Australians can travel again. How does it work?

Australians can finally travel internationally from 1 November 2021 when border closures officially ended. However, travel is not as simple and straightforward as it was prior to the pandemic. There are a number of rules and restrictions to take in to consideration – but fully vaccinated Australians are free to depart Australia and travel to any country. Travellers will need to consider the issues are around entry to their destination and return to Australia.

Firstly, advice is constantly changing so Australian should check with current official advice on the Smart Traveller site.

The step by step advice for planning a trip during Covid times is very helpful in making informed choices about your travel.
If you haven’t travelled for the last couple of years, it’s a good idea to check validity on your passport, ensure you have minimum of 6 months validity from your scheduled date of return.

The first new requirement for departing travellers is that they will need to be fully vaccinated against Covid 19 or obtain exemption. So make sure you have printed and digital copies of your documentation.

The international airlines and most destinations will also require a negative PCR test taken with 72 hours of first boarding a flight. The test must be certified, an official document to travel which is in PDF format – these can only be secure from commercial labs. The free covid testing provided by health authorities will not provide the documentation required. Some people have tried that, thinking they have dodged the fee only to find out at check in they are unable to fly. Governments around Australia have made it quite clear that travel testing is not covered under Medicare.

Fore more information on commercial testing and providers see
https://covidtravel.clinicallabs.com.au/collection-centre 

Sydney-based travel should check out this local provider
https://covidtest.com.au/ 

Fiji

• TEST REQUIRED FOR ENTRY: Negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 prior to departing your country of origin for all travellers over 12 years.
• CONNECTING FLIGHTS: The test must be conducted within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time of your first international departure.
• TRANSITING: If transiting through Fiji, you will still require proof of negative test.
• OTHER INFO: All travellers who stay in Fiji will need to stay at a Care Fiji Committed accommodation. Make sure you have documented proof of a confirmed 3-night CFC booking before your flight.

Indonesia

• TEST REQUIRED FOR ENTRY: Negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure flight to Indonesia and be presented as a printed document.
• CONNECTING FLIGHTS: The test must be conducted within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time of your last direct flight to Indonesia. You may need to schedule the test in your transit city.
• TRANSITING: If you are transiting through Indonesia, all passengers are required to get a Covid-19 PCR Test no more than 3 days before their departure flight.
• OTHER INFO: You must pre-register your trip via the Air Suvidha portal including uploading your negative test certificate. Please check the latest information regarding whether you are permitted to travel to India from Australia.

New Zealand

• TEST REQUIRED FOR ENTRY: Negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 prior to departing your country of origin. Children under 2 are not required to be tested.
• CONNECTING FLIGHTS: The test must be conducted within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time of your first international departure.
• TRANSITING: If transiting through New Zealand, you will still require proof of negative test.
• OTHER INFO: If Norfolk Island is the only place in Australia in the 14 days before your scheduled departure to New Zealand, you do not need a pre-departure test.

Singapore

• TEST REQUIRED FOR ENTRY: Negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 48 hours prior to departing your country of origin. Children aged 3 and over in the calendar year are required to be tested ( ie if travelling in 2021, anyone born in 2018 or earlier).
• CONNECTING FLIGHTS: For passengers who are taking a connecting flight to Singapore, the 48 hours will be counted from the scheduled departure of his flight from his first embarkation point of his journey to Singapore. For example, if the passenger’s flight itinerary is LAX-NRT-SIN, the COVID-19 PCR test must be taken within 48 hours before the scheduled departure of his flight from LAX.
• TRANSITING: If transiting through Singapore, you will still require proof of negative test unless coming from a Category I country. See the link below for further information.
• OTHER INFO: All travellers are required to take a Covid-19 PCR test upon arrival in Singapore which costs SGD$160 and can be booked in advance via the link below.

Maldives

You must present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test report in English when checking in for your flight to the Maldives. The test must be conducted within 96 hours of your departure or you’ll be unable to board your flight. Use of masks is mandatory while travelling by air, sea and in enclosed public places. Monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities.

• CONNECTING FLIGHTS: The test must be conducted within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time of your first international departure.
• TRANSITING: If transiting through Maldives, you will still require proof of negative test.
• OTHER INFO: The Maldives does not require proof of vaccination on arrival. All travellers must complete a health declaration. Arrivals under tourist visas will not be required to quarantine unless positive or showing symptoms.