travel requirements for sydney australia

Entering or leaving Australia

Australia welcomes millions of overseas visitors each year. Anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa to enter the country.

International passenger caps have been removed for all international passenger arrivals into Australia.

All travellers should 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 Mask wearing on international flights to Australia is no longer mandatory . It is important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with.

Australian Citizens

All Australian citizens must enter and exit Australia on an Australian passport. Your Australian passport must be valid (not expired) on the day of your arrival in Australia. It does not need to have six months remaining validity to enter Australia unless you are passing through a third country that requires it. Citizens are not entitled to a visa, even if you are also a citizen of another country. Please see the  Department of Home Affairs website  for more information. 

Immigration and Visas

All foreign travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia.

»    Immigration and visas

If you have a specific question, please contact the Department of Home Affairs .

You will also need to know what you can and cannot bring into Australia, knowing the duty-free concession limits and what to experience when travelling through Australian airports and seaports.

Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information.

Plan your trip with  australia.com , the official Tourism Australia website, offering a wide range of travel information and planning tools including over 2000 images, a currency converter, daily weather updates, interactive maps, suggested holiday itineraries, holiday deals, specialist travel agents and more. Available in nine languages.

Tourist Refund Scheme

The  Tourist Refund Scheme  enables you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia.

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NSW Health guidelines for all international arrivals

Quarantine changes

From 30 April 2022 , unvaccinated international arrivals will not be required to undertake hotel quarantine. These passengers will follow the same guidelines as fully vaccinated international arrivals and take a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arrival.

Update on COVID settings

These Guidelines are supplementary to the current  Public Health (COVID-19 Air and Maritime Arrivals) Order (No 1) 2022 (the Order)  and should be read in conjunction with the Order. The Guidelines apply to all international arrivals entering NSW by air and sea. Specifically:

• International air passenger arrivals (see Part 2A )
• International flight crew (see  Part 2B )
• International maritime arrivals (see Part 3 )

All arrivals must:

• Undergo a rapid antigen test for COVID-19 as soon as practicable, and within 24 hours, after arriving in NSW and self-isolate until they get a negative result. (Although not mandatory, a test is strongly recommended for fully vaccinated international flight crew, and maritime arrivals who are completing essential tasks if they comply with the requirements in these Guidelines.)
• Comply with these Guidelines, including  Part 4 , for 14 days after arrival.
• Not visit high risk settings (aged care, disability care, healthcare and correctional facilities) for at least 7 days after arrival in NSW.  This does not include accessing personal care (see Part 4).
• Get tested if they develop symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild, and self-isolate until they receive a negative result, even if they tested negative on arrival. A PCR test is preferred, see clinic locations .

On this page

Part 1: before arriving in nsw.

• Part 2: After arriving in NSW - Arrivals entering by air
• Part 3: After arriving in NSW - Arrivals entering by sea

Part 4: Additional information for all international arrivals

• Quick guide – Testing and isolation for international travellers

More information

All international arrivals should ensure they meet the  Australian Government entry requirements  before travelling to Australia.

When planning your trip to NSW on an international flight, or on a vessel that has been to an international port, make sure to:

• Check the  Australian Government Smartraveller website  for the latest information on COVID-19 entry requirements. This includes declaration forms for air arrivals , and declaration forms for maritime arrivals .
• Check what you need to do if you are  leaving NSW to travel interstate  with the state or territory you wish to travel to.
• Pack your own COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits to ensure you have ready access on arrival in NSW.
• Pack masks and hand sanitiser, within the  hand luggage restrictions for liquids  if travelling by air.

All international maritime vessel operators must ensure that they complete the required Australian Government forms  within the indicated timeframes. The Australian Border Force or the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment will advise if there are any additional Australian Government requirements or restrictions.

Part 2: After arriving in NSW – Arrivals entering by air

Part 2a – passenger arrivals.

All International passenger arrivals must:

• travel directly from the airport to their home or accommodation
• self-isolate until they receive a negative result from a COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken within the first 24 hours of arrival
• not visit high risk settings (aged care, disability care, healthcare, and correctional facilities) for at least 7 days after arrival unless they are seeking personal care, or are a resident of a facility. See Part 4 for further information.

Part 2B – International flight crew

International flight crew:

• must have a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arrival if they are not  fully vaccinated
• are strongly recommended to have a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arrival if they are fully vaccinated
• Should monitor for symptoms at all times, and if they become symptomatic have a COVID-19 test immediately and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. A PCR test is preferred, see clinic locations .
• Must not visit high risk settings (aged care, disability care, healthcare, and correctional facilities) for at least 7 days after arrival unless they are seeking personal care, or are a resident of a facility. See Part 4 for further information

Part 3: After arriving in NSW – Arrivals entering by sea

An international vessel is one that has:

• Commenced its voyage in a port outside of Australia, or
• Stopped at a port outside of Australia during its voyage.

All arrivals (passengers and crew) on international vessels must:

• comply with the testing and isolation requirements detailed below
• not visit high risk settings (aged care, disability care, healthcare, and correctional facilities) for at least 7 days after arrival unless they are seeking personal care, or are a resident of a facility. See  Part 4 for further information.

Testing and isolation requirements

Maritime arrivals must self-isolate until they have a  negative result from a COVID-19 test (rapid antigen test)  taken within 24 hours of arrival. They should have this test prior to disembarkation where practicable.

If an arrival cannot have their test prior to disembarkation, they must travel directly from the vessel to their home or accommodation and self-isolate until they have taken a test and received a negative result. For more information about safe travel and self-isolation please see  NSW Health COVID-19 self-isolation guideline and support .

The shipping agent or master of the vessel should ensure there are sufficient COVID-19 rapid antigen tests on board the vessel for all crew members and passengers.

Maritime arrivals are not required to have a COVID-19 test (rapid antigen test) if they are disembarking only for the purposes of undertaking an essential task such as unloading cargo or carrying out safety checks. While undertaking their essential task, crew must:

• Wear a mask at all times
• Remain within the immediate proximity of the vessel as much as practicable
• Remain physically distanced from others as much as practicable
• Immediately reboard the vessel after completing the essential task.

Please see below for a full list of essential tasks:

• loading or unloading cargo
• rigging gangways
• undertaking ship to shore activities
• connecting water or fuel to a vessel
• receiving or loading stores
• disposing of waste
• carrying out essential maintenance on a vessel
• carrying out safety checks and activities
• preparing a vessel for sailing
• being assessed or treated by a health practitioner, including—
• being tested for COVID-19, and
• obtaining a dose of a COVID vaccine.

