Queensland may have passed its 80% first-dose milestone, bringing a string of freedoms for the vaccinated there, but those stuck across the border still face a lengthy road back home this Christmas.
The only way in is by air until the next vaccination targets are due to be met on 17 December, leaving thousands of residents stuck interstate with their cars. Even then, a question mark remains over how border checks will be implemented once Queensland reopens to interstate travellers.
If you are planning a trip to Queensland, it would pay to read the fine print. Here’s what you need to know.
What are the rules for arriving from hotspots?
Once Queensland hits the 70% double-dose target, expected about 17 November, home quarantine will be an option for people arriving from hotspots for the first time, but they’ll have to qualify and meet a strict set of conditions.
Only people who have had their second Covid vaccine at least two weeks before entering the state will be permitted to isolate at home, and new arrivals will have to return a negative PCR test at least 72 hours before travelling.
New arrivals have to have somewhere suitable to quarantine, with “direct fresh access to the front door” such as a standalone home, townhouse or apartment block, and everyone in the household is required to quarantine with them.
No visitors are allowed, and a Covid test at a drive-through clinic is required in a private vehicle on days one, five and 12.
Interstate travellers outside hotspots have to show identification at the border, complete a declaration and obtain an entry pass to enter the state.
How can I enter Queensland?
If granted a right of entry, arrivals are only allowed to fly to Queensland on an allocated date. Anyone attempting to cross the border by car or foot from a hotspot will be turned back.
The restrictions have left thousands of Queenslanders stranded interstate, some living in cars or tents, as they wait for the border to open fully.
Once arriving, you have to travel to your place of quarantine, which must be within a two-hour drive from the airport, via private or government-organised transport or a contactless hire car.
If there are no direct flights from interstate, travellers are allowed to transit once through Brisbane airport.
What about people in the border zone?
Vaccinated travellers from the New South Wales border zone, excluding Moree Plains, which is listed as “restricted”, can enter the state and travel by car, not air, but only for essential work purposes, and they have to complete a pass prior to arrival.
Unvaccinated border zone residents can only visit Queensland to get medical care or supplies, fulfil a court order for shared parenting or child visitation, or in the instance of an emergency. Queensland residents who entered the border zone for an essential reason are allowed to re-enter the state.
How will the changes be enforced?
State disaster coordinator Steve Gollschewski said to still expect strict border checks once Queensland hits its 70% double vaccination rate.
“We are making sure we’ll do it efficiently to keep things moving but you’ll see much the same at our road borders until we reach 80%,” he said.
14,000 people are currently waiting to apply for home quarantine in the online system.
Gollschewski said Queensland was still a month out from reaching 80% and detailed planning was under way as to how the state would operate the borders once restrictions eased.
“If people choose to blatantly disregard the chief health officer’s directions they can trust us to take action,” he said.
The Queensland health minister, Yvette D’Ath, said it would be “important” Queensland still had a system that would provide confidence that all cars coming across the border had a valid pass until 90% targets were met.
What about 80% and beyond?
Once 80% double-dose targets are met, expected about 17 December, quarantine will be scrapped for fully vaccinated domestic travellers, provided they return a negative Covid test within 72 hours.
They will be able to enter via any method of travel, but the border zone will still be in place to restrict the unvaccinated from entering.
Long delays are expected at the border with an estimated 40,000 vehicles a day to enter Queensland when the state reopens.
When can international travellers enter?
From 17 December, Australian citizens and permanent residents will be able to fly into Queensland and complete 14 days of home quarantine, provided they are fully vaccinated and receive a negative Covid test within 72 hours.
Otherwise, arrivals will have to complete 14 days quarantine at a government facility, including international travellers who fly into other states.
Once Queensland reaches 90% full vaccination, international arrivals will be able to travel to Queensland restriction free provided they test negative. The date for when that will happen is not yet known.
