Queensland has kept its borders shut to large chunks of Australia for many months, but that changes today, with the state opening up to travellers from domestic COVID-19 hotspots.
If you’re planning a trip, here are the rules around visiting.
What are the requirements for entering the state?
People coming to Queensland from one of the previously restricted COVID-19 hotspots can now enter the state by air or road.
You must apply for and receive a Queensland entry pass prior to your entry into Queensland. Once that’s approved, your pass will be emailed to you.
If you’re entering by road, you’re asked to display your pass on your passenger side visor, low-left windscreen or passenger-side dashboard.
If you’re coming from a hotspot, no quarantine will be required if you meet the following criteria:
- Fully vaccinated (two vaccine doses and seven days after the second);
- Get a negative COVID test result within 72 hours before arriving into Queensland;
- Have a COVID test on day five after arrival.
The tests before you get to Queensland, and on day five, both need to be a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests — a rapid antigen test won’t cut it.
You can get a PCR test at any state-run testing clinic for free.
If you haven’t been to a COVID hotspot in the previous 14 days, there are no restrictions on entering the state and no quarantine is needed.
What about once I’m in Queensland?
You’ll need to download the Check In Qld app on Google Play or the App Store and use it whenever you enter a business.
You can upload your vaccination certificate to the app, and may be required by businesses to prove that you’re double jabbed.
The only further requirement once you’re in Queensland is the test on day five.
You won’t need to isolate while waiting for the result.
If the test comes back positive, you will have to isolate and follow public health directions.
Aside from that, you can travel freely around the state without restriction.
When do you have to wear a mask in Queensland?
It’s recommended you carry a mask with you at all times, but you are only required to wear it in a couple of situations:
- If you’ve been in a locked-down area in the previous 14 days (there are currently no locked-down areas in Queensland);
- In indoor areas of Queensland airports as well as outdoor passenger transport and waiting areas, like car parks and taxi ranks;
- On domestic commercial flights while the plane is at a Queensland airport or in Queensland airspace;
- If you’re quarantining.
The usual exceptions to mask-wearing apply, such as children under 12 and when you’re eating or drinking.
What are the rules for gatherings?
There is no limit on gatherings in public outdoor spaces in Queensland. Gatherings at a private residence are limited to a maximum of 100 people.
Special rules apply for aged care facilities, disability accommodation services, hospitals and correctional facilities, which you can find details about on the Queensland Health website.
Can unvaccinated people enter the state?
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If you’re unvaccinated then you don’t meet the entry criteria and will be forced to quarantine in a government-nominated facility.
There are also a host of restrictions on what unvaccinated people can do once in Queensland, starting on December 17.
You won’t be able to enter pubs or cafes, for example, or government-owned galleries or museums.
Read more about the restrictions here.
What are the rules for kids?
The double-vaccination requirement is for everyone aged 16 and over.
For kids 12 months or older, they are still required to return a negative test before entry and on day five.
Queensland Health says small children will be tested using a specialised swab — you can discuss any requirements with the health support team when you’re arranging the tests.
How about border residents?
Different rules are in place to allow free movement for border residents.
Fully vaccinated border residents will be able to move freely across the border, though they will need a border pass — which can be applied for here.
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