ATTENTION: CANADIANS DEPARTING AUSTRALIA
Posted Saturday 28th March
The fluid nature of the COVID-19 situation has seen interruptions to travel, in addition to new restrictions implemented and regular changes and updates to advice.
Further to the recent ROCA message you received from High Commissioner Mark Glauser and Consul General Angela Bogdan, the purpose of this correspondence is to provide you with relevant resources and information to support you to travel back to Canada.
Commercial flights to Canada
As you are aware, the Government of Canada has issued a Global Travel Advisory to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice, and has advised that Canadian travellers should return to Canada as soon as possible.
See: https://tinyurl.com/ql2ah7b
*Please note: Air Canada has suspended flights from Australia to Canada with the last scheduled flight to depart April 6, 2020.
See: https://tinyurl.com/stb9dpb
To book please visit: https://tinyurl.com/vkacnr3
It is possible that airlines operating international flights from Australia may further extend route suspensions as the situation develops.
Dual Nationals
Australia has recently announced restrictions to international travel for Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents. If you are a Canadian/Australian citizen, this could impact your travel. Please refer to https://tinyurl.com/vapk9la
What can I do to prepare prior to my international departure?
Monitor your Flights
We strongly advise you to closely monitor your scheduled flights (both internal and international). You can do this through the airline’s websites. Commercial flight availability could change very quickly. Should your flight be cancelled, please contact the airline directly for assistance.
Review Australian State/Territory border closures
For information about State/Territory border closures and the impact they may have on travellers, you should consult the Government of Australia website, which contains the most up to date information: https://tinyurl.com/rpv3smm
Review your travel documents
Make sure your passport is valid for at least another six months. If you need to renew it, contact our Consular Service. Keep important documents in a safe, but easy to access place.
Your safety and security outside of Canada
https://tinyurl.com/qnll73p
Arriving in Canada
We encourage you to review the entry requirements and familiarize yourself with any required self-isolation measures in place. Information is available at the following websites:
• At Canadian borders
Refer to: At Canadian Borders:
https://tinyurl.com/toebo4k
• Travel advice
Refer to: For travellers arriving in Canada:
https://tinyurl.com/shbk639
• Canada Border Services Agency
https://tinyurl.com/sjwuhfh
Review Information from the Australian Government about COVID-19 in Australia
While travelling, please monitor local media and follow instructions from local authorities.
https://tinyurl.com/r8o866f
Update your travel details
Please update your travel details in Australia to allow the Government of Canada to contact you with important advice.
https://tinyurl.com/w6qdz2t
Review your travel insurance coverage
Travellers are encouraged to check with their insurance provider to know more about the policy related to COVID-19, and to confirm their coverage is valid until their return home.
What if my flight is cancelled?
Please contact the airline if you experience flight cancellations.
What if I have other complications in departing?
If you experience complications and are unable to depart Australia as planned, please contact the Consular team. The details are listed below.
Further information
Information and advice from the Government of Canada
• Travel and Tourism website: https://tinyurl.com/v6crc33
• Travel advice specific to COVID-19: https://tinyurl.com/tn6f7vf
• Travel advisory website for Australia: https://tinyurl.com/wex8foy
Emergency Loan Program
The Government of Canada has created a temporary financial assistance program: the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad. If you are eligible, are outside Canada and are directly impacted by COVID-19, you can apply for an emergency loan of up to $5,000 to help you return to Canada and to cover your short-term needs while you work toward returning.
For information: https://tinyurl.com/vpd5983
Consular assistance
Global Affairs Canada is committed to providing consular services and is accessible to Canadians 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For EMERGENCY consular assistance, call +1 613 996 8885 (call collect where applicable), or email: sos@international.gc.ca.
Should you require any consular services and assistance during your travels within Australia, please contact our colleagues at:
The Consulate General of Canada in Sydney
• sydny-cs@international.gc.ca (if you are located in NSW, QLD, and NT)
• +61 (0)2 9364 3000
The High Commission of Canada in Canberra
• cnbracs@international.gc.ca (if you are located in ACT, WA, VIC, SA, TAS)
• +61 (0)2 6270 4000
Kind regards,
Canada Down Under Team
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