I’m in accommodation, do I have to pay the bill?

You will need to pay the fee for the number of nights you stay in hotel quarantine.

If you cannot pay the full quarantine invoice at once by the due date, you may enter into a payment plan to repay the fee over a longer period. Details on how to arrange a payment plan will be on the invoice.

Once the quarantine fee invoice is issued by Queensland Government you will also have the opportunity to apply for a full or partial waiver. To apply for a fee waiver, complete the form online using the Health Service Portal.

Can I leave the accommodation during my 14-day quarantine period?

No. You must not leave the nominated premises for 14 days, except:

• in an emergency situation
• for safety reasons (to avoid injury or illness, or to escape a  risk of harm)
• for essential medical care, or medical supplies or to act as a  support person for someone quarantining with you who needs to obtain  essential medical care
• as otherwise required or permitted under a direction given to  you by a relevant authority.

If I need to leave quarantine for an essential reason, how to I get to my destination?

You must wear a mask (if over the age of 12) and travel in an ambulance, your personal vehicle, government-arranged transport or taxi with a protective shield between the driver and passenger. 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 have people visit me while in quarantine?

No. You are not allowed to have any visitors, unless they:

• live in the nominated premises
• are providing emergency care, medical care or other  essential care to a person living in the nominated premises
• as otherwise required or  permitted under a direction given by a relevant authority.

Do I have to quarantine in Queensland if it’s not my final destination?

Yes. If Queensland is not your final destination you must quarantine here before continuing your journey unless you are an unaccompanied minor. You do not have to quarantine if you travel on a quarantine free flight from safe travel zone country.

I’m the parent/guardian of a child arriving into Queensland on their own, do they have to quarantine before I see them?

Unaccompanied minors must quarantine for 14 days in a nominated premises and they must stay with a parent, guardian or other responsible adult if they are coming from overseas (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a safe travel zone country) or a hotspot. They cannot quarantine at a residence. Unaccompanied minors who arrive in Queensland from overseas can be accompanied from the airport by a parent, guardian or other responsible adult to a nominated premises to quarantine.

An unaccompanied minor who arrives in Queensland from overseas can also travel from Queensland to another state or territory to quarantine at a place of residence with a parent, guardian or other responsible adult, if it is allowed by the other state or territory.

A responsible adult is someone who has been given written consent by the child’s parent or legal guardian to complete quarantine in government arranged accommodation with them.

I have a medical condition/live with a disability which means I am unable to live independently, can I quarantine with my carer?

A person unable to live independently without ongoing or regular support, including disability support, due to significant health or disability needs, will be accommodated in a special needs hotel or may have their carer quarantine with them.

Exemptions and waivers

Other places in Australia allow people to quarantine in their homes, why can’t I?

Each state and territory through their relevant legislation have different approaches to managing those returning from overseas or from a declared hotspot.

Quarantine for persons arriving in Queensland from overseas (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a safe travel zone country) or from a declared hotspot must be in government arranged accommodation. This is due to the health risk that cannot be properly managed at other residences or accommodation providers.

I am from a non-English speaking background and did not understand that I was agreeing to pay the quarantine fee?

All people arriving in Queensland from overseas (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a safe travel zone country) have to quarantine in government arranged accommodation for 14 days, regardless of their cultural background.

Once the quarantine fee invoice has been issued by Queensland Government you have 30 days to apply to have the fee waived.

Information will be made available in many languages and should you or a family member require access to an interpreter please request from the hotel reception or through the Health Liaison Officer.

Can I apply for an exemption from quarantine?

There are very few reasons why an exemption from quarantine will be granted.

To apply for an exemption, complete the form online using the Health Service Portal.

If I have applied for a quarantine exemption, do I automatically get the quarantine fee waived?

No. An exemption from quarantine is not the same as a waiver for the quarantine fee. You will need to quarantine while your exemption is being considered, and you will be required to pay for the quarantine for a period of up to 14 days.

To apply for a quarantine exemption or to have the fee waived, complete the form online using the Health Service Portal.

