International Travel Status

It's exciting that travel is returning to a ‘post-COVID normal’. But there are still some things to consider before booking your flight.

All COVID-19 border restrictions have been lifted since Wednesday 6^th July 2022.

​People travelling to Australia will no longer have to complete a Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status, following changes to the Biosecurity Act, which came effect from midnight AEST on Wednesday 6 July 2022.

Those arriving by sea will also benefit, and no longer need to complete a Maritime Travel Declaration. Airlines, cruise ship operators and other countries may still have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with.

However, passengers entering Australia will be required to complete an incoming passenger card (IPC) as part of their border clearance process. 

From 12.01 am AEST 6 July 2022, you don’t need to provide evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination status or proof of medical exemption when travelling to Australia.

Abercrombie & Kent strongly encourages all clients travelling to Australia to be fully vaccinated as it is mandatory with many of our key suppliers.  Also, it is Abercrombie & Kent’s policy that you must be fully vaccinated to travel on any Group Journeys. 

Please contact us directly for more details.

For more information refer to:

https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/the-basics/planning-travel-during-covid-19

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid19/vaccination-testing

Access into Australia

Access into Australia is permitted through all international airports. 

Entry Requirements

From 6 July 2022, the way you travel to and from Australia is changing. All travellers need to be aware that:

• People entering Australia do not need to provide evidence of vaccination status
• People entering Australia do not need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration
• People leaving Australia will not be asked to provide evidence of their vaccination status
• Unvaccinated visa holders do not need a travel exemption to travel to Australia
• People entering Australia in NSW/QLD/NT/TAS/WA do not need to provide a Covid-19 negative PCR test.  If you are entering VIC/ACT it is highly recommended.  If you are entering SA you must take a RAT within 24 hours of arrival.
• People leaving Australia do not need to provide a Covid-19 negative PCR test.
• If you display symptoms during your stay, you must take a RAT test.  If this is positive you MUST isolate for (7) days.

Masks are mandatory on inbound international flights to Australia.

Please note, Face masks are required to be worn in the following areas –

• On passenger transport services (including taxis, public transport, rideshare and other hire or charter vehicle arrangements)
• You must wear a face mask while on board an aircraft.

Face masks are no longer mandated at most airport terminals in Australia, in line with national advice. Wearing a face mask within airport terminals is still strongly recommended, particularly where physical distancing is not possible.

In general, it is highly recommended all people aged 12 years and over wear a mask when physical distancing cannot be applied. Children under the age of 12 do not need to wear a mask.

For more information refer to: https://www.australia.gov.au/states

Australia considers you to be fully vaccinated if you have completed a course, including a mixed dose, of a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved or recognised vaccine. Current vaccines and dosages accepted for the purposes of travel are:

Two doses at least 14 days apart of:

• AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
• AstraZeneca Covishield
• Pfizer/Biontech Comirnaty
• Moderna (Spikevax or Takeda)
• Sinovac Coronavac
• Bharat Covaxin
• Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (for 18–60 year olds)
• Gamaleya Research Institute Sputnik V
• Novavax/Biocelect Nuvaxovid

Or one dose of:

• Johnson & Johnson/Janssen-Cilag COVID Vaccine.

Seven days must have passed since the final dose of vaccine in a course of immunisation for you to be considered fully vaccinated. Mixed doses count towards being fully vaccinated as long as all vaccines are approved or recognised by the TGA.

It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the requirements of the airline you are travelling with and any countries you transit.

You must also comply with all other travel and medical requirements for coming to Australia.

COVID-19 Testing

PCR testing is available in all tourist destinations especially in Melbourne & Sydney.  At this stage mobile testing cannot be arranged at a guest’s accommodation and we will update you on this once more information becomes available.

Histopath Clinics are located at Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane International Airports, and they can facilitate a rapid PCR test with results guaranteed within 90 minutes.  Please refer to link:-  https://www.histopath.com.au 

Australian Clinicalabs performs real-time COVID-19 testing for all international travellers to meet entry & boarding requirements for different airlines & countries.  Refer to link:- https://covidtravel.clinicallabs.com.au

Healius Pathology also provides real-time COVID-19 testing.  Refer to link:- https://consumer.healius.com.au/

Clinical opening times can vary considerably – some are open 12 hours a day and do not require a booking whilst others do require a booking slot to be confirmed.

Turnaround times can vary and on average it is between 24 & 48 hours.  Although there is an Express RT-PCR Swab test at MEL, SYD & BNE airports with results in 90 minutes.

Costs vary according to location, type of test and type of facility. Approximate Pricing can range from AUD79 to AUD210 per person

We are merely acting as a facilitator in order to assist Guests who require a COVID-19 test. All testing is carried out by third parties with no association or affiliation to us and we are not liable or responsible for any issues, delays or problems encountered during the testing process or the performance or non-performance of the testing facilities.

Please note: The above information has been researched with the utmost care. However, we can provide no guarantee of accuracy and the information and detail change regularly. Please always check travel restrictions both in your home country and the destination you are travelling to before you book and before travel.

Please note: The above information has been researched with the utmost care. However, we can provide no guarantee of accuracy and the information and detail change regularly. Please always check travel restrictions both in your home country and the destination you are travelling to before you book and before travel.