Domestic travel within Australia
Check the websites of local health departments for information about travel to:
Travelling overseas
COVID-19 continues to pose a health risk in Australia and overseas. We strongly recommend wearing masks and being vaccinated while travelling internationally. You should practice good cough and hand hygiene, and physically distance from others where possible.
Some countries, airlines and vessel operators may have COVID-19 travel requirements in place. These can include requiring a pre-departure test result at check-in before you can board your flight or ship. Check the entry requirements of both the:
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country you are travelling to, or transiting through
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airline or vessel operator’s requirements.
Resources:
Australians returning home
Australia’s borders are open, and there are no Australian Government requirements to:
- give proof of a negative COVID-19 test on arrival to Australia
- supply proof of COVID-19 vaccination
- wear a mask, although this is encouraged.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is important if you become sick with COVID-19 overseas. Make sure your insurance includes:
- transit destinations
- inclusions for COVID-19
- other add-ons like cruise specific insurance.
Some destinations also require travellers to hold travel insurance as a condition of entry.
Cruise travel
Check with your cruise provider for up-to-date travel requirements for your ship and destination.
Vaccination
There is no Australian Government requirement for travellers to be vaccinated on board a cruise vessel. However, we recommend:
- COVID-19 vaccination, as you are at the greatest risk of developing severe illness and long COVID-19 if you are unvaccinated
- reconsidering your travel on cruises if you are unvaccinated.
Outbreaks onboard a cruise
Cruise ships carry a higher risk for spreading disease compared to other types of travel. COVID-19, influenza, and other infectious diseases spread easily between people living and socialising in close quarters.
If an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs on your cruise, you may need to:
- quarantine on the ship
- disembark and follow the local rules in the state or territory or country you are in.
Before you travel, check the Smartraveller advice on cruises. Contact your travel agent or cruise operator for specific information on their COVID-19 safety protocols.
State and territory governments develop and update the operational health protocols which support cruising in Australia.
Cruise industry protocols also help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission on cruise ships, including:
- vaccination requirements for passengers
- outbreak management plans
- COVID-19 safety plans.
International travellers to Australia
Australia’s borders are open, and there are no Australian Government requirements to:
- give proof of a negative COVID-19 test on arrival to Australia
- supply proof of COVID-19 vaccination
- wear a mask, although this is encouraged.
Learn more about entering and leaving Australia.