COVID-19 remains an ongoing global health risk.
Despite increasing vaccination numbers, countries and territories continue to experience sudden disease outbreaks. New variants may pose an added risk.
If you're considering travelling overseas, you must understand the risks of contracting COVID-19 in your destination and the financial implications this may have on you, and those travelling with you. Know what to do if you test positive while travelling.
You need to take special care when travelling. Infectious diseases, including COVID-19, can have a serious impact on your health. Healthcare systems in other destinations can be quickly overwhelmed in an outbreak, making them harder to access for any health concern.
You can minimise your risk of becoming unwell by ensuring that your travel vaccinations are up to date. This includes being vaccinated against COVID-19.
We encourage all travellers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before travelling anywhere overseas.
Follow local health advice and continue to take simple hygiene and infectious disease control steps, such as:
wearing a mask
Advice for vaccinated travellers:
Advice for unvaccinated travellers
Given the evolving situation and the speed at which outbreaks can occur, it's important that you closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in destinations you're travelling to.
International border requirements and travel disruptions
Every country or territory decides who can enter and leave through its borders. Some destinations remain closed to foreign visitors. Entry and exit rules can change at short notice. You may need to:
You may find it difficult to access COVID-19 testing facilities overseas, which may impact your ability to board your return or onwards flight.
Foreign governments may put movement restrictions in place that prevent you from leaving. If you, or someone in your travelling group, test positive for COVID-19, you may be required to quarantine at your own expense. Be prepared for the possibility you may be in your destination longer than planned.
It's your responsibility to learn about all the destinations you're visiting and plan for your safety. This includes entry requirements and understanding any risks. It's also your responsibility to stay informed in case things change.
Despite increasing vaccination numbers, countries and territories continue to experience sudden disease outbreaks. New variants may pose an added risk.
If you're considering travelling overseas, you must understand the risks of contracting COVID-19 in your destination and the financial implications this may have on you, and those travelling with you. Know what to do if you test positive while travelling.
You need to take special care when travelling. Infectious diseases, including COVID-19, can have a serious impact on your health. Healthcare systems in other destinations can be quickly overwhelmed in an outbreak, making them harder to access for any health concern.
You can minimise your risk of becoming unwell by ensuring that your travel vaccinations are up to date. This includes being vaccinated against COVID-19.
We encourage all travellers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before travelling anywhere overseas.
Follow local health advice and continue to take simple hygiene and infectious disease control steps, such as:
wearing a mask
- frequently washing your hands
- physical distancing.
- Plan your travel carefully. Read our travel advice to check the risks and requirements specific to your destination. We continue to monitor the situation closely. Subscribe to Smartraveller for updates to stay informed if something changes.
Advice for vaccinated travellers:
- Vaccines provide protection, but there's still a risk of you contracting the virus.
- follow local public health orders
- monitor for symptoms
- wear masks as advised and in appropriate settings
- practise good hand hygiene
- get tested if symptomatic.
Advice for unvaccinated travellers
- Unvaccinated Australians are strongly discouraged from international travel due to the health risks.
- You're at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 if you're unvaccinated. Sudden outbreaks of COVID-19 pose an added risk to you, particularly in destinations with low vaccination coverage. Health services can also be difficult to access.
- not vaccinated against COVID-19
- ineligible for vaccination because of age
- medically exempt from vaccination.
- avoiding crowds
- limiting social interactions, particularly in indoor settings
- ensuring physical distancing
- monitoring for symptoms
- correctly wearing a mask at all times, particularly where physical distancing is not possible
- exercising frequent and good hand hygiene
- getting tested if you have symptoms.
Given the evolving situation and the speed at which outbreaks can occur, it's important that you closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in destinations you're travelling to.
International border requirements and travel disruptions
Every country or territory decides who can enter and leave through its borders. Some destinations remain closed to foreign visitors. Entry and exit rules can change at short notice. You may need to:
- show proof of vaccination as a condition of entry and to access venues
- quarantine for a period of time on arrival
- provide negative COVID-19 tests.
You may find it difficult to access COVID-19 testing facilities overseas, which may impact your ability to board your return or onwards flight.
Foreign governments may put movement restrictions in place that prevent you from leaving. If you, or someone in your travelling group, test positive for COVID-19, you may be required to quarantine at your own expense. Be prepared for the possibility you may be in your destination longer than planned.
It's your responsibility to learn about all the destinations you're visiting and plan for your safety. This includes entry requirements and understanding any risks. It's also your responsibility to stay informed in case things change.
