24 Jul - 7 Aug 2021 / COVID-19

Queensland-NSW Border Zone FAQ

Queensland closed its border to all of New South Wales as of 1am, Friday 23 July. It is also closed to Victoria and South Australia.

A border zone has been established to enable movement between the states of Queensland and New South Wales for residents who live near the border. Movement is limited to permitted purposes only.

Please be aware of the below if you reside or are intending to transit within the border zone.

Border Zone

The border zone in an area in New South Wales that contains the following LGAs. Review the map for more detail.

NSW Border Zone LGANSW Border Zone LGANSW Border Zone LGA
Ballina GwydirTenterfield
BourkeInverellTweed
BrewarrinaKyogleUnincorporated Far West
ByronLismoreWalgett
Clarence Valley Moree Plains
Glenn Innes SevernRichmond Valley

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Permitted purposes

New South Wales border zone residents can only cross the border for a permitted purpose. Likewise, Queensland residents can only enter the New South Wales border zone for a permitted purpose.

Some permitted purposes to cross the border are as follows. Click the link to see the full list.

  • go to work
  • get food, or other essential goods/services
  • access medical or health care or get medical supplies if you would normally cross the border to do so
  • get a COVID-19 vaccine or test (if that is the closest location)
  • provide care or support to a relative

Unfortunately, New South Wales border zone residents and Queensland residents cannot cross the border for the following reasons.

  • a wedding or funeral unless they have an approved exemption which includes a COVID safe plan
  • exercise unless organised team sport that they would usually participate in
  • visiting friends or family other than to provide care, assistance or support
  • holiday
  • spectating at a professional sporting event
  • attend the cinema
  • go to a theme park or other tourist experiences

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a border pass to enter Queensland after travelling within the border zone?

Yes. Please complete the X Pass if you are a New South Wales border zone resident entering Queensland for a permitted purpose or a Queensland resident who entered the New South Wales border zone for a permitted purpose and are re-entering Queensland.

A border pass is valid for 14 days from the date you complete it.

What happens if I travel south beyond the border zone?

If you are a New South Wales border zone resident, you will not be permitted to enter Queensland until 14 days passes since you were last there.

If you are a Queensland resident, you will be required to undertake 14 days of hotel quarantine if you need to return to the state, unless it has been 14+ days since you were last there

I am a NSW resident who lives in the border zone, can I go to my construction site or office in Queensland? 

Yes, provided you have not left the border zone within the last 14 days whilst in New South Wales and have a valid border pass.

I am a Queensland resident, can I go to my construction site or office in New South Wales?

You can only go to your construction site or office in New South Wales if it is within the border zone.

Please get in touch if your site is beyond the border zone within New South Wales so we can look into whether an exemption can be requested. Note, these are only provided in very limited circumstances.

Do I need to provide proof that I am a Queensland resident or a NSW border zone resident?

Yes. You will need to provide a valid border pass and evidence (e.g. driver's licence) that you are either a Queensland resident or a New South Wales border zone resident.

I am a Queensland resident and I would like to enter the NSW border zone to go to the beach.

Recreational reasons for entering the border zone are currently not permitted.

I am a Queensland resident, but I don't live near the Gold Coast. Can I still enter the NSW border zone?

Yes, at this stage any Queensland resident can enter the border zone, regardless of where they live in Queensland. Just ensure it is for a permitted purpose and you have a valid border pass.

I am a NSW resident, I live in the NSW border zone and I suddenly need to go to Far North Queensland, is this allowed?

You can enter Queensland and go anywhere in Queensland as a NSW border zone resident provided it is for a permitted purpose and you have a valid border pass.

I am a NSW resident who lives in Greater Sydney. I wish to go to Queensland. Can I go to the NSW border zone, wait it out for 14 days and then enter Queensland? 

No. The border zone is intended to enable the movement of residents within the border zone for day-to-day activities. People staying temporarily in the border zone are not considered border zone residents. Evidence of residence in the border zone must be provided to authorities.

I am a Queensland resident who is currently in Greater Sydney. I need to return to Queensland, can I do so?

Yes, but whilst Queensland is closed to the states of New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria, you will be required to quarantine in a hotel for 14 days at your own expense. If you are faced with this situation, please contact us for assistance.

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