NT COVID-19 hotline 1800 490 484
9 total active cases 282,453 total NT vaccinations (updated weekly) 80% first dose | 68% second dose (updated weekly)
NT COVID-19 hotline1800 490 484
8am to 4:30pm, seven days a week

Interstate arrivals and border entry

Visitors to the Northern Territory (NT) will not be permitted entry if they are from a declared Covid-19 hotspot or public exposure site. Any visitors from these areas will be turned around and may be subject to a fine.

All other visitors and residents are welcome but are required to follow the steps below.

Step 1. Check quarantine requirements

Check the declared COVID-19 hotspot or public exposure site to ensure you have not been in one of these sites in the 14-days prior to your arrival in the NT.

If you have been in any declared Covid-19 hotspots or public exposure sites in the last 14-days you will not be permitted entry into the Northern Territory unless you are a returning resident (with proof of residency).

Those in the automatic approval category may enter.

‘What do I need to do if I transit through a COVID-19 hotspot’ provides advice on travelling through airports in hotspot locations.

Step 2. Fill in the Border Entry Form

Everyone travelling to the NT is required to complete an online Border Entry Form.

Complete this online form 7 days or less before entering the NT. Have your reference number available to quote at the NT border checkpoint.

Paper copies of your completed entry form are not required but your reference number will need to be available on your mobile phone or personal electronic device and you must have current photo id.

If you have a disability or impairment and require assistance please request support. We are able to help you access, complete and submit the required information on your behalf and arrange assistance on arrival if required.

Border Entry Form

Step 3. Monitor your health

If you develop symptoms (fever, a cough, sore throat, loss of smell/taste or shortness of breath) arrange to get tested.

Contact a GP, respiratory clinic or call the NT COVID-19 hotline 1800 490 484 to arrange testing or for advice only call the National COVID-19 hotline 1800 020 080.

Download the COVIDSafe app and the Territory Check-in app prior to your arrival in the NT.

If you have been in a declared Hotspot

If you have been to a declared interstate hotspot or a public exposure site in the 14-days prior to arriving in the NT, you will not be permitted entry into the Territory.

Residents are permitted to return home but will be subject to 14-days of mandatory supervised quarantine at your own expense or meet the required CHO direction.

Those in the automatic approval category may enter.

There are some rare instances when an approval may be granted to enter the NT even if you are not in an automatic approval category.

To apply for entry you must meet the requirements below and complete the ‘Approval to enter the Northern Territory exemption’ form below which can take up to 72-hours to process. Do not travel without approval. You will require the approval number to complete the ‘Border Entry Form.’

  • The following people are not required to complete the ‘Approval to enter the NT’ exemption form (but remain subject to current and subsequent Chief Health Officer Border Directions that apply to their work).

  • Only the following persons can apply for approval to enter:

    • a person who is entering the Territory to begin residence in the Territory;
    • a person escaping domestic violence;
    • a person with diplomatic or consular duties in the Territory;
    • active Australian military personnel required to assist the Territory or required to enter the Territory while performing their official duties;
    • a member of the Commonwealth Parliament;
    • a health practitioner as defined in section 8(3) of the Act, or other person coming to the Territory to perform functions related to health;
    • a specialist coming to the Territory to provide services for the continuity of industry or business and the maintenance of competitive operations if:
      • the specialist's skills are difficult to obtain in the Territory; and
      • the service must be provided without delay; and
      • the specialist must be physically present in the Territory to provide the service;
    • a person coming to the Territory for necessary maintenance or repair of power, water, communications or other infrastructure critical to the Territory;
    • a law enforcement officer or emergency service worker coming to the Territory to perform official duties;
    • a person coming to the Territory for the administration of justice in the Territory;
    • an agricultural industry worker, other than an abattoir or meat packing worker, coming to the Territory to provide urgent services that are critical to ensure continuity of the agricultural industry;
    • a paramedic, an officer of St John Ambulance Australia (NT) Inc. or a member of the crew of Careflight, the Royal Flying Doctor Service or other medical retrieval service who is providing medical transport to a person or returning to the Territory as soon as was practicable after providing medical transport to a person;
    • the Secretary (or equivalent) of a Department or Agency of the Commonwealth;
    • a person who needs to enter the Territory for a compassionate purpose.
    • Unaccompanied children returning from a hotspot.

    Approval to enter the NT is not an exemption from quarantine.

    How you will be notified

    You will receive an email from the Chief Health Officer or authorised delegate advising you of the outcome of your application to enter the NT.

    If approved, you must undertake 14-days of mandatory supervised quarantine at your own expense or meet the required CHO direction.

  • The Chief Health Officer can grant approval for an alternative quarantine arrangement, on a case-by-case basis, under special circumstances, but there are no exemptions to quarantine. Persons requesting exemption for mandatory supervised quarantine are required to complete:

    • Approval to enter the Northern Territory exemption form

    Exemption form

    More information

    For more information on operational hours and contact details, view the contacts page.

    For more information, call the NT COVID-19 Hotline 1800 490 484.

    Calculate your quarantine period

    Enter the day you arrived or the day you last had exposure to someone who tested positive to coronavirus (COVID-19).

    Quarantine release date

    *Exemptions may apply under strict criteria.