New figures show almost 1000 people entered Australia from overseas every day in November.
Despite Australia's international borders being effectively closed due to COVID-19, almost 30,000 people arrived over the month, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows.
The total included 7570 short-term overseas arrivals - the most since March - as well as 13,000 resident returns and 8760 permanent or long-term arrivals.
However, short-term arrivals are still down by 99.1 per cent from a year ago.
CommSec chief economist Craig James said the overall figure highlighted the pressure state and territory health authorities are under to keep coronavirus out of Australia.
The economic impact was shown by the fact that since March 2020 almost 20,000 people had left the country in net terms.
"By comparison, in the same period a year earlier just under 170,000 people came to Australia. This highlights the loss of spending power," Mr James said.
The three leading source countries for arrivals, and destination countries for departures, were New Zealand, the United States and the UK.
The impact on universities could be seen in short-term visitor numbers for education purposes, which stood at 150 in November - well below the 38,260 students from a year prior.
Meanwhile, the US government has released new advice for travellers.
From January 26, passengers flying to the US must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test within three days of departure, or proof of having recovered from the virus.
The measure applies to all passengers aged two years and older, including US citizens and legal permanent residents.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also advised protests and demonstrations are likely to continue in the US in the weeks ahead and travellers should avoid protest areas.
Australia has a ban on overseas travel unless an exemption is granted by the Department of Home Affairs.
Australian Associated Press
