Before you travel
1. Check with your doctor prior to your departure about the latest COVID-19 vaccinations you're eligible for which may decrease your risk of serious COVID-19 illness.
If you're getting a booster or new COVID-19 vaccinations, get them as soon as you can and at least a week before you depart.
2. Minimise visiting riskier places in the 14 days before you depart.
You don't want to jeopardise your trip by catching COVID-19 the week before you depart for your trip. Reduce your chances of this happening by avoiding indoor areas, crowds, gyms and other high-risk areas. When you are in public be vigilant about mask wearing, social distancing, washing your hands and using hand sanitiser.
3. Minimise your exposure to people in the 14 days before you depart.
Reduce your chances of catching COVID-19 and jeopardising your trip by minimising contact with other people where possible, especially those who come in contact with lots of people and children in the 14 days prior to your trip. Where possible, social distance, avoid contact, wash your hands and use hand sanitiser.
4. Check and double check airline, cruise line and specific country visa, entry, testing, vaccination and travel insurance requirements.
Different countries, airlines, cruise and tour companies have different requirements which can change at very short notice.
5. Plan your trip to minimise transfers and stops.
If possible, organise a simple trip with minimal transfers, transits and stops to reduce your chances of being in close contact with other people in security lines, airport and bus terminals and train stations.
COVID-19 Packing Checklist
6. Take sufficient COVID-19 supplies to protect, test and treat yourself for COVID-19.
Most countries have suffered supply shortages just like Australia, so don’t assume you'll be able to access these essential COVID-19 travel items when you need them:
- N95 masks for your entire trip, plus an extra week’s worth
- Large hand sanitiser that will last your entire trip, plus an extra week’s worth
- Small hand sanitisers that will fit in your pocket so you always have one on you
- Rapid Antigen Tests
- Pain relief tablets
- Cough and cold mixture
- Throat lozenges
- Electrolyte hydration powders
- Tissues
- Disinfectant wipes
Can’t travel because of COVID-19
7. Immediately contact your travel agent and travel providers (airline, hotel, cruise, tour company…) if you can’t travel.
Contact your travel provider immediately, explain your situation and request a change of travel dates, refund, credit or travel voucher if you:
- have contracted COVID-19 or
- are deemed a close contact or
- for any other reason directly or indirectly related to COVID-19
Whilst travelling
You’re finally able to travel, so it’s best to be overcautious and avoid contracting COVID-19 on your trip. Even if you're full vaccinated and the symptoms are only mild, you'll still likely miss several days of your holiday recovering and isolating.
8. Wear an N95 face mask on flights, transport, when indoors and anywhere with large crowds or where you can't socially distance.
Wear a mask, maintain social distancing and don't let your guard down just because you're on holidays. Try not to eat or drink on public transport, so you can keep your mask on the whole time and reduce your exposure.
9. Sit outside whenever possible
Look for and choose outdoor dining, bars and activities whenever possible.
10. Wash your hands with soap every chance you get.
Washing your hands has always been consistent health advice, especially before and after meals and in developing countries.
11. Use hand sanitiser whenever you arrive and leave somewhere.
When you get on and off transport such as a plane, train or taxi, visit a bar, restaurant or gallery, or you've touched high contact surfaces including handrails, elevator buttons and self serve kiosks, use the hand sanitiser where available or your own.
12. Avoid and isolate from any travel companions or anyone near you who may have COVID-19
If any travel companions are experiencing symptoms, are awaiting a test result or have tested positive for COVID-19, they should isolate themselves and you should isolate yourself away from them. If anyone is displaying symptoms on transport or in a public place or restaurant, don't be afraid to ask to be moved or to move away from them.
13. Follow local media and Government advice
They should have the latest information on what is happening at your destination to keep you safe.
If you catch COVID-19 or deemed a close contact
14. Monitor for symptoms and get tested
You should continuously monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if you develop any symptoms.
15. Seek medical help as required
If you're experiencing symptoms, seek medical assistance if you think you need it, and emergency medical assistance if your breathing is affected. Contact our 24 Hour Emergency Assistance Team immediately if you're going to hospital or unable to access medical care.
16. Follow local rules if you're required to isolate
If you contract COVID-19 or deemed a close contact, you should be aware of and obey local isolation and quarantine laws and guidance.
17. Immediately contact your travel agent and travel providers (airline, hotel, cruise, tour company…)
If your trip is disrupted, contact all your travel providers or your travel agent and explain your situation to the travel provider and request a change of travel dates, refund, credit or travel voucher.
COVID-19 Travel Resources
- COVID-19 Travel Insurance
- Smartraveller's COVID-19 and travel guide
- COVID-19 FAQs
