Questions about entering Queensland and quarantine

Can I travel into Queensland?

For details on who can enter Queensland from another state or territory, see the Border Restrictions Direction.

For details on who can enter Australia from overseas, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Why do I need 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 overseas
• have been in a COVID-19 hotspot
• have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19
• have COVID-19 or any symptoms.

Mandatory quarantine is needed to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Queensland.

This is in accordance with the Border Restriction and Self-quarantine for Persons Arriving in Queensland From Overseas Directions.

Can I quarantine at my home or other accommodation?

No. 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.

I am coming to Queensland in my caravan where can I store it while completing my quarantine?

You will be required to book storage for your caravan prior to entering Queensland.

How do I get to the government arranged accommodation if I need to quarantine?

If you arrive in Queensland by air you may be transported directly from the airport to your arranged hotel or required to arrange a taxi or rise share yourself. You will not be permitted to take public transport.

If you are crossing the border via road you need to drive yourself directly to your arranged hotel without stopping.

If you will be arriving with livestock or in a caravan you will need to arrange for the care of animals or storage of trailers or caravans prior to your arrival in Queensland.

I’m coming to Queensland from a hotspot to visit a terminally ill relative can I visit them while in quarantine?

You will only be permitted to leave your mandatory quarantine to visit a terminally ill relative if you have been granted an exemption by Queensland's Chief Health Officer. You can apply for an exemption online.

I’m coming to Queensland from a hotspot to receive essential medical treatment, can I leave quarantine to receive this treatment?

Yes. You can leave your mandatory quarantine to receive essential medical treatment. You must go directly to receive treatment without stopping and you must return straight back to your government arranged accommodation after receiving treatment or care.

I’m coming to Queensland from a hotspot to complete a custody arrangement will I/my child have to quarantine?

Yes. If you are coming to Queensland to complete a court ordered custody arrangement you and your child will have to complete quarantine.

If you send your child by themselves they can complete the 14 days of quarantine at the home of their Queensland based parent or guardian.

If you are bringing your child to Queensland to be placed in the care of a Queensland based parent or guardian, you and your child can quarantine at their Queensland based parent/guardian’s home.

If you don’t leave the airport between arriving and departing Queensland, you do not need to quarantine.

If you do not leave the airport when transporting your child to a hotspot, you will not have to complete quarantine upon your return to Queensland.

Questions about fees and payment

Why are quarantine fees being charged?

Mandatory quarantine is needed to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Queensland.

The quarantine fee will reduce the financial burden of COVID-19 on Queensland taxpayers. The total fee will help repay the government for the cost of providing the quarantine to you.

How much will quarantine cost?

The government has worked with the hotel industry to ensure a range of suitable accommodation is available across Queensland for quarantine purposes. The government will continue to fund the costs of security for hotels, transport and logistics, which have not been included in the calculation of the costs payable by individuals, couples or families.

The quarantine fees are:

*children are classified as 18 years and under.

When is the quarantine fee payable?

At the end of your quarantine period, an invoice for the fee will be sent to your nominated email or postal address. Payment is required within 30 days of the invoice date. If you have applied to have the fee waived, and your application is refused, then payment is due within 14 days after you receive a notice of the decision.

Are there payment plans available?

Yes. If you cannot pay the full quarantine fee by the invoice due date, you can enter into a payment plan to repay over time. The time period varies between 6, 12 and 18 months depending on the invoice balance.

Full details on how to apply for a payment plan will be on the invoice.

If your request is approved, you will be issued a payment plan agreement outlining the full terms and conditions.

Can I apply to have the quarantine fee waived? / Who is eligible?

You can apply to have all or part of the quarantine fee waived after you get the invoice. Once the quarantine fee invoice is issued you have 30 days to apply to have the amount waived

Those eligible to apply for a fee waiver include:

• people who had a confirmed international arrival date into Queensland before midnight on 17 June 2020, even if they arrive after 1 July 2020

• people who are experiencing financial hardship

• people who are vulnerable.

Financial hardship

You may be eligible for a fee waiver under the grounds of financial hardship. You must be an Australian citizen or a Permanent resident to apply for this waiver.

Eligibility is assessed against criteria including, but not exclusive to:

• An individual is unable to meet current financial obligations (e.g. home loan, immediate living expenses)

• Unemployment or on Jobkeeper/Jobseeker or another relevant Centrelink service or an Australian studying overseas

• Loss of a business entity, home or possessions due to COVID 19 or a natural disaster.

When applying under this category you will be asked to provide:

• Citizenship/residency documentation

• Bank letter or statutory declaration

• Centrelink statement

• Other relevant documentation. e.g. bills, rate notices, debt agreements, family court documents regarding financial obligations, funeral expenses, notice of impending legal actions, international student fees and eviction notices.

People who are vulnerable

You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you (or someone you are quarantining with) are considered a vulnerable person.

Vulnerability will be assessed on a case by case basis.  Examples of person who may be vulnerable include: people with serious chronic illnesses, people who are not  able to take care of themselves or are unable to protect themselves against harm or exploitation by reason of age, illness, trauma, or disability or any other reason, refugee or humanitarian reasons, escaping domestic, family or sexual violence, a carer for a person who may be considered as vulnerable.

