International travel is officially back, hotties. Now, that international travel exemptions have been scrapped in Australia, as of November 1 2021, you could soon find yourself weaving through the back alleyways of Bali, or returning to the concrete jungle that is New York City once more.
But it's not exactly a free-for-all travel bonanza just yet. There are still a few rules you may need to consider. For instance, before you book flights you'll need to be double vaccinated with a TGA approved vaccine like Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna or one dosage of the Johnson & Johnson. Otherwise, you will have to wait until December 1 before you can travel internationally without an exemption. Also, while you won't have to observe the 14-day quarantine period if you're returning to NSW, ACT and Victoria, when it comes to the rest of Australia who haven't reached 80% double-vaxxed status, quarantining is still mandatory.
Now that that part is out of the way, below, we're outlining a non-exhaustive list of the countries we can now travel to from Australia (or will soon be able to) including the requirements upon entry.
Happy flying!
Countries you can travel to right now
United States
Yes, the time is here. You can finally blast yourself off to the wild west, a.k.a the United States if you're so inclined. All you need to do is return a negative PCR test no more than three days before you fly - it'll cost you around $150 - and then you're good to go. For families planning on travelling, it's also good to know that this PCR test requirement applies to travellers aged two and older.
United Kingdom
As is the case with the US, all you need to do is return a negative PCR test upon arrival and once more before you depart for Australia. However, with daily Covid-19 cases reaching around 30,000 per day at the time of writing, you may want to hold off for the moment, unless you're prepared to endure a disrupted return home.
Canada
The rules of travelling to Canada are much the same as in the US and UK. However, it's good to know that the government has banned unvaccinated travellers from trains and planes in the country.
Thailand
Anyone planning a trip to Thailand will need to show proof of vaccination no less than 14 days before you're due to depart, unless you're under 12-years-old. You must also provide a negative PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours before you depart. Another condition upon entry is that you will need to show that you've paid for one nights stay in a government-approved hotel to wait for a negative PCR test, which will you undertake on arrival. Also, every traveller must purchase a minimum US $50,000 travel insurance, per person, to cover medical expenses and covid-19 treatment if the worst was to occur.
One thing to remember is that Thailand is still listed on the Smart Traveller website next to a Level 3 warning. Before you book tickets ensure that your insurance covers destinations at this warning level - most do not.
Singapore
The quarantine free travel bubble with Singapore has officially commenced. However you will need to consider travel insurance, as it's a must on entry. Besides that, you will need to take PCR test on arrival and isolate until you receive a negative result.
Spain, Italy, Portugal
These two European bad boys have been grouped together as their conditions on entry are much the same. All you need to do is be fully-vaxxed, and return a negative Covid-19 test before you depart. From there, movement throughout the countries are fairly relaxed.
Germany
The only requirement is proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test upon entry, if you're travelling from Australia.
Argentina and Chile
Vaccination rates are high in both of these Latin American countries. As long as you too are double-vaxxed and return a negative PCR test upon arrival, it should be fairly straightforward getting in the country. The only thing is, Chile still retains a 'reconsider' status on Smart Traveller, so once again you should check if your insurance covers the country.
Countries you can expect to travel to before Christmas
Fiji
As of December 1, Fiji is opening its' borders and welcoming tourists from a select few countries, including Australia. Once checked in, everyone above the age of 12 must give proof of a negative RT-PCR result from one taken within three days of departure. Travellers must also download careFIJI onto their phones and head straight to their hotel upon arrival. From here you will need to spend your first two days in the hotel, with access to all its amenities. After 48 hours you will take a rapid antigen swab and have it return negative before you will have access to the rest of the country.
Indonesia
It's a miracle Australians have survived so long without a trip to Bali, but somehow they've managed it. While Indonesia has opened its borders to tourists from 19 different countries, this does not include Australia. However, talks are currently underway to change this, and many anticipate the verdict will happen soon - just in time for Christmas. At the moment though, international arrivals must quarantine for five days upon entering the country.
South Korea
On November 15, South Korea will open a "vaccinated travel lane" with Singapore. Through this Australians can find themselves entering the country without quarantine. Although, you will definitely need a PCR test before departure and there is no word on how free you are to travel around South Korea once you're in.
Countries you can travel to early next year
Japan
Burned by the Covid-19 wave that occurred following the Tokyo Olympic Games, Japan is unlikely to open its borders to international tourists before 2022. Watch this space for more updates.
One other thing to consider is that while some countries may be easing their restrictions, there are currently only a number of international flights available. At the moment, we anticipate that the airlines who will be amping up their services by January are: Air Canada, American Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Fiji Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Jetstar, Korean Air, Qantas, Thai Airways and Virgin.
For more in-depth travel advice on international travel from Australia, head over to the Australian Federal Governments' Smart Traveller website where you'll find a guide to every countries unique situations and rule.
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