On Monday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced a new 'traffic light' permit system for interstate travel.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The new system came into affect at 6pm on Monday.
We've broken down what it means for you below.
What is the new traffic light system?
Under the new traffic light system residents from every state and territory must apply for a permit to enter Victoria.
Border bubble residents are exempt and do not need a permit to enter Victoria.
The type of permit required depends on whether you are travelling from a red, orange or green zone.
COVID-19 hot spots or areas of concern will be classified as red zones. Currently Greater Sydney and Brisbane are red zones.
People who have visited red zones will not be allowed to enter into Victoria.
Travellers from orange zones will have to apply for a permit to enter Victoria and be tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours of arrival in Victoria.
They must isolate until a negative result is recorded. Currently, all of regional NSW is considered an orange zone.
People in green zones must also apply for a permit to enter Victoria, but do not need to isolate or get tested when they enter the state.
Currently Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory and ACT are all green zones.
Related stories
Do residents in the border bubble need a permit?
No, if you live in the border bubble you do not need to apply for a permit.
Border residents can continue to cross into Victoria by showing their driver's licence or other accepted ID at border checkpoints.
In Victoria the border bubble includes Alpine Shire, Rural City of Benalla, Indigo Shire, Moira Shire, Towong Shire, Rural City of Wangaratta and City of Wodonga.
In NSW the border bubble includes Albury City, Berrigan Shire,Edward River Council, Federation Council and Greater Hume Shire.
Is the NSW-Victorian border still closed?
Yes, Victoria's border with NSW remains closed and police will continue to manage checkpoints.
Can I travel beyond the bubble in NSW?
Victorian and NSW border bubble residents who travel beyond the bubble into wider NSW will not be permitted to cross into Victoria within 14 days.
If you need to travel beyond the border for healthcare, you will need to apply for a permit to return back into Victoria.
Can I travel beyond the bubble in Victoria?
Yes, both NSW and Victorian bubble residents can travel freely throughout the entire state of Victoria.
"There are no restrictions on NSW border bubble residents travel within Victoria if they have not travelled north of the bubble border, but it is recommended that travel only be as far into Victoria as necessary," DHHS says.
How much notice will I be given before a zone changes colour?
CHO Brett Sutton warned that the zones could change rapidly based on public health advice and coronavirus risks.
Mr Andrews said people need to be aware they could become stranded if conditions change while they are travelling interstate.
"When you are making a judgment about whether you're going to travel to other parts of the country, you have to at least give some thought to the notion that there could be an outbreak and your plans may well be impacted," he said.