A new travel restriction is being brought in for people arriving in Australia from China, Hong Kong and Macau.

From Thursday, passengers will need to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of boarding their flight.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says it helps provide a clearer picture.

“That’s what the World Health Organisation pointed to as their concern, the lack of that comprehensive information about the situation in China right now, and that’s really why we have taken this decision.

“It’s a modest, balanced decision, it will help give us access to some of that information and data while not restricting the travel that we are very pleased to see return.”