South Australian Border Control and Testing Update

Worker during COVID
SA has changed the COVID-19 testing requirements for essential travellers travelling out of NSW and the ACT.

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South Australia has changed the COVID-19 testing requirements for essential travellers (road transport operators) travelling out of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

The Emergency Management (Cross Border Travel Associated Direction No 28) (COVID-19) Direction 2021 (Direction), says that from 12.01 am Thursday 15 July 2021, essential travellers travelling from NSW/ACT must have a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of entering SA and must QR code in at the testing station (every time they enter SA).

Essential travellers from other restricted zones (e.g. Queensland) must comply with the current requirements (test day on day 1, 5 and 13, or evidence of a test or negative test result in the last 7 day).

COVID-19 vaccination does not provide an exemption to testing requirements.

All road transport operators must have a letter/documentation from their employer as well as their Cross Border Travel Registration when entering SA, and they must comply with the other requirements of essential travellers, including the wearing of a face mask when exiting the cab and when in contact with the public, maintaining close contact records, and the need to self-quarantine when not working.

In relation to close contact records, the records must be made and retained for all close contacts, or use QR codes if available, from the date of arrival in SA for 14 days not counting the day of arrival, or if they remain in South Australia for a period less than 14 days, for that period. The records need to be retained for a period of 28 days from the end of the period for which the records must be kept.

All people travelling to SA must still complete the Cross Border Travel Registration form, which also contains specific information for each State.

For more information, including the updated Direction and frequently asked questions, visit www.covid-19.sa.gov.au.

Links to the border permits for each state and territory can be found on NatRoad’s website here.


NatRoad communications are intended to provide commentary and general information. They should not be relied upon as legal advice. Our advisors are available to clarify any questions you have and provide the right advice for your business and workforce. Contact NatRoad on (02) 6295 3000.