As we learn to live with COVID-19, the world is slowly opening up to Australian travellers. Whilst travel will not be quite as free and easy as it once was, just knowing we are now able to jump on a plane and visit foreign lands and experience different cultures is a welcome option to have. Soon we will all be blowing bubbles back in our favourite overseas dive destinations or discovering new regions that have been sitting idly in our bucket list since this pandemic began.
For the time being, there are many checks and balances that need to be completed for international and state travel. However, we are here to guide you through these formalities and help make the process as simple and easy as possible.
Please click on and read through the following webpages and embedded weblinks in these pages for essential information and requirements for travel during COVID-19.
Travellers will need to ensure they have checked and met all COVID-19 requirements for:
- Departure from Australia
- Entry and travel requirements for your international destination/s (including any transit countries) – refer to each country’s COVID-19 government website
- Entry requirements for your return to Australia (both federal government requirements and state/port of entry requirements)
- Departure from and re-entry requirements back to your state / territory of residence
- COVID-19 travel requirements of each airline you will be travelling on – visit each airline’s COVID-19 travel news page
These may include mandatory health declarations and COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, use of face masks, entry permits, pre-approval and quarantine (possibly at your own expense), mandatory travel insurance covering medical expenses for COVID-19, or you could be denied entry to your destination/s.
DEPARTURE FROM & ENTRY TO AUSTRALIA
For information on the Federal Government’s requirements for departure and entry to Australia, visit: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid19
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/COVID-19
https://www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/international-travel
STATE & TERRITORY BORDER RESTRICTIONS
Please note that the conditions of entry for Australia and the requirements of the state / territory you arrive into, transit and reside in may all differ.
For information on the entry / border requirements for each of Australia’s states / territories, visit:
www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid19-restriction-checker/domestic-travel
https://indianoceanterritories.com.au/covid-19-iot-travel-information/
Please ensure you also check the links provided in the above to each state / territory government’s COVID-19 website.
ENTRY TO & DEPARTURE FROM YOUR DESTINATION/S
For information on entry measures and local risks, visit Smartraveller’s Travel Advice pages and each country’s government and/or tourism body’s COVID-19 websites.
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
VISA & IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS
Visa and immigration requirements for your destination may also have changed since you last travelled.
Check the below websites and the relevant government websites for all countries you will be travelling through, including your final destination, before you travel.
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/
PASSPORTS
Visit the IATA Travel Centre to check the passport validity requirements of your destination. some countries require at least six months validity remaining on the passport and at least two blank pages.
To apply for or renew an Australian passport visit Passports Australia
INTERNATIONAL COVID-19 VACCINATION CERTIFICATE
If you were vaccinated in Australia, you must show the Australian government issued International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) at check in at the airport. Your domestic proof of immunisation from Medicare will not be accepted.
If you were vaccinated overseas and do not have an ICVC, you’ll need to ensure your vaccination certificate meets the requirements for international travel.
For information on how to obtain the ICVC, visit:
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/COVID-19/COVID-19-vaccination-certificates
https://www.passports.gov.au/how-do-i-get-international-covid-19-vaccination-certificate
The definition of “fully vaccinated” may vary depending on your destination. Check the latest airline and government travel requirements for each country you’re travelling to or transiting through to ensure your status and documentation meet all requirements that apply to your journey.
COVID-19 MEDICAL EXEMPTIONS AND COVID-19 PAST POSITIVE MEDICAL CLEARANCES
Requirements and restrictions for the above will vary by airline and each destination including transit points on your itinerary. You may still be able to travel if you can meet all requirements, can provide all necessary documentation and receive approval to travel.
COVID TESTING PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
If an RT-PCR test is required for travel to your destination or by your airline, the test must be done through a private pathology laboratory that conducts approved RT-PCR tests for international travel.
Some pathology testing groups include:
Australian Clinical Labs (ACL)
https://consumer.healius.com.au/
Should your airline and destination/s accept a negative RAT test for entry, please check the requirements and documents that will be accepted for an approved RAT test result by your airline and destination/s. Generally RAT tests will need to be conducted by, or supervised by, a medical practitioner and official documentation containing all required details provided.
⦁ We strongly suggest you reconfirm opening hours and turnaround times with your chosen collection centre / laboratory to ensure test results can be received in time and testing requirements for entry to your destination can be met by that pathology centre.
TRAVEL TIPS
- Remember to keep checking for any changes to travel restrictions and border requirements prior to departure AND whilst you are away. Entry and travel requirements may be constantly changing and updates on the relevant websites may have a time lag.
- Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity past your return date to Australia and at least two blank pages.
- Defer your travel if you feel unwell. Monitor and test for symptoms of COVID-19.
- Pack face masks, hand sanitiser and RAT tests if you can get your hands on some.
- Download any Check-in Apps required for your travel.
- Bring printed copies of all required documentation for travel. Store your documents electronically as well. Ensure you have access to your documentation at all times.
- Ensure you have access to the internet on your mobile device or laptop whilst traveling. Purchase an international mobile and data plan before departure from Australia or purchase a local pre-paid mobile and data plan on arrival at destination. Ensure your mobile device is unlocked prior to departing Australia.
- Be aware that you are travelling during a pandemic. Expect disruptions to your travel plans which may occur at any time with minimal notice as a flow on effect of COVID-19. Budget for travel delays, additional COVID testing and quarantine / isolation expenses.
- Don’t leave home without your travel insurance. Travel insurance including COVID-19 benefits is strongly recommended and is mandatory for travel to some countries. Many travel insurance policies have advance purchase conditions in order to include cover for pre-trip cancellation due to COVID-19. Be sure to read through the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to make sure you understand what you are covered for and to determine if the product is right for you.
- Get to the airport early. Some airlines are closing check-in for international flights 2 hours prior to departure. We recommend checking in 4 HOURS prior to departure. Allow at least an additional 2 hours if you are having your PCR test done at Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane Airport. Have all your documentation ready to present for check-in as per the airline and destination country’s requirements.
If you have any questions about travelling during COVID-19, please speak to your Dive Adventures travel consultant.
The world is waiting to welcome back travellers with open arms, and we are here to help our divers get back to doing what they love most – diving and travel.
Contact us on 02 9299 4633 or 03 9646 5945 or [email protected] to organise your next Dive Adventure.
from your Dive Adventures Family
The above information is correct as at 20 February 2023 and is subject to change at any time without notice
