Passenger pre-departure testing
Passengers travelling to Australia must be tested for COVID-19 72 hours or less prior to departure, and display evidence of a negative test result. PCR testing is required. Exemptions from this requirement may be available in extenuating circumstances including use of rapid antigen testing in rare cases. Members of a travelling party who have been close contacts (e.g. household contacts) of a traveller who has a positive test result will also not be allowed to travel to Australia until all members of the party are no longer infectious.
In-flight infection control
Passengers and crew on international flights must wear a face mask while in the airport environment and during the flight. Masks should be changed regularly. Masks are not required for children under 12 years of age and those with other recognised exemptions.
Crew must wear other personal protective equipment where appropriate and dispose of these correctly.
Airlines must ensure appropriate infection prevention and control measures on aircraft according to COVIDSafe plans and national and industry guidelines.
Airport environment
Travellers to Australia within the international airport environment, including passengers, crew, border workers and other staff, should follow Australian guidance for travellers including wearing a facemask for the duration of the time in the airport*.
*masks are not required for children aged 12 and under and those with other accepted exemptions
International air crew management
AHPPC recommends that all states and territories require international aircrew arriving into Australia, who are not local residents, to quarantine in a dedicated quarantine facility between international flights or for 14 days, whichever is the least. Crew who are local residents and who enter Australia in their state of residence may be allowed to quarantine at home for 14 days or until their next international flight. AHPPC recognises the importance of testing air crew. Crew flying on international flights should either undergo a COVID-19 test every 7 days in Australia or be tested on arrival in Australia as directed by jurisdictions.
Read previous statements from the AHPPC.