Testing positive to COVID-19

Arrivals who have a positive COVID-19 test result prior to disembarking must notify the master of the vessel (or delegate) immediately that they have tested positive and follow any reasonable instructions regarding disembarkation.  They must follow the advice in Testing positive to COVID-19 and managing COVID-19 safely at home .

Arrivals who have already disembarked the vessel and have a positive rapid antigen test within the first 7 days of arrival must immediately self-isolate in accordance with the Public Health (COVID-19 Self-Isolation) Order 2022 (or order that remakes that order) and follow the advice in  Testing positive to COVID-19 and managing COVID-19 safely at home . This includes a requirement to contact their employer and household contacts and may include notifying the master of the vessel.

Positive rapid antigen test results

All arrivals who have a positive  rapid antigen test  result must immediately self-isolate in accordance with the Public Health (COVID-19 Self-Isolation) Order 2022 (or order that remakes that order) and follow the advice in  Testing positive to COVID-19 and managing COVID-19 safely at home . Further Information about self-isolation and safe travel can be found in  NSW Health COVID-19 self-isolation guideline and support .

High-risk settings

All arrivals should be aware that they are at risk of developing COVID-19 for 14 days since they were in contact with a person who has COVID-19. They should carefully think about the risk that they could infect vulnerable people, including those in high-risk settings (aged care, disability care, healthcare and correctional facilities.)

All arrivals must not visit any high-risk settings (aged care, disability care, healthcare and correctional facilities) until it has been at least 7 days after they have arrived in NSW, unless they are seeking personal care, or are a resident in a facility.

If there are extenuating compassionate reasons for visiting a high-risk setting (e.g. end of life) and the arrival does not have symptoms of COVID-19, they should contact the facility to discuss if this can be safely arranged.

Between day 7 and 14, all arrivals should limit visiting high risk settings to further reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. A rapid antigen test is also recommended within the 24-hours before entering a high-risk setting. All arrivals should contact the facility and  check if there are any additional requirements or restrictions before visiting .

These restrictions do not apply to international arrivals who require medical care, aged care or disability care services for themselves. Where possible, arrivals should call ahead to notify the facility that they have recently entered NSW from an international location, so that the facility can manage the risk to staff, patients, residents and clients.

Arrivals who work in a high-risk setting (aged care, disability care, healthcare and correctional facilities) may return to work after they have a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival. However, they must have the approval of their manager before returning to work to make sure the appropriate additional risk mitigation measures are in place.

Monitor for symptoms

All arrivals should monitor carefully for  symptoms  of COVID-19 for the first two weeks after arriving in NSW.  If  symptoms  occur they should immediately have a  COVID-19 test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.  A PCR test is preferred, see clinic locations .

If they need to see a doctor, they should call ahead and make sure the doctor is aware of their symptoms and that they have recently travelled overseas.

Travelling to and self-isolating at your home or accommodation

Information about how to safely travel and self-isolate can be found in the  NSW Health COVID-19 self-isolation guideline and support .

Travelling to or from another state or territory

International arrivals who enter Australia in another state or territory and then travel to NSW within the first 14 days must comply with these Guidelines. However, they do not need to have to have another COVID-19 test if they have already had one in the other state or territory before entering NSW.

Arrivals who wish to travel to another state or territory from NSW should check the requirements of the receiving jurisdiction to ensure they are permitted to enter. Arrivals may transit directly following arrival in NSW.  If they test positive on a rapid antigen test prior to transit, they must immediately self-isolate in accordance with the Public Health (COVID-19 Self-Isolation) Order 2022 (or order that remakes that order) and follow the advice in  Testing positive to COVID-19 and managing COVID-19 safely at home .

Further information about safe travel and self-isolation for arrivals can be found in the  NSW Health COVID-19 self-isolation guideline and support .

Quick guide - Testing and isolation for international travellers

See the Quick testing and isolation guide for international travellers for a summary of testing and isolation requirements for international arrivals into NSW.

• Australian Government - Smart Traveller – COVID-19
• Australian Government Department of Home Affairs – Coming to Australia
• CEC COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) CDNA National Guidelines for Public Health Units (for further information on release from isolation)
• NSW Health – COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
• NSW Health – COVID-19 guidelines and fact sheets
• NSW Government – COVID-19 rules
• World Health Organization hand hygiene poster

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

COVID-19 and travel

Find out about travel requirements and steps you can take to stay safe.

Domestic travel within Australia

Domestic travel requirements are determined by state and territory governments. Check the websites of local health departments for information about travel to:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Western Australia .

Travelling overseas

The Australian Government does not currently have any COVID-19 requirements in place for travellers entering and departing Australia.

COVID-19 however continues to pose a health risk in Australia and overseas. We strongly encourage wearing masks and being vaccinated while travelling internationally. You should practice good cough and hand hygiene, and physically distance from others where possible.

Some countries, airlines and vessel operators may have COVID-19 travel requirements in place. Check the requirements of any:

• countries you are travelling to, or transiting through
• airlines or vessel operators.
• Smartraveller website
• Australian Government – international travel information .

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is important if you become sick with COVID-19 overseas. Make sure your insurance includes:

• transit destinations
• inclusions for COVID-19
• other add-ons like cruise specific insurance.

Some destinations also require travellers to hold travel insurance as a condition of entry.

Cruise travel

Check with your cruise provider or travel agent for up-to-date travel requirements for your ship and destination/s. You can also contact the relevant state or territory government to find out if any requirements apply for your destination.

Outbreaks onboard a cruise

Cruise ships carry a higher risk for spreading disease compared to other types of travel. COVID-19, influenza, and other infectious diseases spread easily between people living and socialising in close quarters.

If an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs on your cruise, you may need to:

• quarantine on the ship
• disembark and follow the local rules in the state or territory or country you are in.

Before you travel, check the  Smartraveller advice on cruises . Contact your travel agent or cruise operator for specific information on their COVID-19 safety protocols.

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NSW COVID-19 travel information

COVID-19 guidance for travelling to and from NSW.

Travelling to and from NSW

Travellers arriving in NSW are not required to test for COVID-19 before departure or after arrival.

Masks are not mandatory in airports, cruise terminals or on public transport in NSW.

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From Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef: What it's like traveling around Australia right now

I was thrilled to be among the first Americans to visit Australia after it reopened its borders to international travelers last week. As long as I was granted an Electronic Travel Authority visa, submitted a digital passenger declaration with my vaccination and health details and got a negative predeparture COVID-19 test, I knew I could get into the country .

But I wasn't sure I would be able to easily travel around to Australia's various states and territories. That's because each one has its own entry rules as well as health requirements and mandates for both visitors and residents.

