On 09 September 2020, the Department of Home Affairs has updated the travel exemption categories and holders of a Business Innovation and Investment (Subclass 188) visa are now exempt from the travel restrictions to enter Australia during Covid-19 pandemic.
Subclass 188 visa holders do not need to obtain an individual exemption from the Australia Border Force (ABF) to enter Australia. Other exempt categories include:
- Australian citizens
- Permanent residents of Australia
- Immediate family member of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, upon advise from the Department
- New Zealand citizens usually resident in Australia and their immediate family members
- Diplomats accredited to Australia (Subclass 995 visa holders)
- Travellers transiting Australia for 72 hours or less
- Airline crew members
- Maritime crew members including marine pilots
- Persons recruited under the Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme
