Travelling over the Queensland/NSW border

This Information Sheet outlines the Queensland Government rules that currently impact both Queensland and NSW residents moving across this border. 

The Queensland/NSW border is essentially closed, however, if you are a border zone resident you are able to travel across the border for an essential purpose, on the basis that you have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.  

The ‘border zone’

The border zone allows for:

• A NSW border zone resident to cross the border into Queensland for an essential purpose with an entry pass; and
• A Queensland resident to enter the NSW border zone for an essential purpose.

An essential purpose includes, but is not limited to:

• performing essential work – essential work includes work that cannot be reasonably done from home and includes all residential building work
• getting food or other goods or services for the personal needs of the household or other household purposes, including for pets, and for vulnerable persons
• accessing medical or health care or get medical supplies
• getting a COVID-19 vaccine; and/or
• getting a COVID-19 test.

The border zone includes 12 local government areas on the NSW side of the border.

If you live in one of the local government areas listed below, you are a ‘border zone resident’:

Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Glen Innes Severn, Gwydir, Inverell, Kyogle, Lismore, Moree Plains, Richmond Valley, Tenterfield, and Tweed.

Travel permit requirements

Queensland Entry Pass

A Queensland Entry Pass is required for anyone entering Queensland, including a Queensland resident who is re-entering Queensland after having travelled to the NSW border zone.

You must complete the Entry Pass three days prior to travelling to Queensland. A Queensland Entry Pass is valid for 14 days from the date you complete it and you will not be permitted to cross the border if you have visited a COVID-19 hotspot or had anyone in your home from a COVID-19 hotspot in the past 14 days.

You will need to complete a new Queensland Entry Pass if your circumstances have changed between the time you completed the pass and entry to Queensland. For example, if you develop COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of completing the pass.

Queensland Border Pass

Construction workers who need to travel across the Queensland/NSW border must also apply for a Queensland Border Pass.

Vaccination requirements

To cross the Queensland/NSW border you are required to have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

What evidence should I carry with me when crossing the border?

When travelling between Queensland and the NSW border zone you should ensure you have:

• the completed relevant Entry Pass/Border Pass
• evidence of receiving a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine; and
• evidence that you are either a Queensland resident or a New South Wales border zone resident, for example a driver’s license, rates notice, or other utility bill.

Border travel FAQs

I am a Queensland resident or a NSW border zone resident– where can I travel to and from?

If you are a Queensland resident, you can only travel across the border into the NSW border zone for an essential purpose.

If you are a NSW resident who lives in the NSW border zone, you can only travel into Queensland for an essential purpose.

I am a NSW resident that lives outside the border zone - where can I travel to and from?

Aside from those local government areas listed above, the Queensland border is closed to the rest of NSW and you cannot enter Queensland unless you have an exemption.

Want to know more?

Further details can be found and please do not hesitate to contact HIA on 1300 650 620 or at enquiry@hia.com.au.