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The trip I was planning would take me to New South Wales since I would be landing in Sydney , and then on to Tasmania, Queensland and Victoria. Not knowing whether all of that would actually happen, I set about researching the current rules and found that most of Australia's states and territories have synced up to welcome international visitors, partly in thanks to the fact that nearly 95% of the population age 16 and over are fully vaccinated according to the latest numbers from the Australian Department of Health. The notable exception, for now, is Western Australia, though it plans to ease some of its rules later this week.

Here's what it was like figuring out how to get around Australia and what it has been like on the ground so far.

Australia entry rules

Earlier in February, Australia announced that starting Feb. 21, all visa holders who have completed an approved vaccine course can travel to Australia without an exemption or required quarantine period.

To qualify, you've got to be able to provide proof of vaccination, get a negative result with a pre-travel COVID-19 test (within 72 hours of travel for a PCR test and 24 hours for a rapid antigen test), submit a digital passenger declaration and get a valid visa, if required. After landing, you must travel to your home or accommodation and isolate until you can take a self-administered rapid antigen test and report it to the government if you get a positive result. If it's negative, you are free to go about your business.

All this information is available on the Australian government's Department of Home Affairs site .

The site, however, also refers visitors to another page where they can find the entry requirements of the individual states and territories, as things can change quickly. Following that link, I visited the specific sites for the four states I would be traveling through during my trip.

The provisions for international visitors were all the same as those outlined by the federal government's site. What I was interested in, though, was how easy it would be to travel between them. For that, I needed to find the pages dedicated to interstate travel.

New South Wales' interstate travel page states that there are no longer any restrictions on interstate travel. Easy enough.

According to Queensland's site , there have not been domestic border restrictions on people entering from other states since Jan. 15, though there are requirements for travelers while in the state (more on that later).

By the time I headed to Tasmania , there were no longer any entry restrictions or requirements for folks arriving by air or sea (other than cruise ships), though you still did have to meet Australia's federal requirements.

Victoria will be my last stop since I'm flying back to the U.S. from Melbourne . The state did not require any permits for interstate travelers unless they had been overseas in the past 14 days, in which case they'd need an international passenger travel permit. Luckily for me, this requirement lapsed on Feb. 18.

It looked like I was in the clear for my entire itinerary, and I started to put the trip together piece by piece.

The main hurdle was having all my documents checked and approved for my initial entry into Australia. That fell to the Singapore Airlines check-in agents who processed me in San Francisco, where I was departing. It took several minutes, but once that was done, my trip to Sydney via Singapore felt remarkably like a pre-pandemic trip, and the Australian border agents at immigration and customs in Sydney waved me through with a friendly, "G'day!"

That was it. I had made it to Australia. For travelers who are also considering a trip to Australia, here's how it feels on the ground right now, and what you need to know about navigating the different masking and tracking requirements.

New South Wales

I arrived in Sydney on Feb. 21, the first day Australia reopened to foreign visitors without quarantine. I stayed in the city for three days and, at that time, everyone over the age of 12 was required to wear a face mask in any indoor area other than a place of residence, as well as on public transport. There were certain medical exemptions as well as practical exemptions, like when you were eating or drinking in restaurants.

As of Feb. 25, however, masks are only required in particularly high-risk settings including:

• Public hospitals or private health care facilities.
• Residential care facilities or hostels.
• Indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people.
• On public transport and in public transport waiting areas (this includes taxis and ride-hailing services).
• On domestic commercial aircraft.
• In airports.

During my brief visit, nearly everyone seemed to be complying with the rules. Folks entering businesses, including hotels and restaurants, would don their masks and all the hotel staff and restaurant servers I encountered remained fully masked at all times. I noticed most people were also very careful to leave their masks on when arriving at a restaurant until they were seated at their table, even when eating outdoors, and that they also donned them to go to the restroom.

Most people walking around outdoors didn't have masks on, and at the restaurants where people were dining outside, it felt like the pre-pandemic days, with tables of large parties enjoying the experience and carrying on mask-free.

Due to an ongoing transit strike, I didn't end up taking public transport in Sydney, but each and every one of my Uber drivers was careful to wear a mask and most opened at least two of the windows to provide airflow during my rides.

New South Wales previously required an app to sign in to various venues, including hotels, restaurants and offices, but it was no longer active by the time I arrived. In fact, the only times I was ever asked to provide proof of vaccination were when checking in to the two hotels where I stayed. (That's more lenient than what you'd experience on a trip to New York City right now.)

Other than having to mask up indoors, like I have had to do in California, my time in Sydney felt remarkably normal. I actually appreciated that the rule was still in place during my time since it minimized the risk that I would contract COVID-19 and have issues returning to the U.S.

Although it appears Tasmania allows anyone in these days with no restrictions (except those imposed by the Australian government), the state is still fairly strict when it comes to masking.

Anyone 12 and older who is not exempt must wear a mask in all public indoor spaces. That includes workplaces, businesses, shops, accommodations, restaurants, gyms and public transport, among others.

In a nutshell: If you're not outside, you should be wearing a mask, unless you're alone, traveling in a personal vehicle or actually sitting at a table eating or drinking, among other commonsense exclusions. That might sound onerous but, in practice, it was very easy to follow, and the people I met in Tasmania seemed to universally adhere to these strictures.

At my hotel, the staff wore masks at all times, and there was even a stash of medical masks waiting for me in my room when I checked in. Servers at bars and restaurants were all masked, as were bus and Uber drivers.

As for restaurant and bar patrons, almost everyone carefully complied with the mandate, keeping their masks on until seated, and replacing them when getting up to go to the restroom or leave. There didn't seem to be any discontent or anxiety about it and the bars and restaurants were packed, which was good to see.

A friend and I had drinks at an understatedly hip cocktail bar called Rude Boy on Elizabeth Street in Hobart, which offered outdoor tables but had also carefully placed tables and stools at the various countertops around the indoor space for social distancing.

Down the street at La Sardina Loca, some patrons took advantage of the alfresco tables in the front courtyard. The indoor dining room was very busy but it didn't feel as though we were packed in like, well, sardines, and our fellow diners only had their masks off at the table, as did we.

The bars around Salamanca Market along the harbor, meanwhile, felt as busy as ever outside, especially since the weather was sunny. The indoor bars were very sparsely populated, so it was easy for happy hour-hoppers to socially distance while still enjoying themselves.

While there, I had to remember to bring a mask with me everywhere and keep it on around others. But again, that felt like life in California, so it was comfortable rather than oppressive.

I flew from Hobart to Brisbane in Queensland, the state with the strictest masking and tracking mandates so far for me.

If you're over 12 years old, you must wear a mask indoors everywhere in the state, including in airports and on planes. You can, of course, eat or drink without your mask on. Even outside, the state suggests you wear a mask unless you can remain 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) away from people who are not members of your household.

