Last update: 9.02.2021
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How do I subscribe to DFAT’s list of Australians overseas affected by COVID19 wanting to return?
- If you are an Australian Citizen or a Permanent Resident of Australia, and have not registered with DFAT and wish to return to Australia, please register using the following URL https://covid19.dfat.gov.au/citizeninformation/s/
- Please keep in mind that registering does not guarantee a seat on a flight returning to Australia. In the event of a direct facilitated flight from South America to Australia, we use the list to share the information to those subscribed.
What is the situation about flights to return to Australia?
- Presently, Qantas and Latam are not operating regular direct flights from South America to Australia. However, commercial flights through the US and the Middle East are in place. From the US, airlines such as American Airlines, Delta and United Airlines fly from California to Sydney. Qatar Airways connects Sao Paulo, Brazil with Sydney via London-Doha.
- From Chile, there are flights to the US and Brazil. From Ecuador, there are flights to the US but not to Brazil.
- xTravel, a New Zealander travel operator, and LatamCargo, may have future charter flights directly connecting South America with Australia via Santiago de Chile. These are commercial flights managed by xTravel, not the Embassy. Contact the company at https://xtravel.co.nz, [email protected], +64 3 442 9815 if you would like to be in their registry (NOTE: this is a xTravel registry, separate and not connected with the official DFAT’s registry).
- Though at present there are no plans for further facilitated direct flights from South America, consider subscribing to DFAT’s list, as flights may occur with little notice.
- NOTE: The UK requires travellers from certain countries who are not on its travel corridor list to self-isolate on entry into the UK for 14 days. If you are travelling through the UK, refer to this link for more information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors
- Entering into Australia is limited to Australians, Permanent Resident of Australia, and few highly restricted exemptions. For more information, visit: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/coming-australia
When are the repatriation humanitarian flights occurring?
- The Government continues to work with airlines and other key partners on planning for additional facilitated commercial flights to countries where vulnerable Australians have told us they wish to return.
- The number of flights is subject to the amount of quarantine capacity provided by states and territories. There is currently large demand from Australians stranded overseas to return.
- Though at present there are no plans for further facilitated direct flights from South America, consider subscribing to DFAT’s list, as flights may occur with little notice.
My repatriation flight goes through Chile, what do I need?
- If you remain inside the transit zone of Santiago’s airport:
- You would not need an e-visa. Also, you would not need a negative result for a COVID-19 PCR test, a travel insurance covering COVID-19 while in Chile, nor an e-affidavit.
- You need to arrange your luggage to be sent all the way to Australia. If you need to collect your luggage in Santiago, you will need to go through International Police, thus not be considered in transit (an e-visa would then be required).
- If you want/need to leave the airport:
- You need an e-visa. Apply here: https://tramites.minrel.gov.cl/Solicitudes/visa.aspx
- Because of COVID-19, response time takes more than 10 days. Consider that in your planning.
- You also need:
- Proof of a negative result for a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding the last flight to Chile. If several connecting flights are taken, consider the last one that takes you into Chile.
- Travel insurance covering COVID-19 in Chile for a minimum of USD 30,000
- Complete an e-affidavit (https://www.c19.cl/) 48 hours before boarding the last flight into Chile. You need to upload proof of the negative result for the COVID-19 PCR test, and proof of insurance covering COVID-19.
- Go directly from the airport to your hotel and from the hotel to the airport. You have to remain at the hotel during the entire time.
- You would probably require a new PCR test to meet the 72-hour limit to enter Australia.
- Chile’s list of recognised laboratories is found at the Chilean Public Health Institute: https://www.ispch.cl/isp-covid-19/, “Laboratorios PCR SARS-CoV-2” link.
- You need an e-visa. Apply here: https://tramites.minrel.gov.cl/Solicitudes/visa.aspx
How do I get a visa to enter Chile?
- Since May 2020, Australians do not need to pay the reciprocity fee. More information: https://serviciosconsulares.cl/tramites/visto-de-turismo-para-nacionales-de-australia-desde-el-9-de-mayo-de-2020
- Australians need an e-visa to enter Chile. Apply on https://tramites.minrel.gov.cl/Solicitudes/visa.aspx
- “Single Entry Visa” allows to remain up to 90 days with potential extension. It has a cost of USD 105.
- “Multiple Entry 8 to 72 hours” visa is free of charge, however, it is not currently working on the platform. Consider that if you are coming as a tourist, as of today, you need to remain in a 10-day mandatory quarantine (waived after 7 days only with a negative result for a PCR test for COVID-19).
- Consider a response period of more than 10 days during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- You application would be assessed by the Chilean Consulate General (a Chilean Government Official, not Australian Consular official) you selected on your online application. Visit: https://serviciosconsulares.cl/tramites/site/edic/base/port/consulados.html
I lost the proof of my first visa or tourist card and cannot leave Chile, what do I do?
