Australians travelling overseas should come home as soon as possible, updated advice from the Australian government says.
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Australians have also been told to reconsider their need to travel, an upgrade from previous advice recommending against non-essential travel.
An update to the Smart Traveller website on Tuesday night warned that Australians overseas should make plans to return as soon as possible, due to border closures across the world.
"As more countries close their borders or introduce travel restrictions, overseas travel is becoming more complex and difficult," the statement said.
"You may not be able to return to Australia when you had planned to.
"Consider whether you have access to health care and support systems if you get sick while overseas. If you decide to return to Australia, do so as soon as possible. Commercial options may become less available."
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All travellers returning to Australia are now required to self isolate for 14 days, in order to stop the virus from being transmitted.
Cruise ships from foreign ports have been banned from docking in Australian ports for 30 days.
Qantas grounded half its fleet on Tuesday, slashing its international flights by 90 per cent and domestic flights by 60 per cent.
The Morrison government is currently considering stricter social distancing measures as it attempts to slow the spread of the virus in Australia.
From midday on Tuesday Australians were no longer able to travel to Europe, with an initial EU ban in place for 30 days.
Canada closed its borders to all foreign nationals except US citizens and permanent residents on Monday.
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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Sally Whyte
I report on a range of issues in federal politics and the public service, with a real passion for how decisions made in Canberra affect the lives of Australians.
I report on a range of issues in federal politics and the public service, with a real passion for how decisions made in Canberra affect the lives of Australians.
