The border suspension prohibits anyone travelling between Australia and Papua New Guinea using the traditional border crossing.

There are exemptions for emergencies including medical, natural disasters and emergencies at sea.

Breaches of the suspension are an offence under the National Pandemic Act and people will be returned to their original port of departure.

Under the new measure the traditional border crossing arrangements established under the Torres Strait Treaty are suspended.

This means there is a prohibition on travel between Australia and Papua New Guinea using the traditional border crossing.

The measures permit a person arriving in PNG on a vessel to remain provided the person does not leave the vessel.

The Pandemic Controller or Western Province Governor or Provincial Administrator are allowed to exempt a person from this measure subject to any conditions they impose.

A person is also exempted from these measures in the event of medical emergencies, natural disasters and other emergencies at sea.

Any attempt to breach the measure is an offence under the National Pandemic Act and the person will be returned to their port of departure at their own cost.

Authorised Officers have been directed to ensure appropriate levels of surveillance and border monitoring are in place throughout the country for international travel and in particular at the traditional border crossing areas.