Q: I am an Australian Citizen, but my partner is not. Will we be allowed to travel to Australia?

A: Please visit the website of the Department of Home Affairs for information on entering Australia as an immediate family member of an Australian citizen.

Q: I have seen the travel ban and want to go back to Australia. Can the Embassy offer any support?

A: If you wish to return to Australia, please check with airlines directly to confirm flight options. While the Australian Embassy Vienna is not able to assist with making your travel arrangements, should you require emergency consular support, please call us on +43 1 506 740 or contact our 24/7 Consular Emergency Centre.

If you have been unable to return to Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions and are experiencing financial distress, you may be able to access financial support from the government. This includes financial assistance for a flight to return to Australia or to cover emergency living costs for those who cannot return as quickly as they would like. The loans are only available as a last resort. You can find out more information about the program, your eligibility and how to apply here. 

Q: I am in the process of applying, have applied or received a visa for a stay in Australia. How does COVID-19 impact the visa process?

A: For the latest information on Australia's immigration and border arrangements during the COVID-19 outbreak please visit https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/.

If you are currently in Australia and seeking advice about your options, please visit https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/staying-australia.

The best way to find out information about immigration and citizenship is by visiting the Department of Home Affairs website at www.homeaffairs.gov.au.

If you can’t find the information you are looking for, you can contact the Department of Home Affairs Global Service Centre on +61 2 6196 0196, Monday to Friday 0900 to 1700 local time in your country, or via https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/contact-us. 

Q: I need to fly back to Australia but my passport is close to expiration/expired. What do I do?

A: If you have sufficient time to arrange for a new passport, we continue to process passport applications. If you are able to visit the Embassy in Vienna, you can make an appointment to submit a passport application here. If you cannot visit the Embassy in person, please contact us on +43 1 506 740 or at [email protected] to discuss alternative arrangements available in limited circumstances.

If you do not have time to obtain a new passport, please note Australian citizens may be permitted to enter Australia without a valid Australian passport if you are flying directly back to Australia. Please contact us on +43 1 506 740 or at [email protected] to find out more.

Q: I am in Australia on a visa which is nearing expiration and encountering difficulties leaving Australia due to travel restrictions. Who can I contact to seek more information?

A: Please visit the ‘Visa Holders’ page on the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ website https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/all-visa-holders for more information.

Q: Is the Embassy in Vienna still open? Am I still able to come in if I have any questions or concerns?

A: Yes, the Australian Embassy Vienna is offering passport and notarial services strictly by appointment. You can find out more and book an appointment here.

Q: I want to learn more about the Australian Government response to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Where can I find it?

• Australian Government Department of Health website
• Australian Government Department of Home Affairs
• Australian Foreign Minister’s Announcement regarding helping Australians overseas
• National Cabinet Statements 
• New South Wales: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
• Queensland: www.qld.gov.au/about/newsroom/queensland-border-restrictions
• Victoria: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
• Australian Capital Territory: www.covid19.act.gov.au/home
• South Australia: www.sa.gov.au/covid-19
• Northern Territory: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/travel
• Western Australia: www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus

Q: I am an Australian on a working/studying visa. I do not wish to or cannot leave at this time, am I allowed to stay for the time being?

A: Should you be unable or not wish to leave, we advise all Australians to follow the advice of local authorities. Please see the travel advice for Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovakia or Slovenia  for links to local health authorities and migration authorities. It is your responsibility to ensure that your visa eligibility will last for the foreseeable future and will allow you stay for an extended period of time.

You should also read related COVID-19 bulletins on Smartraveller on staying overseas.