I am returning to Australia but I don’t feel sick, do I need to quarantine?

Yes, you will need to quarantine. You will be issued a quarantine notice for 14 days even if you are feeling well if you have been overseas (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a safe travel zone country). You will be quarantined in appropriate accommodation for 14 days.

While you’re quarantining, if you start to feel unwell, you should contact the health officer within your accommodation to arrange medical assistance.

How much will quarantine cost?/ How do I pay?

More information about quarantine fees and payment.

Service inclusions

How will my accommodation be organised?

When you arrive in Queensland from overseas (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a safe travel zone country), or from a declared hotspot you will be given a mandatory 14 days quarantine notice and required to go straight to your government arranged accommodation.

Your accommodation and daily meals will be managed by Queensland Government.

Following the quarantine period, you will be invoiced for a contribution to the cost.

How can I get essential items when I arrive, e.g. nappies or medication?

You will receive an information pack at your accommodation listing the local services available. You can order takeaway like UberEats, and supermarket deliveries or arrange for friends and family to drop off food and other items. Please check with the hotel concierge on the preferred drop off method.

There will be people at the accommodation to support you. You can also call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Do I have to pay for the hotel food if I provide my own?

Yes. Daily meals are included in the quarantine fee and there is no option to exclude them. All accommodation providers cater for a wide variety of dietary requirements. Please tell hotel staff if you have dietary requirements when you arrive.

Please note there will be no cooking facilities available in your room.

I am travelling with a friend, can we share a bed and the cost of a single room?

If you have been travelling with a friend and this request can be accommodated, then the cost of the room provided can be shared for the full quarantine period. However, each person will be charged for the meals provided.

Can I pay to upgrade my hotel room?/ Can I request a room with a balcony?/Can I choose my own hotel?

No. All rooms are pre-allocated. All attempts have been made by the Queensland Government to source suitable accommodation for quarantine purposes.

What is included in the quarantine fee, e.g. Wi-Fi, gym, pool, minibar, Foxtel, laundry etc.?

While in mandatory quarantine you will not be able to use any shared facilities at the hotel (pool, gym etc.) due to the requirement to remain in your room.

On arrival at your arranged accommodation full details will be provided as to Wi-Fi access, laundry facilities etc.

Am I allowed to leave my room for fresh air or exercise?

We know how important it is to look after mental wellbeing, but we also know how important it is to keep Queenslanders safe and well.

Queensland Health does not support the provision of fresh air breaks during quarantine, as they pose a risk to the public health and safety of all persons involved.

Fresh air breaks are only allowed under exceptional circumstances due to the potential spread of COVID-19.

I am not managing without access to fresh air – what should I do?

Should you believe your circumstances are exceptional please request a room break request form from hotel reception for consideration by Queensland Police Service and Queensland Health.

Other

I have already quarantined for 14 days in another state or territory, do I have to quarantine again in Queensland and pay the fee?

No. You only have to quarantine for 14 days in the state or territory you arrive in.

During your quarantine, if the location you are quarantining becomes a COVID-19 hotspot, you will not need to quarantine again when you arrive in Queensland. However, when you arrive in Queensland, you will need to provide written proof to an emergency officer that you have completed your mandatory hotel quarantine in another state, that you have had a COVID-19 test in quarantine and that you travelled on a direct route from the hotel to the airport. During this travel time you must wear a mask and you must not leave the confines of the airport.

What should I do if I am sick?

If you arrive in Queensland with any COVID-19 symptoms tell a health official immediately.

If you feel sick in quarantine tell the Health Liaison Officer or hotel staff immediately and stay isolated in your room.

Call emergency services on 000 if you are very unwell.

What happens when I complete my 14 days of quarantine?

At the completion of your quarantine period, if you are well then a discharge form will be provided that allows you to leave your government arranged accommodation on the check-out day. The discharge form can be kept as proof that a 14 day quarantine period was served following international travel.

You will be free to go about normal activities within the current government restrictions, while practicing social distancing and good hygiene.

