The current restriction on cruise ships entering Australian waters has been extended for a further three months until 17 September 2020.
Any cruise ship capable of carrying more than 100 passengers is prohibited from operating cruises in Australia.
On 15 May 2020, the Governor-General has extended the human biosecurity emergency period for an additional three months, from 17 June to 17 September 2020. This has enabled the Minister for Health to continue to exercise the emergency powers under the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act to prevent or control the spread of COVID-19.
On 20 May 2020, the Minister for Health extended the determination, undersection 477(1) of the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Biosecurity Act) to prohibit the arrival at an Australian port of any international cruise ship that has left a foreign port.The restrictions included direct arrivals and Round Trip Cruises (RTC).
When this restriction was first granted on 27 March, 2020, there were 28 international cruise ships in Australian waters. Under this direction, the Australian Border Force enabled these ships and their crew to safely depart.
The Australian Border Force has been in constant contact with the cruise industry which has been cooperative and understands the Government’s overwhelming priority to ensure the health and safety of the broader Australian community.
