Record lows in overseas travel continued in May 2020 with the total of 19,400 arrivals into Australia (99 per cent less than in May 2019), according to provisional data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
ABS Director of Migration Statistics, Jenny Dobak said: "Nearly seven out of ten (69%) of all arrivals in May were from Australian or New Zealand citizens."
May data reflects a continuation of the steep declines seen in Australian arrivals and departures data which can be attributed to the travel restrictions put in place by the Australian Government since February.
The number of arrivals in May was similar to April, both months showing the full impact of the travel restrictions which have been introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
More about the release
- Further details can be found in Overseas Travel Statistics - Provisional (cat. no. 3401.0.55.004) available for free download on the ABS website https://www.abs.gov.au
- This is a new publication in response to COVID-19 and the heightened interest in traveller data. It provides information 4 weeks earlier than the regular monthly Overseas Arrivals and Departures (OAD) publication (cat. no. 3401.0)
Media notes
- When reporting ABS data, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or ABS) must be attributed as the source.
- Information on ABS products being produced to measure the impact of COVID-19 on Australia can be found on the ABS website.
- For media requests and interviews, contact the ABS Media Team on 1300 175 070 (8.30am - 5pm Mon-Fri).
- Subscribe to our email notification service and get media releases or products sent to you on release.