An invoice for the quarantine fee payable by you will be sent by Queensland Government to your nominated email or postal address.

I’m a consular employee, do I need to quarantine?

Yes. Consular employees who arrive in Queensland from overseas (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a safe travel zone country) must quarantine in a government arranged hotel or other government organised quarantine.

Questions about testing

Will the test be carried out in my room? Do I need to leave quarantine to get tested?

If you are in government arranged accommodation, trained clinicians will visit you at the hotel to undertake COVID-19 testing.

How long will it take to receive my results?

Results are usually available within a couple of days after the test was taken. Your result will be provided before leaving quarantine.

If the result is positive, you will receive a call from a public health doctor or nurse who will tell you what to do next.

If the result is negative, you will be contacted by the public health clinical support staff responsible for your quarantine venue, this may be by phone or by SMS.

How will I receive my results?

If the result is positive, you will receive a call from a public health doctor or nurse who will tell you what to do next.

If the result is negative, you will be contacted by the public health clinical support staff for your quarantine venue, this may be by phone or by SMS.

Can I be released from quarantine earlier than the 14 day period if I return a negative result?

No. People in quarantine who get tested for COVID-19 and the result is negative still need to remain for the full 14 day quarantine period. This is because you may be in the incubation period (the time between getting the virus and showing symptoms).

You can only leave quarantine earlier if you are in quarantine due to coming from a place that used to be a hotspot and is no longer a hotspot.

What happens if I develop symptoms during quarantine?

If you develop any COVID-19 symptoms at any time during your quarantine period please attend your local testing clinic to get tested as soon as possible. If you have other health concerns call your doctor or 13 HEALTH (13 42 25 84) and advise them you are in quarantine due to being a close contact of a person with COVID-19.

If you are having serious symptoms, call Triple (000) straight away. Serious symptoms include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or chest pressure or pain. Tell the ambulance staff that you are in quarantine and may have COVID-19.

If you need to travel to get to your doctor, hospital or testing site, travel alone and use personal transport where possible. If you are unable to drive yourself, see if a member of your household/family or a friend can take you. You must:

• wear a face mask (if over the age of 12)
• sit in the back seat
• maintain physical distancing as much as possible
• handle your own belongings
• use hand sanitiser.

If you are unable to organise travel in a private vehicle, you can use a taxi or ride share service with the above-mentioned precautions.

When you arrive at your doctor, hospital or other testing location, tell the healthcare professionals again that you are in quarantine and have developed symptoms.

If you test positive you will need to go into isolation. Anyone who has been in your household is a close contact and must then go into quarantine.

Even if you test negative you must stay in quarantine for the full 14 days. This is because you could still develop COVID-19 towards the end of the quarantine period.

What happens if I test positive while in quarantine? Will I have to pay for a longer stay in government arranged accommodation?

If your test is positive, we will arrange to transfer you to a hospital to isolate until you have recovered.

Your isolation costs, for when you have tested positive to COVID-19, whether they be in hotel or hospital will be covered by the government if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

If I refuse to be tested, do I need to pay for the extra 10 days in government arranged accommodation?

Yes. By getting tested before leaving quarantine you are helping us stop the spread of COVID-19 and protecting Queenslanders from the virus. We respect your right to refuse, however, you will be required to quarantine for a further 10 days until there is greater certainty that you do not have the virus. You will need to pay for costs of an extended quarantine period.

Do I need to have a test if I have no symptoms?

Yes. It is a requirement that all people entering quarantine in government arranged accommodation must be tested before leaving quarantine.

Getting tested before you leave quarantine will help us find as many cases as possible and limit the possibility of the cases entering our community. This will ensure we are doing everything we can to manage Queensland’s response to the pandemic.

Do I need to take another test if I tested negative for COVID-19 before travelling to Queensland?

Yes. Anyone who has travelled to Queensland from overseas (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a safe travel zone country) or a declared hotspot will be asked to take a COVID-19 test soon after entry to quarantine and before the completion of their 14 day quarantine in government arranged accommodation.

