LOANS

The Australian Government will provide additional support to the most vulnerable Australian citizens whose return to Australia has been impacted by the restrictions arising from COVID-19. Full details about the assistance, including eligibilty criteria and how to apply, are available at https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/COVID-19/covid-19-overseas-financial-assistance 

HOTELS

If you have any problems with hotels, including hotels accepting bookings, please contact the 24/7 Indian Government tourism hotline on 1800 11 1363 (available in 12 languages).

VISAS

If your regular visa or e-visa or stay stipulation period are expiring post 30 June, such regular visa or e-visa or stay stipulation period shall be deemed to be valid until 30 more days from the date of resumption of normal international flight operations on ‘GRATIS’ basis without levy of overstay penalty. (Vide MHA O.M. No. 25022/24/2020-F.V/F.I(Pt.) dated 29.06.2020) To extend your visa apply online through FRRO/FRO.

EXTENSION OF INDIA'S FLIGHT BAN

India has extended its ban on regular scheduled international passenger flights till 30 September.However, international all-cargo operations and flights specifically allowed to operate by the Indian aviation regulator, such as repatriation flights, charter flights, and flights under the Vande Bharat Mission, will continue to operate. We have prepared responses to frequently asked questions, including covering existing flight bookings, charter options, visa extensions and tips for the lockdown in India. Read more...

ATTENTION: Be careful when choosing charter fights    

Many people are asking us about other private charter options being promoted. Be aware: only flights we notify to those registered with us have the approvals required to operate. Please be cautious about other options.

RETURING TO AUSTRALIA

The Indian Government's ban on international scheduled flights has been extended until further notice. India resumed domestic flights in a calibrated manned from 25 May.

On 25 March, the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne issued a statement about Australians trying to return to Australia.

They made clear:

-        Where local authorities will allow, consideration is being given, on a case by case basis, to supporting airlines willing to operate non-scheduled services to bring Australians home

-        There are no plans for assisted departures such as those conducted to the epicentre of the COVID-19, Wuhan in China and Japan.

We are sending updates on flight options to Australians who have registered with us (see above on how to do so). We will update this website when there is any change in this advice or if new airline information becomes available.

The Australian government continues to investigate commercial flights options to repatriate those wanting to return to Australia. The planning and coordination of these flights will affect consideration of privately-organised charter flights. 

If you have sought approval for a privately-organised charter, you can expect to be contacted by the Australian Border Force. The AHC New Delhi is unable to provide any assistance for private charter flights until such approvals have been provided in Australia.

We continue to assess all such requests against a range of factors, including the need to manage and sequence the return of Australians into our international airports so that Commonwealth, State and Territory authorities can successfully implement reception arrangements, including mandatory quarantine requirements.

Movement Passes

If you have purchased a ticket on a flight to Australia a movement pass from the Indian government to travel to the city from where your flight is departing is no longer required. However, you should contact and consult the state governments you need to pass through to confirm what if any requirements they may have and comply with these.

Quarantine period

All travellers returning to Australia will be required to undertake a mandatory 14 day quarantine at designated facilities at their port of entry. You will be directed to a facility such as a hotel on arrival in Australia and required to stay there for 14 days before you can complete any onward travel or return to your home. The accommodation, along with food, water and any medical support will be provided by the Australian Government. See the Smartraveller website for more.

Should you then wish to travel to another state or territory governments you may be subject to an additional period of quarantine or other restrictions. You should keep up with the latest with the relevant State and Territory Governments:

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland  

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia  

FOOD AND MEDICINE

As you know, the Indian Government has announced further relaxaions to restrictions on activities outside of containment zones. Indian authorities advise that people will have access to food and medicine in containment zones. 

For those staying in hotels, you should be able to drive or walk to nearby shops and pharmacies. If you are having problems, we suggest asking your hotel, local authorities or friends to help you get essential supplies.

If you have any problems. Contact us: (Business hours: +91 11 4139 9900, ahc.newdelhi@dfat.gov.au; For outside of business hours: +612 6261 3305).

You can also call the Police on 100.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN AUSTRALIA 

The Australian Government recognises that COVID-19 is affecting international students in Australia, who are friends, colleagues, classmates and members of the Australian community. On 4 April, the Australian Minister for Education, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, said the Australian Government had agreed that:

• international students who had been in Australia for longer than 12 months who find themselves in financial hardship would be able to access their Australian superannuation
• international students would be able to work up to 40 hours per fortnight
• the Government would increase flexibility for a number of regulations to make it easier for international students to continue their studies in Australia should they wish to do so
• the Government would be flexible in cases where COVID-19 has prevent international students from meeting their visa conditions (such as not being able to attend classes).   

International Students in Australia Factsheet

See also the Australian government's portal on support available for international students in Australia during COVID-19.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

• The Australian Government advises all Australians: Do not travel overseas at this time. This is the highest advice level. Please see the Smartraveller website for more information on COVID-19 for Australian travellers.
•  On 24 March 2020, Prime Minister Morrison announced a ban on Australians travelling overseas under the Biosecurity Act 2015. This is on top of the Australian Government’s standing advice to Australians not to travel overseas. It is effective from midday on 25 March 2020.
• The Australian Government has announced that from 21:00hrs on 20 March 2020 only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia. Please visit the Visas and Citizenship section for more information.
• Indian Government Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/   
• Indian Ministry of Tourism website to help forieign tourists in India: http://strandedinindia.com/ 
• Social distancing: Australian Government advice, Indian Government advice 
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) What you need to Know Factsheet  

CONTACTS

• Australian High Commission consular assistance
  • Business hours: +91 11 4139 9900, ahc.newdelhi@dfat.gov.au 
  • For outside of business hours: +612 6261 3305    
• Australian High Commission
  • Facebook
  • Twitter: @AusHCIndia @AusDHCIndia
  • Instagram
• Australian Consulate General Chennai
  • Twitter: @AusCGChennai
• Australian Consulate General Kolkata
  • Twitter: @AusCGKolkata
• Australian Consulate General Mumbai
  • Twitter @AusCG_Mumbai
• Key Indian Government contact points:
  • Indian Government central helpline number for COVID-19: +91-11-23978046
  • Indian state and territory government COVID-19 helplines.        
  • Indian Government tourism hotline: 1800 11 1363 (available in 12 languages).