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Exemptions

Travel to Queensland from a declared hotspot

Queensland residents and people entering Queensland for a permitted purpose

If you have been in a declared hotspot in the last 14 days you:

• must complete a declaration 3 days before entering Queensland.
• can only enter Queensland by air and will be directed to quarantine in government arranged accommodation.

All other people

If you are not a resident of Queensland and have recently been in a declared hotspot you need to apply for an exemption to enter Queensland.

Travel to Queensland from overseas

Anyone arriving in Queensland must complete 14 days of mandatory quarantine in government arranged accommodation, in their port of arrival, at their own expense, if you have:

• been overseas in the last 14 days (excluding travel on a quarantine free flight from a safe travel zone country)
• been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days (and the place is a COVID-19 hotspot at the time you enter Queensland).

This means if you arrive from overseas into another State or Territory, you must undertake quarantining in that State of Territory. It is unlikely you will be granted an exemption to transit to Queensland to undertake quarantine due to the risk during domestic onward travel.

For more information about entering Queensland from overseas view the Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction.

Unaccompanied minors

Unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 years, who arrive in Queensland from overseas:

• must quarantine for 14 days in nominated premises with a parent, guardian or other responsible adult.
• must obtain approval from another State or Territory prior to applying for an exemption to transit through Queensland.

An unaccompanied minor must not enter Queensland if in the 14 days prior to entering Queensland they have been in a COVID-19 hotspot unless a parent, legal guardian or other responsible adult consent to quarantine in government-nominated accommodation with the minor for 14 days.

Other States and Territories may have introduced new measures in response to COVID-19 that may impact unaccompanied minors traveling interstate. Please check the latest travel requirements before travelling.

Apply for an exemption from mandatory quarantine in Queensland

You can apply for an exemption from mandatory hotel quarantine, however, it is unlikely you will receive an exemption, unless you are considered to have an exceptional circumstance—this applies to very few people.

It is important to start this process well in advance of coming to Queensland if possible, to allow sufficient time for your application to be considered.

Steps to apply for an exemption online

Before you apply for an exemption, prepare relevant documentation and evidence to support your application. If you have not provided enough supporting information, we will be in touch to request further information. This may affect how quickly your application can be assessed.

1. Visit the COVID-19 Services Portal
2. If you are a first-time user, click Sign up and follow the process to set up an account. A temporary password will be sent to the email address you use to set up the account. If you do not receive the email, check your junk mail folder. If you do not have an email address a temporary password will be sent to the mobile phone number, you provided.
3. Log in to your COVID-19 Services Portal account using the temporary password provided. You will be prompted to set up a new password for your account.
4. Select Apply for an Exemption
5. To complete the exemption application, you will need to:
   • confirm you are applying for an exemption
   • provide contact details
   • provide details about the type of exemption you are seeking
   • provide details about the reason you are applying for the exemption
   • attach a copy of additional information and any supporting documentation.
     Note all files must be in a PDF or image format and all fields must be completed. Incomplete information may also mean that the Chief Health Officer is not able to consider all factors relevant to your situation and you may not be granted an exemption.
6. Submit your exemption application.
7. Your application will be assessed by the Chief Health Officer or their delegate who will take into consideration your individual circumstances and other mitigating factors such as the potential risk to public health. You should think carefully about making any travel arrangements that rely on exemptions, as they may not be granted.
8. We will let you know the outcome of your exemption request.

Related information

• Border restrictions Direction
• Operational protocol for freight movements entering Queensland
• Operational protocol for disaster management workers entering Queensland
• Protocol for maritime crew
• Specialist Workers
• Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction
• Queensland Health residential aged care employee COVID-19 vaccine requirements