Why do I have to get tested if I develop COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of entering Queensland?

Getting tested will help us find as many cases in the community as quickly as possible to stop the virus spreading. This will ensure we are doing everything we can to manage Queensland’s response to the pandemic.

If you have any of the COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, get tested.

What happens if someone develops symptoms with COVID-19 after 14 days of entering Queensland?

You should get tested at any time if you have any COVID-19 symptoms present, no matter how mild. Before your appointment, please call head and tell them about your symptoms so you can prepare for your visit.

Is it safe for people to come into my room and test me?

Yes. Testing clinicians will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and they may also ask you to wear the appropriate PPE while getting tested or when leaving your hotel room. It is important you do not have any other visitors other than those who are exempt under the Direction.

Questions about enforcement

Are there penalties if I don’t comply?

Yes. If you don’t comply you may be given an on-the-spot fine of $1,334 for individuals and $6,670 for corporations, a court-imposed penalty of up to $13,345 or 6 months' imprisonment.

Questions about maritime and air 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.

What are the rules for air crew?

All international air crew are required to follow quarantine requirements under the Quarantine and COVID-19 Testing for International Air Crew Direction.

Questions about coming to Queensland for health care from a hotspot

What is essential health care?

You can enter Queensland by air for essential health care without an exemption.

Essential health care is any:

• Queensland Children’s Hospital appointment confirmed in writing by the hospital
• appointment at a Queensland Hospital and Health Service or associated outreach location, confirmed in writing by the service
• Specialist appointment at a licensed Queensland private health facility or ancillary clinic or service, confirmed in writing by the service or health practitioner
• An appointment at an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health service confirmed in writing by the service
• An appointment with a prescribed health practitioner at another premises, confirmed in writing by the practitioner on the form approved by the Chief Health Officer.

An appointment with a prescribed health practitioner may include an appointment with a registered NDIS provider as part of a NDIS Plan. An appointment at an ancillary clinic or service may include an appointment at a rehabilitation service.

An appointment with a prescribed health practitioner means an appointment with a person registered to provide the following services:

• dental (including the profession of a dentist, dental therapist, dental hygienist, dental prosthetist and oral health therapist)
• medical
• medical radiation practice
• midwifery
• nursing
• occupational therapy
• optometry
• paramedicine
• pharmacy
• physiotherapy
• podiatry
• psychology
• services as a registered NDIS provider under an agreed NDIS plan.

If you don’t meet the above requirements you will not be able to enter Queensland unless you have been granted an individual exemption granted by the Chief Health Officer. These are only given in rare and exceptional circumstances

Read more about Entering Queensland for essential health care.

Can I enter Queensland for emergency health care?

Emergency health care patients requiring emergency care and entering Queensland via ambulance, aeromedical retrieval or formal interstate hospital transfer will not be subject to border requirements.

How do I prove that my health care cannot be obtained near my place of residence?/ What do I need to show at the border to prove that I have an essential health care appointment?

The hospital, service or health practitioner you are visiting will need to provide written evidence (electronic or printed) stating that you have to go to the facility to receive your healthcare. You will have to show this form at the border.

The health practitioner or person in charge of a hospital or other health facility will take into account a number of considerations, including your medical history, treatment plan, availability and timeliness of your treatment. If possible, you should try and obtain your health care in your home state rather than coming to Queensland to receive health care.

Can I receive essential health care in a private hospital?

Yes, if the hospital has provided you with written evidence (electronic or printed) stating that you have to go to the facility to receive your healthcare you will be able to receive your essential health care at a private hospital.

Read more about Entering Queensland for essential health care.

Do I need to quarantine if I’m coming to Queensland from a hotspot to receive essential health care?/ Can I quarantine with a family or friend while I'm waiting for my appointment?/ Can I stay somewhere other than government quarantine?

Anyone coming to Queensland to receive essential health care from a hotspot will need to quarantine. If you will be admitted into a hospital you will be able to complete your quarantine at the hospital. All the same rules of government arranged accommodation will apply.