This will change as of March 4, though. At that point, masks will no longer be required indoors except on public transport, in airports, on planes and in places like health care settings and residential care facilities for the elderly and disabled. There will not be any capacity or density limits in your home or venues like music halls and stadiums. Masks won't be required in schools for staff or students. However, the state will still recommend you wear one when you can't socially distance.

Queensland is still requiring folks to use the Check In Qld app on their phones in order to enter hospitality venues like bars, restaurants and hotels. The same app is also required for entertainment venues including concert halls, movie and live theaters, theme parks, nightclubs (interestingly, brothels are considered entertainment venues, too), stadiums, festivals and government-owned museums and libraries, plus wedding ceremonies with more than 20 guests and vulnerable settings like hospitals.

For me, that meant I had to download the app and scan a QR code to open it and check in multiple times during my single-day visit, including when I arrived at my hotel, when I went to dinner and when I stopped by the Queensland Art Gallery. I was not able to load my U.S. vaccination card into the app, so I also had to show a photo of it at all those places.

While it added another layer of complication to my travels, it was easy enough to use the Check In Qld app, and it actually made me feel safer knowing that everyone else in the places I visited had also been required to do so. I don't love the idea of having my every move tracked, but then again, the government can pretty much do the same thing by targeting your mobile phone or credit card activity, so I didn't feel like I was giving up much. That said, it appears Queensland is no longer performing routine contact tracing (only notifying people who attended major superspreader events), so it is curious as to why check-ins are still required so frequently.

As in the other two states I visited, nearly everyone I came across was complying with the mask rules, and the staffs at the hotel, the restaurants and the museum I visited were very diligent about making sure everyone used the app to enter.

Most folks weren't wearing masks outside, but that's to be expected. There was also a huge storm when I visited, so I don't blame them for not wanting soggy (and thus ineffective) masks. The one exception was groups of other hotel guests who had been drinking at the bar and crowded into the elevator with me — maskless. One of them joked about it being a superspreader event, at which point I politely excused myself and stepped out to catch the next elevator.

After Brisbane, I flew up to Hamilton Island (HTI) to visit the Great Barrier Reef and stay at the InterContinental Hayman Island. The resort has a check-in desk and private lounge at the airport and I was required to use the Check In QLD app and verify my vaccination status there and again on the boat transfer to the resort, and that was it.

At the hotel, the staff have all been very conscientious to wear masks in indoor settings like some of the restaurants and the activities center, as have most guests, though since much of the resort is outdoors, it's been a nice break to walk around freely without a mask on and just laze (I mean, work!) by the pool or on the beach.

I have yet to visit Victoria, but as of now, you are no longer required to wear a face mask in most indoor settings, though it remains recommended and you are asked to always carry a mask when leaving home, just in case.

You do, however, have to wear a mask on public transport including taxis and while using ride-hailing services, on commercial flights, at airports, in hospitals and health care facilities, or if you have recently had COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has.

There are some other exceptions, including workers, visitors and students in schools with grades three to six, since these kids aren't vaccinated yet. Workers in some government buildings and mall food courts as well as large event spaces (30,000 attendees or more) must also wear a mask.

For my part, I plan to mask up anytime I'm inside, more out of caution not to contract COVID-19 or test positive before my return to the U.S., but I'll be interested to see how many others in Melbourne do the same.

TPG senior writer Ben Smithson has just left Melbourne and advised that hospitality venues in the city require the use of the Service Victoria app before you will be served or seated. Vaccination certificates can be uploaded into the app, though he found that to be a frustratingly convoluted process and instead chose to show a photo of his vaccination certificate immediately after checking in, which seemed to work as an alternative. As with Queensland, Victoria has now ceased most contact tracing so the strict check-in requirements seemed onerous to him.

Ben also said that while the mask mandates have very recently been relaxed to exclude restaurants, bars, supermarkets and shopping centers, you can still expect a good percentage of locals to continue wearing masks indoors, through force of habit and an abundance of caution. He says whether you choose to wear a mask in places you are no longer required to or not, it's unlikely to raise any eyebrows.

Flying domestically in Australia

Airports and planes are two of the settings where masks continue to be required, and that seems likely to be the case for some time.

As you can probably tell, I hopped on quite a few flights within Australia and was curious to see how the experience would unfold, and how it would compare to flying domestically in the U.S. during the pandemic.

In the end, it was unsurprisingly similar … only without the air rage or the packed planes.

When checking in for various flights online, I did have to fill out a brief preflight health acknowledgment swearing that I did not currently have COVID-19 symptoms, nor had any in the past 72 hours, and that if I had them in the past 14 days, I'd obtained a negative COVID-19 test. I also had to declare that I wasn't required to isolate for any reason and that I would comply with government travel requirements. The good news is that this acknowledgment is much shorter and simpler than the complex digital passenger declaration required to enter Australia initially.

No one double-checked my confirmation in any meaningful way, so it's more of an honor system, though I suppose it might make you think twice about flying if you'd been exposed recently. Luckily, I hadn't.

My first internal flight from Sydney to Hobart took place on a Thursday afternoon, so the Sydney airport felt fairly deserted. Like I would have before the pandemic, I rolled up about an hour before takeoff and used an automated kiosk to print my boarding pass and bag check label, no identification required, and thus I didn't have to lower my mask at any point. The domestic departures hall was totally uncrowded and I had a quick chat with two masked airline reps about how slow it was that day.

I went through security as normal, only needing to remove my laptop from my bag, and not taking off my shoes, belt or mask. Then I took a walk through the terminal just for something to do. Most other people walking around were wearing masks. A few with water bottles or cups of coffee had theirs pulled below their chin, and the people sitting in the restaurants and cafes were unmasked at tables. There were frequent announcements over the public speakers reminding passengers to wear their masks at all times and to treat airport staff and flight crew with respect.

Maybe I was too hasty to dismiss the air rage!

When I arrived at my gate, I found a Qantas poster saying, "We've made some changes to boarding."

The airline is now boarding strictly by rows and asks folks to remain clear of the gate area until their row is called, as well as to leave at least 1.5 meters of distance between yourself and others both at the gate and on the jet bridge.

The poster suggested sanitizing your hands before boarding, scanning your own boarding pass, wearing a mask or asking for a "Fly Well" pack from the gate agent (which includes a face mask and hand sanitizer) as you pass through the gate.

My flight was fairly full, but boarding was indeed orderly, with folks lining up as their rows were called and not standing too close together. Everyone except for small children was fully masked. Most people appeared to turn down food and drinks on the flight, so those masks stayed on through to collecting luggage in Hobart.

