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Managing Australia's Borders

Medivacs (Medical Evacuations)

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The term 'medivac' refers to a person who is evacuated to Australia for emergency medical treatment.

Crew holding a Maritime Crew visa

Crew holding a Maritime Crew visa who are evacuated for medical reasons from a vessel, regardless of whether or not the vessel is travelling to Australia in the course of its voyage, are eligible to arrive in Australia for a stay of up to 30 days for hospitalisation.
Note: Crew medivaced from their vessel and arriving by air are permitted to enter Australia on their MCV.

If the person is likely to remain in Australia beyond the agreed period, another class of visa must be applied for.
Example: A Medical treatment visa
See: Medical Treatment – Visa Options

Crew not holding a Maritime Crew visa

Crew not holding a Maritime Crew visa who are evacuated for medical reasons from a vessel may be eligible for a Border Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. This applies whether the crew member is evacuated by sea or air.