Australian rules around COVID tests for travel aren’t as complicated as you might think. You’ll have an easy time exploring domestically, but there are some requirements you need to know about when returning from a trip abroad.
Remember that the destination you’re flying to will have its own rules and regulations. Double-check whether you need to take a test before booking flights from Australia or after arrival. The regulations will likely differ depending on whether you’re fully vaccinated or unvaccinated. Both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers no longer need an exemption to travel.
1. COVID tests: The latest changes for Australian travellers
The Australian government doesn’t require testing for you to board an outbound flight, but your airline, destination or transit location might.
As of 17 April, Australia no longer requires a pre-departure test for vaccinated travellers entering Australia. However, some airlines require tests to board their flight to Australia.
For domestic travel, testing and vaccination status changes depending on the states or territories you’re flying between.
2. Local regulations for COVID tests
Every country has its own rules surrounding COVID tests for travel. Before booking your trip, check the latest guidance from Smart Traveller to find out if you need a pre-departure test. You don’t need this for all countries if you’re fully vaccinated or have a documented recovery from COVID-19. You can also find out about local quarantine rules for arriving passengers on Smart Traveller.
Alternatively, you might have to use a specific app or digital platform to share your vaccination status electronically ahead of travel. If your vaccination record isn’t accepted for whatever reason, you’ll likely be treated the same as an unvaccinated passenger.
3. What you need to do before and after international travel
Fully vaccinated or ages 2-4
Show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 for both outboard and inbound flights.
Quarantine rules vary depending on state/territory. Find the most up-to-date regulations below:
- Australian Capital Territory
- Queensland
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated
- As of 6 July, travellers no longer need to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to enter Australia.
- States and territories may have their own entry requirements
It’s important to check the official requirements and restrictions in place for each state and territory you plan to travel to, as they may have their own rules.
4. The difference between COVID-19 tests
Currently, travellers do not need to take a COVID-19 test to enter Australia. Some states and territories require a PCR, NT-PCR or antigen test before entering their borders. Once in Australia, most states and territories will recommend travellers take a COVID-19 test and self-isolate until a negative test result is cleared.
A trained medical professional will perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at a designated clinic. They’ll swab you in both the nose and the mouth before they send your test to a lab. This can take several hours and, depending on the number of tests in the queue, can take a day or two to get back to you.
For domestic travel, you can take rapid antigen tests (RAT). You can self-administer these kits at home. These come in different forms, either requiring a nasal and/or an oral swab. Results are usually available in around 15 minutes.
5. How much does a test cost?
Currently, PCR testing is free. You can only go to testing sites in some parts of the country if you’ve received a positive RAT result, are planning to travel, or are otherwise instructed to do so.
RAT kits are available from chemists, supermarkets and similar locations. You’ll find that prices are set by the store, but you can normally get a pack of two for around $30 or five for $50. Some Commonwealth concession cardholders can get free RATs through community pharmacists. Limits apply.
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