During meal service, the flight attendants asked that passengers wait until they had moved beyond their row to lower their masks and begin eating or drinking, which was interesting. Too bad for the passengers seated around you if you happened to have COVID-19, but at least the flight crew might remain safe.

In the Hobart airport's departures hall, there were even cute social distancing floor markers with the footprints of animals Tasmania is famous for, including those eponymous devils.

It was much the same with my flight from Hobart to Brisbane on Jetstar, though half the plane boarded at the front and half from the back, which helped with social distancing even more. Everyone on board seemed to happily keep their masks on the whole time, and there were reminders to do so at the beginning of the flight, along with a warning to treat the airline's staff members with the respect they deserved (now I was curious as to what's been going on down here!).

Masks stayed on through landing, a walk through the airport and at the baggage claim while we all waited for our luggage. That feeling of dread I've had on U.S. flights about whether someone might actively try to disobey the masking mandates never manifested.

Much like on the ground in Queensland, I had to use the Check In Qld app and show my actual, physical vaccination card to check in with Qantas and go to the airline's business-class lounge with a friend. The app check-in would have been required but a photo of my card should have sufficed if I were just going through normal security.

Empty hotels and flights

As you might expect, the travel landscape in Australia right now is … unusual. Like airlines across the world, Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar, among others, are rebuilding their route networks and seeking to increase capacity, so you're not likely to find as many options between destinations as before the pandemic.

In my limited experience, flights were also either completely full or almost entirely empty. Part of that might have been the disastrous weather affecting New South Wales and Queensland, as well as the fact that school holidays were over by the time I visited.

However, I would suggest planning for some contingencies (such as flight cancellations) and padding your itinerary with extra time for layovers or stopovers if you do intend to travel soon.

Likewise, most hotels are starting to recruit staff again, and new hotels — including two I stayed in while in Sydney and Hobart — are opening in phases, keeping some rooms or suites offline for the time being and limiting the hours or services at various food and beverage outlets until they can staff appropriately.

As in the U.S., the leisure travel market seems to be going strong in Australia, especially on the luxury end of the spectrum. On Hamilton Island, a popular destination for travelers looking to visit the Great Barrier Reef, the small luxury resort of Qualia appears to be mostly booked out (with room rates that run well over $1,000 a night) through September. I stayed at the nearby InterContinental Hayman Island and was able to use points for my stay, but during an informal chat with someone on the resort's management team, I learned the hotel has been running at around 75% capacity for the last several months and is only going to get busier.

That made it hard to predict room occupancy (and thus when to book a stay). But it also meant some hotels opened up last-minute award availability, which ended up saving me substantial money in the end. For example, I only needed 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for a stay at the W Brisbane, rather than paying nearly $450 for one night.

In short, the more flexible you can be with your plans, and the more points options you have, the better off you'll be until hotels and airlines are back up to speed.

Bottom line

Traveling throughout most of Australia (except Western Australia) right now is, as Australians would say, too easy.

If you can meet the requirements for entering the country, then you should be able to move freely around its states and territories.

That said, these conditions can change at any time, as can masking rules for individual states and territories. So, if you're thinking about planning your own trip, be sure to bookmark the health department pages of any destinations you want to visit and make sure you qualify to enter and will be comfortable with any health requirements in place.

Personally, it's been no problem at all, even with the extra onus of downloading and using the Qld tracking app. And even if I hadn't brought a bag of masks with me, many venues offer them for free, so it wouldn't have been an issue finding them when I needed them.

Additional reporting by Ben Smithson.

Sydney Travel Requirements (Updated as of June 22, 2022)

Latest travel regulations to enter sydney, australia.

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2022 Sydney Travel Requirements and Tourism Protocols for Tourists

Table of Contents

According to the Bloomberg COVID Resilience Ranking, Australia is one of the safest travel destinations in the world.

Visitors should note that mask-wearing is still mandatory in New South Wales for people over the age of 12 years. These settings include on public transport and at public transport waiting areas, including in taxis and rideshare services, at a public hospital or private health facility, at a residential care facility or hostel, at a cruise terminal, and on an aircraft during commercial flights in and out of Sydney. It is not mandatory to wear a mask inside the Sydney Airport terminal.

List of Travelers Allowed to Enter

• Subject to the requirements of the relevant state or territory of arrival, all Fully Vaccinated Visa holders can travel to Australia without being included in international passenger caps
• Below the age of 12 years and 3 months at the time of departure for international travel to Australia (whether vaccinated or not); or
• Below the age of 18 years at the time of departure for international travel to Australia, when the child is traveling with at least one (1) adult who meets the definition of fully vaccinated; or
• Vaccination is contraindicated (with acceptable evidence and subject to state and territory requirements)
• The traveler is not fully vaccinated for international travel purposes in accordance with Australia’s border entry requirements; or
• The traveler does not have a medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine as defined by the Australian Government; or
• The traveler is not in an exempt category or holds an individual travel exemption.
• Australian Citizens
• Australian Permanent Residents
• New Zealand Citizens who are usually resident in Australia
• Immediate family members of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen are usually residents in Australia
• Travelers below the age of 12 years and 3 months
• Travelers between the age of 12 and 17 years while traveling with a Fully Vaccinated parent/caregiver
• Individuals with a medical certificate/or sufficient evidence of a medical condition preventing them from being vaccinated
• Other passengers who are in an exempt category or who hold an individual travel exemption

List of Sydney Travel Requirements

• If vaccinated in Australia, Australian Government-issued International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC)
• If vaccinated overseas, Foreign-Issued Vaccination Certificate
• Traveler’s Name (this must match the travel identification documents)
• Date of Medical Consultation
• Details of the Medical Practitioner
• Details that clearly outline that the traveler has a medical condition which means they cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccination (vaccination is contraindicated)
• Negative RT-PCR Test Result released within seventy-two (72) hours prior to travel
• This requirement is MANDATORY and must be filled out at least seven (7) days prior to the actual date of departure
• PH Bureau of Immigration Declaration Form (via com/en/~/media/files/coronavirus/travelrulesandrestrictions/departingfromthephilippines/travel%20declaration.pdf?la=en )
• Travel and Health Insurance (if required)

Travel Requirements to Sydney (source: Cebu Pacific )

As per Government regulations, guests bound for Sydney are required to present printed copies of the following travel documents upon check-in:

1. Proof of Vaccination

• Vaccinated in Australia:  International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate  (ICVC) from  myGov portal.
• Australian citizens and permanent residents who are vaccinated overseas may access their ICVC if the vaccine is approved by TGA.
• Australian citizens and permanent residents who cannot be vaccinated and have an exemption or medical contraindication will be treated as vaccinated for their travel purposes.
• Children under 12 years and 3 months of age will be treated as though they were fully vaccinated for the purposes of travel arrangements. Their age will be demonstrated by their passport
• Children under the age of 18 years are automatically exempt from travel restrictions, regardless of their vaccination status, when traveling with a fully vaccinated parent or guardian.
• Name as it appears on the Passport
• Date of Birth / Passport Number / National ID Number
• Vaccine Brand Name
• Date of each dose/date of full immunization

2. Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) – This can only be submitted within 72 hours before departure. Evidence of a completed DPD:

• The official email received upon completion
• Summary screen from the DPD submission

Click here for more information about traveling to Australia.