- Visit Immigration Police and request a copy: https://pdivirtual.cerofilas.gob.cl/etapas/ver/19576522/0
Because of COVID-19 I overstayed my tourist visa, what do I do?
- Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the Australian Embassy cannot advocate in migration and visa issues of other countries on behalf of its citizens. Valid visa remains the responsibility of individual citizens, even in current world-wide circumstances brought on by the pandemic.
- Chile: You can apply for a visa extension only once. You may have to pay the overstay fee if you would be staying longer. Advice provided by the Chilean Migration Department to foreign Embassies in Chile and the Chilean Migration Department’s FAQ does not indicate possibility of fee waivers, which may be considered on individual merits. You may also be eligible to apply for a Temporary Visa, which allows staying one year and performing any legal activity, or a Permit to Work as Tourist (subject to work contract).
- Ecuador: The Ecuadorian Government informed that from 12 December 2020, tourists overstaying their visas will had 30 days either to leave the country without paying a fine, or to apply for a temporary visa instead. To reserve an appointment for residence visa renewals and other services in Quito email: [email protected]. For more information: call +593 (2) 3993 200 ext. 23007 and 23015 or +593 (2) 3933 520.
Which are the quarantine conditions in Australia?
- Individual states and territories have introduced their own quarantine arrangements and costs. Most states are offering payment plans, fee reductions and/or fee waivers for those experiencing financial hardship. You may have to contribute to the cost of quarantine.
o NSW: https://www.nsw.gov.au/…/what-you-can-and-cant-d…/quarantine
o QLD: https://www.qld.gov.au/…/coronavirus-covid-19/pr…/quarantine
o WA: https://www.wa.gov.au/…/depa…/covid-19-coronavirus-travel-wa
o VIC: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/information-overseas-travellers…
o NT: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/sta…/quarantine/quarantine-fee
o SA: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restric…/travel-restrictions…
o ACT: https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/stay-safe-and-healthy/quarantine-and-isolation
o TAS: https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/keeping-yourself-…/quarantine
- You can also visit:
- Department of Health International Travellers to Australia FAQ: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-international-travellers/coronavirus-covid-19-faqs-for-international-travellers-to-australia
- Local state and territory health departments for more info on quarantine costs and arrangements: https://www.health.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/local-state-and-territory-health-departments
- Smartraveller’s Returning to Australia: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/covid-19/covid-19/returning-australia, and
- General COVID-19 information for Australian travellers in Smartraveller: www.smartraveller.gov.au/COVID-19-australian-travellers
I am experiencing financial hardship due to COVID19 travel restrictions, what can I do?
- You may consider exploring the following options of financial support for Australians overseas:
- COVID19 Government Loan: If you are Australian citizen, 18 years old (or older), and unable to return to Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions, you may be eligible to access financial support from the government in the form of a loan. For information and application for this loan, visit Smartraveller’s COVID-19: Overseas financial assistance.
- If you already receive and Australian government payment, you may contact Services Australia via email ([email protected]), and phone (+61 3 6222 3455) during business hours of 0800 to 1700 AEST (once connected with a service officer, you can request a call back).
- If you intend to access your superannuation funds, instructions are available through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super/In-detail/Withdrawing-and-using-your-super/COVID-19-early-release-of-super/. You can also visit MyGov.
How do I renew/obtain my Australian passport?
- Interview appointments are requested by emailing [email protected], and are only taking place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am to 12.30pm.
- To request the appointment, you need to gather all relevant supporting documents. Check “Getting a passport: How it works”, and fees.
- If your adult passport expired less than three years ago, you may qualify for a passport renewal.
- Please make sure to have photos that meet the guidelines.
Which notarial services are provided by the Embassy?
- Appointments for notarial services are requested by emailing [email protected], and only take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am to 12.30pm.
- Our services include: Apostille original official Australian documents (it may be possible to apostille the signature of an Australian Notary Public in private documents); certify copies of Australian documents (or documents to be used in Australia); and witness the signature of documents to be used in Australia.
Should you have a consular emergency please call the Australian Government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 within Australia (local call cost), or the +61 2 6261 3305 from outside Australia, SMS at +61 421 269 080.
Please visit the Services for Australians Overseas section for more information and Smartraveller, the Australian Government\'s travel advisory and consular information service for travel advisories and information to assist you while travelling overseas.
Disclosure:
Personal information provided to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is protected by law, including the Privacy Act 1988. We may collect, use and disclose your personal information, including to overseas recipients where we reasonably believe it is necessary, to provide you with consular assistance. Important information about the privacy of your personal information is contained in our Consular Privacy Collection Statement, which you should read and understand. Copies of the Statement are available at https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/privacy/Pages/privacy or by requesting a copy from the Department.