Can I go on holiday to Australia? Latest coronavirus travel advice and quarantine rules
VICTORIA has declared a state of emergency in Australia as coronavirus cases skyrocket.
The country had been keeping a tight seal on the number of infections but the total number in the country has now reached 21,407, with 314 deaths recorded.
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Can I travel to Australia from the UK?
Australia is exempt from the Foreign Office (FCO) advice on non-essential international travel.
But from July 23 the Government advised against all non-essential travel to Victoria.
However, all travel to except for Australian citizens and permanent residents or those with an exemption.
And anyone entering the country will need to quarantine for 14 days at a designated spot, such as a hotel.
Do I have to quarantine when I arrive in Australia?
Yes.
If you go to Australia you will need to quarantine for 14 days in a designated location, such as a hotel.
You may also have to undergo health screening before entering including a temperature test.
What parts of Australia are on lockdown?
The state of Victoria in south-east Australia will be affected by the new rules having entered a state of disaster.
And the state capital Melbourne has been moved to stage four restrictions with even stronger rules.
On Sunday, August 2, the Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said: "I know how much Victorians want to go back to some semblance of normal – or at least 'Covid normal'.
"They want to be able to get a beer with their mates. To drop round and see mum. And they definitely want an end to these daily updates and their grim new milestones.
"Our health experts tell us the measures we’ve introduced are working. But too slowly.
"The current rate of community transmission – mystery cases that cannot be traced back to work or home – is far too high.
"As they tell us, based on the current numbers, cases might begin to drop off not in days or weeks – but in months. Months more of lockdown restrictions. Months more of 300, 400, 500 cases a day.
"More Victorians in hospital beds. More Victorians hooked up to machines just to breathe.
"And more Victorians – more grandparents, parents, sons, daughters, partners and loved ones – choked to death by an invisible enemy.
"That’s not something I’m willing to accept. I don’t think it’s something any of us are willing to accept.
What are the new restrictions?
Residents of the state capital Melbourne will be subject to a nighttime curfew.
They will be under house arrest from 8pm until 5am.
The only acceptable reason to leave home during those hours will be for work, medical care and care-giving.
Also the restrictions imposed means that where an individual slept on the night of August 1 is where they must stay for the next six weeks - regardless of whether they crashed over at a mates.
However, there will be exemptions for partners who live apart and for work, if required.
And public transport will be reduced during the curfew hours.
Exercise will be limited to just one hour per day and residents must not stray further than 5km from their home.
Group sizes must be no more than two people regardless of whether you live with them or not, with shopping limited to one person per household per day.
Shoppers must still abide by the 5km rule, unless the closest supermarket is outside that radius.
The rules will not be reviewed until September 13.
Melbourne Airport is closed to incoming passenger flights until further notice.
The Premier added: "I understand people will feel scared and sad and worried.
"But we are Victorians – and we will get through this as Victorians. With grit, with guts and together.
"All the temporary sacrifices we make now – all the time missed with mates, those delayed visits to mum – those sacrifices will help keep our mates and our mums and our fellow Victorians safe.
"We can – we will – get through this."
Can I cancel my holiday to Australia?
You can but you will need to check with the travel company you booked with as to whether you will be entitled to a refund.
If the flight is cancelled of its own accord then you will be entitled to get your money back or rebook for another date.
Do I have to quarantine when I return to the UK?
Australian authorities continue to advise international visitors to leave if they can.
When you return to the UK you will need to provide your contact details for the track and trace system, otherwise you could be subject to a £100 fine.
Australia is currently on the list exempt from the 14-day self-isolation rule.
But the Government advises all potential travellers to be wary as countries can be added and removed from exemptions with short notice.