All guests exiting the Philippines are required to print and fill out the Bureau of Immigration form before your flight. Click here to download the form and have it ready upon check-in.

These are the Sydney requirements as of the date indicated. Requirements may change from time to time without prior notice. Please continue checking with the Australian government for the latest updates.

Note per Philippine Airlines Advisory

• Effective April 18, 2022, all travelers will no longer need to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 Test Result prior to boarding a flight to Australia
• Travelers below the age of 12 years will be treated as though they were fully vaccinated for the purposes of travel arrangements
• Travelers between the age of 12 and 17 years are automatically exempt from travel restrictions regardless of their vaccination status when traveling with an accompanying adult

Note per the Official Website of the New South Wales Government:

• Effective June 21, 2022, it is no longer mandatory for international travelers to follow certain rules, including taking a COVID-19 Test upon arrival in New South Wales.
• Effective June 17, 2022 travelers are no longer required to wear face masks in airports in New South Wales.
• Travelers above the age of 12 must wear a mask while on an aircraft flying above New South Wales, in cruise terminals, on public transport, and in high-risk settings.
• Ultimate List Of The Best Hotels In Sydney, Australia
• Best Things To Do In Sydney, Australia
• The 10 Best Airbnb Rentals In Sydney, Australia

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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After Your Trip

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Australia. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Australia.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is mainly a concern in the Murray River, and the Outer Torres Strait Islands area.

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or traveling at times outside of the Japanese encephalitis season.

Japanese encephalitis (CDC Yellow Book)

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Australia is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Travelers arriving from the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador are exempt from this requirement.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

• Mosquito bite

Dengue outbreaks in Australia have only occurred in north and central Queensland.

• Avoid Bug Bites

Ross River virus disease

Ross River fever

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Australia, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although Australia is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Australia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Australia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Australia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Australia.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Australia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Australia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory september 8, 2023, australia - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with removal of major event information.

Exercise normal precautions in Australia. 

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Australia.

If you decide to travel to Australia:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Australia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Travel Advisory Levels

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Travel Advice for France

France has raised its terror alert warning to the highest level. Expect high-level security measures to be in place throughout the country, including at schools, places of worship, shopping centres and landmarks. Be aware of your surroundings, monitor local media, and follow the advice of the local authorities. If you plan to travel to France to commemorate Anzac Day, understand the risks and plan ahead.

Consular assistance

The Consular Services Charter outlines the consular services and assistance provided by the Australian Government to travellers overseas. Read the Charter to understand how we can and can't help. 

Consular Services Charter (PDF 195.79 KB)

Notarial services

Do you need a document legalised, or a Certificate of No Impediment for your upcoming marriage? The Australian Government can provide some notarial services.

Travel insurance

 If you're going overseas, travel insurance is as important as a passport. If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. Read our advice, and download the CHOICE travel insurance guide before you go.

CHOICE travel insurance buying guide 2023 (PDF 3.52 MB)

News and updates

Anzac day 2024.

On 25 April, Anzac Day services will be held in major cities and at international war memorials. If you're travelling to attend a service, be prepared and know what to expect.

• Major events

Sun, sand and surgery: travelling for medical tourism

Planning to go overseas for a medical procedure? Do your research before you commit. Don't decide on cost alone.

Have adventures, not regrets

Recent research found that Smartraveller is a trusted source of advice. But it also found that Australians still take unnecessary risks when they head overseas, especially with travel insurance.

Travelling during Ramadan

Muslim countries around the world will soon be observing Ramadan. If you're visiting a Muslim country during Ramadan, research your destination before you arrive to learn what to expect.

• Middle East

Travel advice explained

Learn what our advice levels mean and how we decide what level to apply to each destination. 

Passport services

With passport demand on the rise, don't leave your application to the last minute.

Allow a minimum of six weeks to get a new passport or renew one.

Coming back to Australia

Know what to do and what expect when you're heading home from your trip overseas. 

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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Australia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Australia’s High Commission in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

You do not need a pre-departure COVID-19 test to enter or transit Australia regardless of your COVID-19 vaccination status. See the Australian government’s website for advice on COVID-19 and travelling.

COVID-19 quarantine requirements

Each state and territory determines its own quarantine rules. You should check requirements for specific states and territories .

Passport validity requirements

For entry into Australia, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. If you’re transiting another country on your way to or from Australia, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.

Visa requirements

British citizens can usually get the following types of electronic visitor visa:

• eVisitor visa . There is no visa application charge or service fee
• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) via the iOS App or Android App . There is no visa application charge, but a service fee of A$20 may apply

Information on all other types of visa is available from the Department of Home Affairs .

Working holiday visa

Thousands of Britons travel to Australia each year on a working holiday visa and the vast majority have no issues. Working conditions, accommodation and medical facilities are generally of a good standard.

You can find information about your rights as an employee in Australia and how to report any concerns about unfair or unlawful treatment on the Fair Work Ombudsman website , or by calling 131 394.

Get more information about working in Australia .

Dual nationals

If you’re a British national living in Australia with Australian citizenship, or a dual national, it is best to leave and enter Australia on your Australian passport. You could face difficulties and delays if you do not. See Australian government advice for dual nationals .

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Australia guide .

Quarantine of goods

Australia has strict quarantine rules to keep out pests and diseases that could affect plant, animal or human health.

You must fill out an Incoming Passenger Card and either:

• declare any risk goods including food, animal products and plant material (including wooden articles)
• dispose of any risk goods in the bins at the airport or sea port

All luggage is x-rayed on arrival. Any items of concern are further inspected, treated and if necessary confiscated and destroyed. You can be heavily fined for breaches of quarantine regulations.

You can find more information on the Department of Agriculture website .

You will also be asked to declare whether you have ‘visited a rural area, or been in contact with, or near, farm animals outside Australia in the past 30 days’.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Australia travel advice

Latest updates: Natural disasters and climate – removed information on Tropical Cyclone Megan

Last updated: April 2, 2024 08:58 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, australia - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Australia.

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Violent crime is low.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs mostly in larger cities. Vehicle break-ins are common.

