COVID-19 testing
From 12:01am on Saturday 11 March, people travelling to Australia from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, will not be required to show evidence of a negative pre-departure test for COVID-19. See the Minister for Health and Aged Care press release for more information.
From this date, you do not need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to meet Australia's travel requirements. Some countries, airlines and vessel operators may require a pre-departure test result at check-in before you can board your flight or ship. Check the entry requirements of the country you are travelling or transiting through, and your airline or vessel operator’s requirements.
Visit the Smartraveller website for more information.
Vaccination and masks
You do not need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to travel to and from Australia.
Mask wearing on international flights to Australia is no longer mandatory. Travellers continue to be encouraged to consider wearing a mask to reduce their personal risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19.
Requirements may vary by country, state or territory, and airline or vessel operator. Check your destination country's local public health orders for COVID-19 vaccination and mask requirements during transit and on arrival. You should also be aware of mask-wearing policies of your airline or vessel operator, and the Australian state or territory you are travelling to.
Isolating or quarantining overseas
Some countries may require you to isolate or quarantine upon arrival.
Check your destination country's local public health orders for isolation and quarantine requirements on arrival.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is as important as a valid passport. Make sure transit destinations are included in your insurance, as well as any other add-ons you might need, like cruise-specific insurance. Some destinations also require travellers to hold travel insurance as a condition of entry.
Learn more about travel insurance on the Smartraveller website, and see the CHOICE travel insurance buying guide: COVID-19 edition.
Staying safe while overseas
COVID-19 continues to pose a health risk overseas. It is important that you consider how you can best protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 infection. People who are unwell or close contacts of people who have been unwell with COVID-19 should delay travel.
Wearing masks and being fully vaccinated whilst travelling internationally is strongly recommended. You should also undertake appropriate hand and respiratory hygiene, and physically distance from others where possible.
You must ensure you meet the requirements of the airline or vessel operator you are travelling with and any countries you transit through.
If you're thinking of travelling overseas, it's important you understand the risk of contracting COVID-19 in your destination. This includes any financial implications this may have for you and those travelling with you. Some travel insurers now offer limited cover for COVID-19.
You can minimise your risk of becoming unwell by making sure your travel vaccinations are up to date, including for COVID-19. When travelling:
- follow local public health orders and health advice
- monitor for symptoms
- wear masks as advised and in appropriate settings
- practise good hand hygiene
- get tested if you have symptoms
- know what to do if you test positive while travelling.
Domestic transfers
For up-to-date information visit the local state or territory's website:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia.
More information
More information about travelling overseas is available on the Smartraveller and Home Affairs websites.