The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says Australians currently overseas who want to come home should do so "as soon as possible".
Updated DFAT travel advice issued on Tuesday night said Australians abroad risk being stuck overseas as the coronavirus pandemic causes more international borders to close.
“We now advise all Australians to reconsider your need for overseas travel at this time”, the .
“If you’re already overseas and wish to return to Australia, we recommend you do so as soon as possible by commercial means.”
“As more countries close their borders or introduce travel restrictions, overseas travel is becoming more complex and difficult. You may not be able to return to Australia when you had planned to.”
The updated advice was issued primarily because of what "may be a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 overseas" and because travel is becoming increasingly "unpredictable".
“You may come in contact with more people than usual, including during long-haul flights and in crowded airports," DFAT said.
“Health care systems in some countries may come under strain and may not be as well-equipped as Australia’s or have the capacity to support foreigners.”
“You may be placed in quarantine or denied entry to some countries, and you may need to self-quarantine on return to Australia.”
All people arriving from overseas must self-quarantine for 14 days.
As of Tuesday afternoon, only people who have recently travelled from overseas or have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case and experienced symptoms within 14 days are advised to be tested.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor, don’t visit, or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