Robberies of safe-deposit facilities are common at inexpensive hotels and hostels.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Never leave personal belongings, such as money, credit cards, cell phones and other electronics, unattended
• Exercise caution in popular tourist areas

Online scam

Scammers have duped tourists into transferring money to an overseas bank account in exchange for renting accommodation in Australia.

When renting accommodation, beware of online scams.

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

There is a threat of terrorism. The Government of Australia maintains a national terrorism threat advisory system. Individuals or groups have developed both the intent and capability to conduct a terrorist attack in Australia. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Australian National Security – Government of Australia

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common and can be dangerous. Several drownings occur each year.

In certain areas, sharks, crocodiles, jellyfish and other wildlife pose a risk to swimmers.

• Avoid unsupervised beaches
• Follow the instructions and warnings of lifeguards
• Respect the flag warning system, which provides notice of water conditions and safety risks on beaches

Beach safety – Government of Australia

Diving and snorkelling

You must provide a medical declaration for diving or snorkelling.

Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.

Safety information for divers and snorkellers – Government of Australia

Trekking and mountaineering

Weather conditions may be dry during the summer. You should be prepared for hot weather.

If you intend on trekking or mountaineering:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Remote areas

Some regions in Australia’s interior are very isolated and have small populations. Services are scarce.

You may have difficulty getting adequate mobile phone coverage if you travel there by car.

• Avoid travelling alone
• Inform relatives of your itinerary

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are very good throughout the country. Exercise caution when driving in rural areas at night. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds. Roaming animals and road trains pose further hazards.

Access to some remote locations may be impossible during severe weather conditions. Due to the great distances between settlements and the isolation of many outback areas:

• avoid travelling in extreme heat conditions
• plan your overland route carefully
• provide a friend or relative with your itinerary, and ensure that your vehicle is in good repair
• carry a first-aid kit and personal medication
• carry sufficient fuel, water, and food supplies
• bring a satellite phone or an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Australian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid on the day of entry into the country.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days Business visa: required Student visa: required

Canadians entering Australia without a visa need to get an electronic travel authority (ETA) to visit Australia. Ensure that you travel with the same passport used to apply for your ETA.

A health examination might be necessary to obtain certain visas.

• Electronic Travel Authority – Government of Australia
• Department of Home Affairs – Government of Australia

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country.

Payment is expected at time of service.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Canada and Australia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Australia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Australian authorities. This process can take a long time and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Imports and exports

There are very strict rules and quarantine measures regarding the importation of food and animal products. Information about items which you can and cannot bring to Australia is available from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.

Immigration and Citizenship – Government of Australia

Traffic drives on the left.

Local authorities accept your overseas driving licence if the names on your licence match exactly those in your passport.

You must apply for a local licence if you intend to stay in Australia longer than 3 months.

Permits are required when travelling on Aboriginal territory.

You should carry an international driving permit.

• Driving with an overseas licence – Government of Australia
• More about the International Driving Permit

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Australia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Australia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Australia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Australia, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Australian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Australia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

The currency of Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD).

Tropical Cyclone Megan

On March 18, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Megan made landfall in the Northern Territory, near the mouth of the McArthur River.

The storm has caused significant floods in the Borroloola region, may cause flash flooding and landslides, and could disrupt the following essential services:

• transportation
• power distribution
• water and food supply
• telecommunications networks
• emergency services
• medical care
• exercise caution
• monitor local news and weather reports
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Northern Territory Warnings Summary – Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

Bush and forest fires

Bush and forest fires are common between October and April, particularly in areas covered by bushes, long grass or coastal scrub. Elevated fire danger ratings and alert levels may be applied to affected areas. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

• stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice
• follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

For current information, consult the relevant state or territory authorities.

Fire services

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Western Australia

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from November to April. Severe flooding occurs annually, especially in the inland parts of the following states: 

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. 

• Monitor local news and weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Australia Rainfall and river conditions – Bureau of meteorology, Australian government

Cyclones usually occur from November to April. They may occur along the coastal areas of Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

During this period, even small storms can quickly develop into major cyclones. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to Australia during the cyclone season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Bureau of Meteorology – Government of Australia
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad

Seismic activity

Australia is located in a seismic zone. Earthquakes may occur.

Local services

Dial 000 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Northern Marianas, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu

New South Wales, Queensland and Northern Territory

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Australia, in Canberra, or the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

E-Scooters: Coming Soon to a Street Near You or Not?

In common with much of the world, e-scooters have emerged onto the urban landscape in Australia promising a practical, greener and ‘fun’ form of personal mobility. However, this promise has opened up a ‘Pandora’s box’ of legislative challenges with confusing rules and catch-up regulations around the e-scooters themselves, where they are allowed, and who can use them. The risk is these regulations may not align with public expectations, compromising the extent to which e-scooters could meet community needs and contribute to broader sustainability goals.

First a potted history of e-scooters. Their origin can be traced back to the wooden ‘kick scooters’ of the early 1800s, with the motorised Autoped patented during World War 1 marking the birth of the modern e-scooter. Marketed as a low-cost personal mobility device for quick, short-distance travel for the masses, the promise of the Autoped was constrained by technology and infrastructure, which increasingly favoured other forms of motorised travel including the car. Fast-forward to the 1990s, when a Swiss inventor developed a foldable metal scooter with inline skates designed to cover distances deemed too far to walk but too close to drive, the ‘first/last mile problem’. This concept was taken on-board in walkable cities, such as Tokyo, but ultimately found commercial success as the Razor scooter, the ‘must-have’ kid’s toy of the early 2000s. The game-changer to a viable form of personal mobility, was developments in lithium-ion battery technology in the 2010s, putting the ‘e’ into scootering. Coupled with growing sustainability concerns, this facilitated commercial interest and the launch of several shared e-scooter schemes overseas. E-scooters eventually reached Australian shores with the first shared scheme opening in Brisbane in 2018. Subsequently, all states/territories have run shared trials with private e-scooters allowed in Queensland, Tasmania, WA, ACT and most recently Victoria. As of 2022, there were an estimated 250,000 private e-scooters in Australia, growing at roughly 20%/annum, with 10,225 shared e-scooters 1 .

The rising popularity and power of e-scooters has exacerbated safety concerns for the rider and other road users. While national guidelines exist, regulating them is ultimately the responsibility of each state/territory. E-scooters are typically regulated by maximum power output (200-250 W) and maximum speed (20-25 kph), with further restrictions around where they are allowed (particularly footpaths and higher speed roads) and minimum rider age (16-18) 2 . While riders must wear helmets, there are currently no requirements for compulsory insurance, or the e-scooter to be registered. These regulations have been enforceable for shared e-scooter schemes as part of the operating contracts. However, private e-scooters present a bigger challenge, as there are few barriers to their import and sale and controlling where and how they are used requires additional policing enforcement. In addition to being relatively affordable, lightweight, often foldable, easy to recharge and providing a range of 40-60km, modern private e-scooters are capable of going anywhere at speeds significantly faster than 25 kph – recent evidence from Queensland suggests around 60% of private e-scooters are capable of exceeding 25 kph 3 .