If you are an outpatient, you will have to stay in government arranged accommodation if your treatment is for more than one day. As soon your treatment is completed you will need to leave Queensland straight away.

If you are accompanying someone receiving essential health care as a support person and staying for the duration of their treatment you will need to stay in government arranged accommodation, unless the hospital or other facility can accommodate you.

You will have to fly to Queensland for essential health care if you have been in a hotspot in the last 14 days or since the hotspot was declared (whichever is shorter). You will need to be granted an exemption to enter by road from a hotspot unless you are a truck driver, worker related to the transport of freight and logistics or performing selected essential activities.

Read more about Entering Queensland for essential health care.

Do I need to quarantine if I have complex medical needs?

Anyone coming to Queensland to receive essential health care from a hotspot will need to quarantine.

If you are someone with complex medical needs, a person with a disability or parents of very young children, health staff at your accommodation can help you.

The Health care Support Service can also help you get the right healthcare, when and where you need it. If you want to apply for an exemption, speak with a healthcare support worker. To contact the Healthcare Support Service, phone 13 COVID (13 42 68 43) and press 3.

My child needs to receive essential health care that will take more than one day, what can I do?

If your child is receiving essential health care at the Queensland Children’s Hospital you will be able to complete your quarantine at the hospital. All of the same rules of government arranged accommodation will apply.

If your child is receiving essential health care at another hospital or your child is an outpatient of the Queensland Children’s hospital you and your family will need to stay in government arranged accommodation unless the hospital or facility can accommodate you. You can leave as soon as the treatment is over but you may stay longer if they wish.

If your child’s essential health care takes longer than 14 days you and your family will be able to leave government arranged accommodation once you have completed your 14 days quarantine and stay where you would normally stay, for example a Ronald McDonald House.

You will be able to leave government arranged accommodation to take your child to receive essential health care.

Read more about Entering Queensland for essential health care.

Do I have to quarantine if my essential health care treatment is only a day treatment or an appointment?

No, if you do not need to stay overnight for your treatment or appointments you do not have to quarantine. Instead you will have to travel directly to your appointment then leave Queensland immediately following your treatment/appointment by air. An Emergency Officer at the airport will provide you with information on how to commute from the airport to your appointment.

You must apply for an exemption to be able to enter Queensland by road to receive essential health care. Your exemption will include details of where you will be required to complete your mandatory quarantine in government arranged accommodation.

Read more about Entering Queensland for essential health care.

Will I be charged for quarantine if I am coming up for essential health care treatment?

If you are coming to Queensland for health care or surgery from a COVID-19 hotspot, you will need to quarantine at government arranged accommodation. You may be eligible for a fee waiver or for a subsidy under the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme.

Do I need to apply for an exemption to enter Queensland from a hotspot to receive essential health care?

No. You do not need to apply for an exemption to enter Queensland if you are entering to receive essential health care, or to provide support to a person receiving essential health care.

You will be required to complete 14 days mandatory quarantine in government arranged accommodation. You may be eligible for a fee waiver.

You can enter Queensland via air. You must apply for an exemption to be able to enter Queensland by road to receive essential healthcare. Your exemption will include details of where you will complete your mandatory quarantine in government arranged accommodation.

Read more about Entering Queensland for essential health care.

What do I do if I’m told not to come to my health care appointment in Queensland?

If you are advised not to come to your health care appointment in Queensland, you should make an alternative appointment in your state.

I am attending an appointment with a private health care provider, are there any extra steps I need to complete?

Any health care provider that is not a Queensland Health provided service must provide you with a completed approved form for entering Queensland to receive essential health care (DOCX 72 kB).

Why can I no longer drive to Queensland from a hotspot to attend an essential health care appointment?

You must apply for an exemption to be able to enter Queensland by road to receive essential health care. This is to ensure you receive details of where you will be required to complete your mandatory quarantine in government arranged accommodation.

People entering Queensland for emergency health care will still be able to enter by road.