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Many international tourist hotspots have reopened their doors to Vietnamese travelers, and Australia is no exception. Read through this article for thorough preparation when traveling to Australia in the New Normal!
Australia, also known as the land of kangaroos, has reopened its doors and is ready to welcome you for exploration. Therefore, Klook Vietnam has updated all the latest information and necessary requirements before we can set foot in this beautiful country. A small note: all information about requirements when traveling to Australia will be continuously updated from March 25, 2022.
After two years of waiting as all inbound and outbound activities were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia officially reopened its international border region on February 21, 2022. This means that the aforementioned beautiful country is ready to welcome travelers back.
The bustling, lively scenery is once again back at Sydney Airport after a long wait. People coming and going, from the radiant smiles and curious exploration of tourists to the warm embrace from loved ones upon their return after a period of separation, all blend together to create a lively rhythm at Australia's iconic airport.
Somewhere in the distance are banners saying 'Welcome back,' echoing with loud music and images of the iconic kangaroo mascot placed everywhere to cheer on everyone entering this country.
After a long period of pandemic-induced stagnation, the reopening of Australia's tourism sector is a welcome sign and fulfills the anticipation of those who love the land of kangaroos. Let's explore the essential requirements for traveling to Australia with Klook Vietnam in the article below!
Who Can Enter Australia?
The first and most important thing to note: Do you qualify to enter this beautiful country? Don't worry, if you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and possess the required visa, you can absolutely enter the city.
You are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if you have completed 02 doses (each dose at least 14 days apart), the doses may be:
- AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
- AstraZeneca Covishield
- Pfizer/Biontech Comirnaty
- Moderna Spikevax or Takeda
- Sinovac Corona Vac
- Bharat Biotech Covaxin
- Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (for individuals aged 0 to 60 when entering Australia)
- Sputnik V
- Novavax/Biocelect Nuvaxovid
Or 1 dose of:
- Johnson & Johnson / Janssen-Cilag COVID Vaccine
If you haven't been vaccinated but want to enter this country, you must belong to exempted groups or have a travel restriction exemption certificate.
What Specific Priority Traveler Groups Are Exempted?
Priority exempted groups for travel, tourism, or entry to Australia are granted to individuals falling under the following categories: If you are escorting Australian citizens or permanent resident minors to Australia, individuals with temporary visas traveling for humanitarian and compelling reasons, on a case-by-case basis.
For those escorting Australian citizens or permanent resident minors to Australia:
- Only one guardian is accepted for a child from 0-2 years old.
- Only one guardian from the same family is accepted for multiple children aged 2 and above.
- Additional guardians may be considered on a case-by-case basis with proof of kinship and medical examination. Guardians must be relatives unless exceptions apply.
For Those with Temporary Visas:
- Those falling under this category can leave Australia at any time. But if you're not fully vaccinated for international travel purposes, upon returning to Australia, you must be granted an exemption.
For Those Entering or Leaving for Humanitarian and Compelling Reasons on a Case-by-Case Basis:
- Especially for those needing individual travel exemptions.
- This is the case where you need to enter or leave due to a family member's death or serious illness.
- You must submit an application for individual travel exemption at least 2 weeks, but not more than 2 months, before your intended travel.
If you don't fall under any exemption category, you can apply for a personal exemption online through Australia's Travel Exemption Portal, just follow these steps:
- Click on the link Travel Exemption Portal here.
- Create an account so you can submit and track requests.
- Prepare your supporting documents to upload. Accepted file types include bmp, jpg, jpeg, png, gif, csv, xls, xlsx, doc, docx, and pdf. Document titles should only contain letters and numbers.
- Click on 'Create Account'; then complete the form to register for an individual or organizational account.
- After filling in the required fields on the form, please wait for an email to be sent to you. If you registered for an individual account, follow the instructions in the email sent, including a valid verification link within 7 days to verify your email.
- If you registered for an organizational account, your application will be reviewed, and an email with detailed login information will be sent to you. This process may take up to 48 hours.
- Once your account is activated, log in to submit your request.
What Other Requirements Exist When Traveling to Australia?
While traveling to Australia is incredibly exciting, like most other places in the world, travelers need to prepare for some travel requirements beforehand. Below is a checklist of the documents you'll need before your flight to Australia:
1. COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
- If you've been vaccinated in Australia, you can obtain your vaccination certificate from the MyGov portal. However, if you've been vaccinated in another country, your vaccination proof must meet the following criteria:
- Issued by a recognized national, state, provincial, or institutional vaccine provider.
- Written in English or with certified translation.
- Must include your name (as exactly shown on your passport), date of birth or passport number, vaccine brand name, and vaccination date or completion date.
- Vaccination verification via paper or through apps, websites, etc., is accepted.
Important Note: If you're an international traveler planning to visit Australia, you should receive at least 2 doses of a recognized COVID-19 vaccine. However, if you're a domestic traveler, you'll need to complete all 3 vaccine doses.
2. Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD)
- DPD is the new declaration form, replacing the customs declaration form and the COVID-19 Travel Declaration form. Passengers can complete the declaration on their phone or computer. Complete the DPD declaration 7 days before your flight and submit it within 72 hours before departing to Australia. Once completed, here are some notes you shouldn't miss:
- Ensure to provide your contact details, including an Australian phone number.
- Don't forget to present relevant vaccination proof.
- Declare your travel history for the past 14 days.
- Notify if you're aware of any quarantine and testing requirements applicable when arriving in Australia and at the state or territory where you'll land.
- You can complete the declaration online via the online passenger declaration portal. Create an account to easily manage your current and future declarations.
3. Pre-Departure Testing
Important Note: Starting from April 17, 2022, you no longer need to undergo pre-departure testing!
Travelers aged 5 and above must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test. Any type of Covid test must be conducted no more than 3 days before your departure. Rapid antigen tests are also accepted but must be conducted no more than 24 hours before your flight departure.
Below are the accepted forms of testing:
- Diagnostic virus tests such as PCR or RT-PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)
- Rapid antigen tests (RAT)
- Serological tests will not be accepted.
- Covid-19 test results can be confirmed in paper or online format.
To ensure your test result is accepted, here are the mandatory requirements:
- Your name and date of birth (or passport number).
- A negative test result or 'not detected virus'.
- The method or test conducted meets the required standards (e.g., NAA or RAT testing).
- Brand and structure of the test (for RAT tests).
- Date (for RAT, including time) of sample collection.
- Specimen collected for testing and test conducted by or under the supervision and signed by an authorized representative.
4. G2G
If you're 16 or older and want to travel to this country, you should first apply for a G2G Pass. Here's the registration process:
- Visit the G2G Pass website and click on “Create your account now.”
- Follow the prompts to create an account.
- Complete the registration form and upload necessary documents.
- Finish the final declaration form and click “Submit.”
- Download the G2G Pass app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store so you can track your application, store cards, and register for entry into Western Australia upon arrival.
- Wait for emails related to your application and a copy of the registered G2G Pass Card along with the linked QR Code.
5. Confirmation of Complete Recovery After Covid Infection
This applies only to travelers who have been infected with the virus and have recovered within the past 30 days prior to the scheduled flight. You do not need to present a COVID-19 test before departure as long as you can provide a certificate from your doctor when registering with the full details below:
- Date on the confirmation certificate (must be within 30 days from the date of the flight)
- Confirmation that you had COVID-19 but have recovered and are no longer infectious
- Date of the first positive test result for COVID-19.
Do Travelers Have to Quarantine in Australia?
Upon landing in Australia, quarantine requirements will depend on the state or territory you arrive in. Here is a list of regions that may conduct checks and enforce quarantine rules:
1. In New South Wales
First, you must undergo an RT-PCR test within 24 hours of arrival and self-isolate until you receive a negative result. Then, undergo another antigen test on or after day 6 of your self-isolation. It's crucial to avoid high-risk places for 7 days or until the day 6 test returns negative.
2. In Victoria, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory
Undergo antigen or rapid RT-PCR testing within 24 hours of arrival and self-isolate until you receive a negative result.
3. In South Australia
You must present evidence of a negative RT-PCR test conducted 3 days before departure. Then, undergo an RT-PCR test within 24 hours and self-isolate until you receive a negative result.
4. In Western Australia
For Western Australia, only unvaccinated travelers are required to quarantine in a hotel for 7 days. However, all travelers must undergo rapid antigen testing within 12 hours upon arrival.
5. In Tasmania & the Northern Territory
No quarantine or testing required upon arrival.
Some Important Notes to Remember When Traveling to Australia
While Australia has eased travel restrictions, here are some things to remember for a memorable trip:
- Wear a mask at all times except when eating, drinking, or instructed by airline or government officials to remove it for identification, emergencies.
- Avoid touching the front of your mask. If you do, ensure to sanitize your hands afterward.
- Wash your hands frequently.
You don't need to wear a mask if you are:
- Children aged 0-11 at the time of departure.
- If you have a health condition preventing mask-wearing, submit a medical certificate with full details: name, date of examination; doctor's name, address, and certification; clear reason for inability to wear a mask.
- In cases where assisting the hearing-impaired or requiring mouth-shaped communication for clear hearing.
Now that you're aware of all the entry, exit, and travel requirements in Australia, start planning your trip to Australia today. However, here's a small note from Klook Vietnam: always carry your vaccination confirmation or proof as it's often a mandatory requirement before entering anywhere in Australia.
With its unique natural ecosystem and a range of unparalleled experiences, a trip to Australia can be an endless source of inspiration for every #teamKlook member. To ensure safety for yourself, family, and community - amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic - please adhere to the disease prevention policies and hygiene principles at your destinations.
Also, don't forget that on the Klook Vietnam website and app, new Australian travel activities are regularly updated, adding more colors to your wanderlust journey. Enter additional Klook promo code to receive 'mega discounts.
Realize your dream of traveling to Australia today!