Little is known about what people think about e-scooters and whether current policies are meeting public expectations. In late 2023, 1,500 Greater Sydney residents (where e-scooters are effectively outlawed) aged 18+ provided views on e-scooters as part of an annual survey conducted by transport researchers at the ITLS, University of Sydney. Half of Sydneysiders support legalising e-scooters, with one-quarter opposed and one-quarter unsure. Support was marginally stronger for legalising private e-scooters, possibly reflecting the negative experiences with shared e-bikes in Sydney. Levels of disagreement around where they should be allowed were highest for main roads and footpaths, mirroring well-publicised concerns. Levels of agreement were strongest for bike paths and to a lesser extent shared paths and low-speed roads, although both attracted significant opposition, reflecting the ‘contested’ nature of such spaces. Strong support for helmets, insurance, licencing and registration points toward treating them more as motorcycles/mopeds than bicycles. Support was marginal for allowing them on public transport, arguably key to unlocking their first/last-mile potential.

Where does this leave e-scooters? Evidently, the growth in e-scooters in Australia coupled with public sentiment, suggests a conversation is needed around how this might happen in a considered and safe manner. Infrastructure is key, as with all micro-mobility options, and footpaths and other shared spaces are at the forefront of this conversation. Licencing, registration and insurance appear to be one area where proponents and detractors of e-scooters concur, although impacts on pre-licenced teens must be considered. Adding further ‘fuel to the fire’ for regulators is the fire-risk associated with recharging highly flammable lithium batteries indoors. A final thought is the role e-scooters could play for the millions of Australians with minor mobility limitations that restrict walking but have not yet confined them to car dependence. E-scooters can play an important role in sustainable mobility options, but there is a need to ensure that public expectations are not neglected when regulatory changes are made.

• https://micromobilityreport.com.au/infrastructure/bike-scooter-share/2022-a-year-of-change .
• ACT allows 12 year-olds to ride e-scooters under adult supervision
• Leung AC-K, Burke M (2022) ‘ Understanding private ownership and use of personal mobility devices (PMDs) in South East Queensland ’, 26th International Conference of Hong Kong Society for Transportation Studies .

Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies

Study transport, logistics and supply chain, related articles, electric cars – they will in time increase car use without effective road pricing reform, omni-channel retail in harmony with green city logistics, australia’s digital transformation is suffering from uncoordinated initiatives.

Airport firefighters set to strike nationally, threatening school holiday travel plans

Aviation firefighters at major Australian airports are set to strike on April 15 amid claims from their union that a shortage of aviation fire and rescue firefighters is putting air passengers at risk.

United Firefighters Union Australia (UFUA) says it has leaked documents from employer Airservices Australia showing an "extreme risk" at 13 airports, and "high risk" at 14 others.

The planned work stoppage is due to affect 27 airports around the country and run for 4 hours from 6am.

The action threatens to disrupt school holiday travel plans as students in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory begin their two-week term break and those in other states return to begin term two.

UFUA has claimed that government-owned air navigation regulator Airservices Australia has failed to address resourcing issues, but the regulator has hit back, saying staffing levels are adequate.

The union's aviation branch secretary, Wes Garrett, told ABC radio the "primary concern" of every aviation firefighter was the "safety of air travellers that they have sworn to protect and the safety of their fellow crew members".

"These leaked documents confirm that Australia's air travellers face a dire risk every time they set foot on an aircraft in Australia, should an incident occur," Mr Garrett said.

"At 13 major airports across Australia, including Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, the leaked documents confirm that air travellers face extreme risk."

He said air travellers at 14 remaining airports across Australia, including Sydney, Canberra, and Hobart were at "high risk".

Mr Garrett added that the task resource analysis (TRA) of the service showed current staffing numbers were "well below what they ought to be".

"What we say is that the outcomes and risk identified in those processes needs to be reflected in our enterprise agreement," he said.

He said the TRA was an internationally recognised methodology for determining the amount of firefighters, trucks and resources required to protect passengers in the event of a worst-case scenario at an Australian airport.

"Disgracefully, Airservices have known about the dire risk to air travellers should an incident occur since 2022 and have refused to release the documents to the Union or the public," he said.

Mr Garrett said the staffing concerns topped the list of 26 items on a log of claims that were sought to be resolved in the current enterprise bargaining negotiations, which began last October.

"We don't seem to be making any progress whatsoever," he said.

"These resource shortages include a lack of key personnel to operate breathing apparatus, shortages of firefighting agents to suppress multiple incidents, insufficient personnel and vehicles to protect both sides of a crashed aircraft, a lack of personnel for effective fire ground command and control, and a lack of procedural control at Australia's airports."

The union is seeking a 20 per cent pay increase over three years, while Airservices Australia has offered 11.2 per cent over three years.

Mr Garrett said the timing of the strike action had "coincidentally" fallen during school holidays for some states.

"I don't think there is any convenient time for a work stoppage when it comes to aviation and I think that should really actually inspire Airservices to get in and settle the deal as soon as possible so that there aren't any stoppages and there's no inconvenience to the public."

Airservices Australia said the union's action was motivated by its bid for a pay rise as part of the ongoing employment agreement negotiations.

In a statement, Airservices Australia said the dispute had "nothing to do with staffing levels" which were sufficient to meet operational requirements.

It added that the TRAs "do not measure current state operational risk".

"The risk assessments included in the TRA process are based on theoretical scenarios that do not account for the likelihood of an event occurring or reflect the current operational environment," the statement said.

"Airservices conducts operational risk assessments to capture and define the management of risks and manage them to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable, and the TRA documentation states that Airservices' existing processes are both effective and appropriate for current levels of operational risk."

"Airservices has sufficient ARFF personnel to meet our regulatory obligations and is investing $1 billion over the next 10 years in equipment and facilities for our Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) crews."

The statement said the union's bargaining claims would cost the aviation industry and passengers an extra $128 million.

Airservices Australia said it would work with the airlines and airports to maintain safe operations and minimise any impact on the travelling public during the planned work stoppage.

General manager of people and culture at Adelaide Airport Dermot O'Neill said he was unsure "precisely what impact there might be on operations" at the airport, which was about to embark on its busiest month since the pandemic.

"At this stage, it's our intention to keep in touch with Air Services and we will provide any relevant updates to our customers via our social media channels and no doubt airlines will be doing the same thing," he said.

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