Covid-19 & Leaving Australia Travel FAQs
Frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 and international travellers departing from and arriving to Australia.
Leaving Australia
Do I need a pre-departure test before boarding my flight when leaving Australia?
Australians who are travelling overseas are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test at check-in to meet Australian outbound travel requirements. However, some countries and airlines do require the presentation of a pre-departure test result at check-in before you will be allowed to board your flight. Travellers should check the entry requirements of the country to which they will travel and their airline requirements.
Do I need to provide a proof of vaccination document to leave Australia?
Yes. From 1 November 2021, Australians who want to travel overseas will be able to access an internationally recognised proof of vaccination document to prove their vaccination status abroad. The proof of vaccination for international travel will include a QR code that is readable globally and will comply with the standards set out by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Australian citizens and permanent residents who have been vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved vaccine overseas should visit their GP or local pharmacist in Australia to have their COVID-19 vaccination status updated in the Australian Immunisation Register, to be able to show proof of vaccination in Australia. You can find further information on the Services Australia website.
For travellers who provide a medical certificate that indicates they are unable to be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine because of a medical condition, the medical certificate must include the following information:
- your name (this must match your travel identification documents)
- date of medical consultation and details of your medical practitioner
- details that clearly acknowledge that you have a medical condition which means you cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccination (vaccination is contraindicated).
- People who have received non TGA approved or recognised vaccines should not be certified in this category.
What other travel requirements should I consider before departing Australia?
Aside from routine travel considerations, before leaving Australia it is important to understand what is needed to successfully return to Australia are (such as a negative COVID-19 PCR test) and to make sure you are able satisfy these requirements.
