From midnight, all of NSW and the ACT will become a red zone under Victoria's travel permit system with entrance to the state effectively barred for all residents except cross-border residents and those with specific exemptions.

Under the closure, Wagga residents will be considered cross-border residents and allowed to enter the Victorian cross-border area without a permit, though proof of address is required.

Any NSW border resident travelling into Victoria must stay within the cross-border area in Victoria, and the same applies for Victorian residents visiting NSW.

If a NSW resident of the cross-border community has visited a red zone, has COVID-19, has COVID-19 symptoms, or is a close contact of a COVID case, they will be unable to travel into the Victorian area.

"If you live in the NSW cross-border area, you can enter Victoria without a permit but you must travel with proof of address," the Department of Health announcement states.

"Conditions apply. You cannot enter if you have been to a red zone outside of the cross-border area, or if you have COVID-19, any symptoms, or have been defined as a close contact by a state health authority.

"If you are entering Victoria as a NSW cross-border community resident, authorities ask you to stay within the Victorian cross-border area at all times.

"If you are entering New South Wales as a Victorian cross-border community resident, stay within the NSW cross-border area. If you travel beyond this area, a red zone permit will be required for re-entry into Victoria.

"At all times, we strongly advise all Victorians against travelling to red zones."

Notable towns near Wagga that are considered red zones and not included in the cross-border community include Coolamon, Junee, Griffith, Cootamundra, Yass, Temora and Leeton.

Any resident of the NSW cross-border community who visits any of these towns, or any red zone, after midnight tonight will not be able to enter the Victorian cross border area.

NSW LGAs included in the cross border community are:

Victorian LGAs included in the cross border community are:

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: