)
covid faqs
YOUR COVID-19 TRAVEL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
WHEN WILL AUSTRALIA OPEN THE BORDERS TO ALLOW INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL?They are open! The Australian border officially opened on 1 November 2021. Citizens and permanent residents are no longer be required to obtain an exemption from the government to leave Australia.
NSW, VIC and QLD do not require vaccinated travellers to isolate upon arrival. In other states, there may be a quarantine requirement upon return, as determined by the Premier of that state. Consult your state government’s COVID-19 web page to learn more.
Unvaccinated passengers must enter hotel quarantine for 14 days unless they have a medical exemption.
You will still be required to abide by the rules relating to quarantine and vaccination in your destination. Speak to your travel agent to learn more.
The federal government’s four phase plan can be viewed CLICK HERE
WHERE CAN WE TRAVEL NOW?Presently, it seems that no destination is off-limits and quarantine requirements upon returning home to Australia will not change based on where you have travelled. However, airlines significantly cut routes as a result of border closures. Connectivity and frequency of flights will gradually build back up over time as we begin to travel more regularly.
WILL I STILL BE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL IF I GET THE ASTRAZENECA VACCINE?YES! There have been a lot of rumours flying around about the Astra Zeneca vaccine not being accepted in other countries if it was produced in Australia (as most of our doses were). The reason for this was purely an approvals process – the formula for the vaccine is exactly the same as other nations and Astra Zeneca is the most widely accepted COVID-19 vaccine for international travel.
Earlier in the year, there were some issues with vaccines produced in other countries not being accepted in certain European countries. As a result, there is now a coordinated effort taking place to rebrand Astra Zeneca as Vaxzevria, which will facilitate to travel to Europe.
All vaccines recognised by the Australian government are listed CLICK HERE
WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR TRAVEL IF I AM UNVACCINATED?According to the Prime Minister’s announcement, international travel will initially be open to fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents, as well as those with a medical exemption and children under 12 years of age. Unvaccinated Australians without a medical exemption will be able to travel in Phase B of the reopening plan, but will be subject to 14 day hotel quarantine upon return to Australia at their own expense.
Without a vaccination or medical exemption, you’ll also be subject to the requirements of the airline, hotel company, tour company, and more. There is a growing trend amongst businesses in all industries to require proof of vaccination or exemption, such as this announcement from Qantas Airways. CLICK HERE
Generally speaking, with a medical exemption we expect the rules to be similar to those who have been vaccinated. The Conversation reports that there is “a very narrow set of criteria for exemption and can be lodged only by specific medical practitioners.” If you think you’re eligible for a medical exemption, please speak with your GP.
WILL I HAVE TO QUARANTINE WHEN I RETURN?Restrictions vary depending on the state and where you are travelling from. Check out your state’s department of health website or speak to a travel agent to learn more.
14-day managed hotel quarantine will be required for anyone not vaccinated or vaccinated with a vaccine not approved or recognised by the TGA.According to the Prime Minister’s announcement, “Australian citizens and permanent residents who cannot be vaccinated – for example if they are under 12 or have a medical condition – will be treated as vaccinated for the purposes of their travel.”
Eventually, the government are hoping to phase out all quarantine requirements, but the timeline for that is unclear.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE I DEPART AUSTRALIA?For most destinations, you’ll also need to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken 72 hours or less before your scheduled departure when you return to Australia. However, more and more destinations are now allowing rapid antigen tests (RAT) within 24 hours of departure.
You cannot use the tests you’d receive at a testing clinic or can do at home by yourself. If you present this at the airport, it will not be accepted and you will be denied boarding. Official documentation is required to board the flight and must come from an approved provider. Depending on the timeline and type of test, these can cost up to $150. Your travel agent can assist with scheduling a test prior to departure so you can receive your results and required documentation in time.
WHAT ABOUT GETTING BACK HOME?From 22 January 2022, Australia will allow both PCR and RAT tests for entry into the country.
WHAT ARE VACCINE PASSPORTS AND HOW DO I GET ONE?Once you are fully vaccinated, your records will be automatically updated and available through your MyGov account.
The system will allow Australians to use MyGov to upload proof of vaccination to a QR code linked to their passport. It can take up to 72 hours for proof of full vaccination to appear in your MyGov account.
Once your vaccination record has been updated, you can request your International COVID-19 vaccination certificate through the Medicare app or in your account online. You will need to have your passport details handy so you can enter them in and link your records. Directions and more information can be found here. CLICK HERE for Smartraveller Information
DOES MY TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER COVID-RELATED ISSUES?Some travel insurance plans and providers do now cover COVID-related expenses. Talk to your travel agent about securing a for a plan that covers COVID-related trip cancellation and medical expenses.
Some airlines are also including COVID insurance, bundled into their price. Currently, Etihad and Emirates have these programs in place, and it’s likely we’ll see more airlines follow this trend.
KEEN TO LEARN MORE?The federal Department of Health has provided a detailed overview regarding international travel www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/international-travel
For more information about vaccines, the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance has excellent resources and information on their FAQ page. www.ncirs.org.au/covid-19/covid-19-vaccines-frequently-asked-questions Information provided by the TRAVEL PARTNERS website for "MY TRAVEL CLUB powered by Travel Partners"
NSW, VIC and QLD do not require vaccinated travellers to isolate upon arrival. In other states, there may be a quarantine requirement upon return, as determined by the Premier of that state. Consult your state government’s COVID-19 web page to learn more.
Unvaccinated passengers must enter hotel quarantine for 14 days unless they have a medical exemption.
You will still be required to abide by the rules relating to quarantine and vaccination in your destination. Speak to your travel agent to learn more.
The federal government’s four phase plan can be viewed CLICK HERE
WHERE CAN WE TRAVEL NOW?Presently, it seems that no destination is off-limits and quarantine requirements upon returning home to Australia will not change based on where you have travelled. However, airlines significantly cut routes as a result of border closures. Connectivity and frequency of flights will gradually build back up over time as we begin to travel more regularly.
WILL I STILL BE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL IF I GET THE ASTRAZENECA VACCINE?YES! There have been a lot of rumours flying around about the Astra Zeneca vaccine not being accepted in other countries if it was produced in Australia (as most of our doses were). The reason for this was purely an approvals process – the formula for the vaccine is exactly the same as other nations and Astra Zeneca is the most widely accepted COVID-19 vaccine for international travel.
Earlier in the year, there were some issues with vaccines produced in other countries not being accepted in certain European countries. As a result, there is now a coordinated effort taking place to rebrand Astra Zeneca as Vaxzevria, which will facilitate to travel to Europe.
All vaccines recognised by the Australian government are listed CLICK HERE
WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR TRAVEL IF I AM UNVACCINATED?According to the Prime Minister’s announcement, international travel will initially be open to fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents, as well as those with a medical exemption and children under 12 years of age. Unvaccinated Australians without a medical exemption will be able to travel in Phase B of the reopening plan, but will be subject to 14 day hotel quarantine upon return to Australia at their own expense.
Without a vaccination or medical exemption, you’ll also be subject to the requirements of the airline, hotel company, tour company, and more. There is a growing trend amongst businesses in all industries to require proof of vaccination or exemption, such as this announcement from Qantas Airways. CLICK HERE
Generally speaking, with a medical exemption we expect the rules to be similar to those who have been vaccinated. The Conversation reports that there is “a very narrow set of criteria for exemption and can be lodged only by specific medical practitioners.” If you think you’re eligible for a medical exemption, please speak with your GP.
WILL I HAVE TO QUARANTINE WHEN I RETURN?Restrictions vary depending on the state and where you are travelling from. Check out your state’s department of health website or speak to a travel agent to learn more.
14-day managed hotel quarantine will be required for anyone not vaccinated or vaccinated with a vaccine not approved or recognised by the TGA.According to the Prime Minister’s announcement, “Australian citizens and permanent residents who cannot be vaccinated – for example if they are under 12 or have a medical condition – will be treated as vaccinated for the purposes of their travel.”
Eventually, the government are hoping to phase out all quarantine requirements, but the timeline for that is unclear.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE I DEPART AUSTRALIA?For most destinations, you’ll also need to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken 72 hours or less before your scheduled departure when you return to Australia. However, more and more destinations are now allowing rapid antigen tests (RAT) within 24 hours of departure.
You cannot use the tests you’d receive at a testing clinic or can do at home by yourself. If you present this at the airport, it will not be accepted and you will be denied boarding. Official documentation is required to board the flight and must come from an approved provider. Depending on the timeline and type of test, these can cost up to $150. Your travel agent can assist with scheduling a test prior to departure so you can receive your results and required documentation in time.
WHAT ABOUT GETTING BACK HOME?From 22 January 2022, Australia will allow both PCR and RAT tests for entry into the country.
WHAT ARE VACCINE PASSPORTS AND HOW DO I GET ONE?Once you are fully vaccinated, your records will be automatically updated and available through your MyGov account.
The system will allow Australians to use MyGov to upload proof of vaccination to a QR code linked to their passport. It can take up to 72 hours for proof of full vaccination to appear in your MyGov account.
Once your vaccination record has been updated, you can request your International COVID-19 vaccination certificate through the Medicare app or in your account online. You will need to have your passport details handy so you can enter them in and link your records. Directions and more information can be found here. CLICK HERE for Smartraveller Information
DOES MY TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER COVID-RELATED ISSUES?Some travel insurance plans and providers do now cover COVID-related expenses. Talk to your travel agent about securing a for a plan that covers COVID-related trip cancellation and medical expenses.
Some airlines are also including COVID insurance, bundled into their price. Currently, Etihad and Emirates have these programs in place, and it’s likely we’ll see more airlines follow this trend.
KEEN TO LEARN MORE?The federal Department of Health has provided a detailed overview regarding international travel www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/international-travel
For more information about vaccines, the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance has excellent resources and information on their FAQ page. www.ncirs.org.au/covid-19/covid-19-vaccines-frequently-asked-questions Information provided by the TRAVEL PARTNERS website for "MY TRAVEL CLUB powered by Travel Partners"
PLEASE CHECK COVID RESTRICTIONS / BORDER CLOSURES / PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS BEFORE BOOKING YOUR NEXT TRIP