The COVID-19 concession period will cease on 25 November 2023. ​From early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in international travel restrictions, and deteriorating business and employment conditions. The former Government implemented temporary measures related to an initial concession period. This was to provide concessions for applicants of certain visa subclasses affected by travel restrictions and which made it difficult for them to meet visa requirements. This included where the applicant must be located at time of application.

The concession period is no longer relevant as all COVID-19 international travel restrictions have been lifted. Travellers to Australia no longer need to:

• provide information in relation to their vaccination status, or
• seek travel exemptions. 

Ending the concession period will contribute to a well-managed migration system. This will restore integrity by ensuring unintended cohorts are not accessing concessions. Read more