Overseas arrivals reach highest level since April

Overseas arrivals into Australia increased by 21 per cent in November 2020, reaching 29,800 people, according to provisional data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics today. 

Jenny Dobak, Director of Migration Statistics said the latest Overseas Travel Statistics, Provisional data showed the largest number of overseas arrivals since travel restrictions were introduced in April 2020. 

"We have seen increases in arrivals for October and November," Ms Dobak said.

"These increases are consistent with the recent lifting of travel caps on international arrivals, as well as the opening of a one-way travel arrangement from New Zealand." 

"Despite these increases to monthly arrivals, overall travel numbers still remain very low, with October and November arrivals down 99 and 98 per cent from this time last year." 

Australian and New Zealand citizens accounted for 65 per cent of arrivals in November, similar to the proportion seen in October. 

More detailed October data released yesterday by the ABS, in the Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia (OAD) publication, helps to provide further context to the recent increase in monthly arrivals. The OAD data shows that October increases were driven by short-term travel, with short-term resident returns up 37 per cent and short-term visitor arrivals up 63 per cent between September and October 2020.