Travel Requirements and Advice from the Australian Government
Now that borders are opening in Australia and we're able to travel again, many of us want to take a long-awaited holiday. Before taking that trip, make sure that you can meet all requirements and necessary permits to travel to ensure a smooth trip.
What You Need to Do Before Traveling Overseas
Get Your Passport and Visa in Order
Make sure you have a valid passport and visa before thinking about travelling overseas. If you don't have a passport, apply for one as soon as possible. The process can take several weeks, so don't wait until the last minute.
Research Destination
Once you have your passport, it's time to start thinking about where you want to go: research different countries and cities and narrow your options based on your interests and budget.
The Australian Government's Smartraveller website provides up-to-date travel advice for Australians, including safety information, local laws and customs, entry requirements and health risks.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must when travelling overseas. Comprehensive travel insurance will protect you from medical expenses, lost or stolen belongings, cancellations or changes to your itinerary. You can compare travel insurance policies on the MoneySmart website.
Make a Packing List
This is crucial before any trip, but it's imperative when travelling overseas. You'll need to pack items such as clothes, toiletries, medications and travel documents.
Exchange Money
Before you leave, exchange some of your home currency for the currency of your destination. This will help you pay for taxis and meals whilst you're away.
Familiarise Yourself with the Customs and Laws of Your Destination
Every country has its customs and laws, so it's essential to familiarise yourself with them before you travel. This will help you avoid any potential problems whilst you're away from home.
Get Your Vaccinations
Some countries require travellers to get certain vaccinations before they're allowed entry. Make sure you're up-to-date on all of your shots before you travel. You can also get an international Covid-19 vaccination certificate to ensure stress-free travel.
Always Put Safety in Mind
Stay safe when travelling abroad by continually being aware of your surroundings and cautious with whom you interact. Keep all important belongings with you at all times and make copies of critical documents in case of loss or theft. Review the travel advisories for your destination country and enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety updates.
Moreover, stay safe from Covid by following the pandemic guidelines for travel which include wearing a mask, washing your hands and social distancing.
What You Need to Do Before Traveling to Australia
Passports and Visas
All travellers to Australia must have a valid passport. If you're a citizen of an eligible country, you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority visa online before you travel. This allows you to stay in Australia for up to three months for tourist or business purposes.
If you plan to stay longer or visit for other reasons, such as study or work, you'll need to apply for a different type of visa. For more information, head to the Department of Home Affairs website.
Health and Safety
Before you travel, it's a good idea to check if there are any health risks in your destination. You can visit the Smartraveller website to check for travel advisories for each country, vaccinations, and other health information.
When you're in Australia, take basic safety precautions like keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings. Check out the Australian Federal Police's travel safety tips for more information on staying safe.
Insurance
As mentioned above, it's a good idea to have travel insurance before you go to Australia. It will protect you from sudden medical expenses, changes in your schedule and even lost baggage. Make sure you read the fine print of your policy, so you know what's covered.
Do You Need a Covid-19 Test Upon Entering Australia?
Today, travellers are not required to have a COVID-19 test before entering Australia. However, certain airlines might request a Covid-19 test certificate from passengers before boarding the flight.
As the situation with Covid-19 is rapidly evolving, it's best to check with your airline and travel insurance provider for the latest updates and requirements.
It's also important to note that even if you don't have to take a Covid-19 test before entering Australia, you will still need to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Is Quarantine Mandatory Upon Arrival in Australia?
Yes, quarantine is mandatory for all international arrivals into Australia. This measure is in place to help protect the Australian community from the spread of COVID-19.
What Is the Quarantine Procedure Upon Arrival in Australia?
If you are not vaccinated or vaccinated with a vaccine that is not accepted under the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, you might have to undertake a 14-day quarantine period (depending on the territory requirement) when you arrive in Australia. This will involve:
- - Staying in your designated quarantine accommodation for the full 14 days
- - Not leaving your room except for essential activities, such as seeking medical assistance.
- - Monitoring your health and reporting any symptoms to authorities. Look for legit rapid Covid test kits for sale in Australia and purchase them to check your health status.
- - Adhering to strict hygiene measures
- - Cooperate with any health officials who may need to check on your health or conduct contact tracing.
Failure to comply with quarantine requirements can result in serious penalties, including fines of up to $66,600 or imprisonment for five years.
Conclusion
Travelling may not be the same as before the pandemic. The different requirements and restrictions can make the travel feel overwhelming. However, by following the advice of the Australian Government, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Australia.
Be sure to check the travel requirements and advice before you go, and always have travel insurance in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Now that you know what to do before travelling to Australia, start planning your trip today!
Sources:
https://www.health.gov.au/news/
https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/current-alerts/novel-coronavirus
Daily Bulletin