When applying for a fee waiver under this category a range of documents may assist in assessing eligibility, including (but not exclusive to):

• birth certificate

• medical certificates/documentation

• visa status

• police order

• statutory declaration

To apply for a quarantine fee waiver once you have received an invoice, complete the form here.

What if I booked my flight before the announcement, do I still have to pay for the accommodation?

If, before midnight on 17 June 2020, you had a confirmed international arrival date into Queensland, even if you arrive on or after 1 July 2020, you will not be required to pay the quarantine accommodation fee. Conditions do apply and evidence will need to be supplied.

You will still be required to quarantine in the government arranged accommodation for the duration and an invoice for your stay will be issued. Upon receipt of this invoice, you will need to submit a request for waiver supplying the required evidence.

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

No. Mandatory quarantine must be in government arranged accommodation. 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.

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. If you are required to be accommodated for over 24-hours an invoice will be calculated based on the time spent.

You will not be charged a fee if you are in transit for less than 24 hours.

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.

Will my travel insurance cover the quarantine fee?

Please contact your travel insurance company directly for more information.

Questions about exceptions 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.

Quarantine for persons arriving in Queensland must be in government arranged accommodation. This is due to the health risk that cannot be properly managed at other residences or accommodation providers.

What if I booked my travel before 17 June 2020, do I still have to quarantine?

If your travel from overseas was booked before midnight 17 June 2020 (even if arriving after 1 July) you may be eligible for a fee waiver. However, you will still need to quarantine in government arranged accommodation for 14 days when you arrive.

When applying under this category you will be asked to provide:

• Documentary evidence to demonstrate that the arrival date for the person’s travel to Queensland from overseas was confirmed before 17 June 2020.

If your travel from overseas was confirmed before 17 June 2020 but then cancelled or rescheduled beyond your control, you may still be eligible for a full or part waiver.

To apply for a quarantine fee waiver once you have received an invoice, complete the form here.

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 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.

Can I apply for an exemption from quarantine?

exemption

Anyone arriving in Queensland must complete 14 days of mandatory quarantine, in accordance with the Self-quarantine for Persons Arriving in Queensland From Overseas Direction. There are very few reasons why an exemption from quarantine will be granted.

To apply for an exemption, complete the form here.

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 here.

I travelled to Queensland for work, can my employer be invoiced for my quarantine fee?

The quarantine fee invoice will be issued to the individual who was in quarantine. It cannot be re-issued in your employers name. It is the responsibility of the individual and employer to determine who will pay the invoice.

Questions about accommodation

How will my accommodation be organised?

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

Can I choose my own hotel?

No. All attempts have been made by the Queensland Government to source suitable accommodation for quarantine purposes.  Every attempt will be made to ensure the rooms meet the requirements of the individuals.

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

You will receive an information pack at your hotel, 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 hotel to support you. You can also call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for help.

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 hotel 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?

No. All rooms are pre-allocated. All attempts have been made by the Queensland Government to source suitable accommodation for quarantine purposes. While every attempt will be made to ensure the rooms meet the requirements of individuals.

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.

Questions about testing

Where will the COVID-19 test be carried out during quarantine?

The COVID-19 test will be carried out by trained clinicians within your government arranged accommodation.

How long will it take to receive my test 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 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?

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.

What happens if I test positive while in quarantine?

If your test is positive it is important that you isolate from others you may have been quarantining with. If you are quarantining with other family members, we will arrange another room for you so that you can isolate until you have recovered. If your clinical condition is such that you require hospital care, you will be transferred for isolation in hospital and further care.

Your isolation costs, 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 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.

Other questions

What happens when I arrive in Queensland from overseas?

Anyone arriving in Queensland from overseas must complete 14 days of mandatory quarantine. You will need to stay at government arranged accommodation unless you have permission not to.

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

If you arrive in Queensland by air you may be transported directly from the airport to your arranged hotel to quarantine or required to arrange a taxi or rise share yourself. You will not be permitted to take public transport.

At the end of quarantine, you will have to pay the cost.

What happens when I arrive in Queensland from interstate?

Anyone arriving in Queensland from interstate who has been in a declared hotspot must complete 14 days of mandatory quarantine. You will need to stay at government arranged accommodation unless you have permission not to.

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

If you are crossing the border via road you need to drive yourself directly to your arranged hotel without stopping.

At the end of quarantine, you will have to pay the cost.

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

Everyone returning to Australia from overseas must go into mandatory quarantine in government arranged accommodation for 14 days in the city of their arrival.

If you have already served a 14 day quarantine period upon returning from overseas travel in another state or territory, you are not required to quarantine again in Queensland as long as you travel directly from the quarantine facility to Queensland.

If you stay in the city you have quarantined in and go into the community you may be required to do a further 14 days quarantine if there is a quarantine requirement in place for that location.

You will need to provide evidence that you have quarantined in your state or territory of arrival and you may need to provide evidence that you travelled directly from the place of quarantine to Queensland.

Additional restrictions may apply when entering Queensland, including the need to have a Queensland Entry Pass. For full details see the Border Restrictions Direction.

What do I do if I am sick?

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms tell a health official or hotel staff immediately.

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 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.

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.