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COVID-19 and the border

Updates to Australia's immigration and border arrangements during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

​​​Latest updates

From 12:01am on Saturday 11 March 2023, people travelling to Australia from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, will not be required to show evidence of a negative pre-departure test for COVID-19. For more information see Entering and leaving Australia .

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Travel and COVID-19

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If you develop symptoms such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, call triple zero (000) immediately. Tell the phone operator and the paramedics on arrival if you have COVID-19.

How to avoid catching COVID-19 including getting vaccinated, wearing masks and physical distancing.

Does Australia have COVID-19 travel restrictions?

Travelling to australia.

People travelling to Australia no longer need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result.

Some countries, airlines and ships may have their own testing, vaccination and face-mask rules. You should check with them before travelling.

During your travel to Australia, you’re encouraged to wear a face mask to reduce your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19.

For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Travelling interstate

You can freely travel within and between Australia’s states and territories. However, some remote communities may restrict who can enter and leave them.

Learn more about travelling in Australia:

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

Do other countries have COVID-19 travel restrictions?

Some countries may have COVID-19 entry and exit rules. You may need to:

• show proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result
• show proof of COVID-19 travel insurance
• quarantine for a certain time on arrival

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What to do if you test positive to covid-19 when travelling overseas.

Last updated:  11 January 2022

Falling sick while travelling is never ideal but when it’s COVID-19 it can seriously disrupt travel plans.

If you’re thinking of travelling overseas, it’s important you understand the risks of contracting COVID-19 in your destination and what to do if you test positive while travelling. You’ll also need to understand the requirements for  returning to Australia.

Arming yourself with the latest travel advice and information is essential. Read our travel advice for your destination  so you’re aware of the risk of COVID-19 in that location and standards of medical care, in case you get sick. And subscribe for updates so you’re informed if anything changes.

Before you travel, arrange suitable travel insurance and check what the policy covers for COVID-19. And make sure you have sufficient funds to cover an extended stay if you need to quarantine or isolate.

What happens if I test positive to COVID-19 while I’m travelling

If you or someone in your immediate travelling party tests positive for COVID-19, you should isolate immediately and contact the local health authority for advice on what to do. You should also contact your airline or travel provider to reschedule your travel plans and seek advice from your travel insurer.

For information on managing COVID-19, including what to do in isolation and when to seek medical advice, see Health Direct.

If you need medical care, there’s a list of ‘local emergency contacts’ in our travel advice for your  location . There’s also information on seeking medical assistance overseas as well as mental health and wellbeing resources on our website.

Will I have to quarantine?

If you test positive to COVID-19, you may be required to quarantine or self-isolate depending on what country or city you’re in. Many countries have penalties for breaking isolation rules, so it’s important you check with local authorities what the requirements are.

Some countries have government managed quarantine facilities or you’ll need to find suitable accommodation. You’re responsible for covering any costs involved with quarantine, which can be significant.

Be prepared for the possibility you may be in your destination longer than planned.

What can the Australian Government do for me?

If you have serious concerns about your welfare or that of another Australian overseas, the Australian Government can provide assistance in accordance with the Consular Services Charter .

Will I be able to return to Australia?

If you or a primary close contact of your travelling group tests positive, you won't be allowed to travel to Australia until you have recovered.

If you have isolated and recovered but your test results continue to be positive, you may be eligible for an exemption if you have a certificate from a medical practitioner. It’s important to note, the certificate must meet certain requirements outlined on the Department of Health website.

Local authorities, airlines and transit locations may have more rules in place for departures. We recommend you check these before arriving at the airport. If you're transiting during your trip, check the local requirements at each transit destination. Confirm any specific rules for onward travel with your airline.

See our re-entry and quarantine measures for more detail on returning to Australia.

Will I be able to travel to another country?

If you’re planning to travel to another overseas destination you will need to check the entry requirements for that country. Read our travel advice for your destination.  If you have any queries about entry or exit requirements, check with the relevant embassy or consulate of the destinations you’re transiting and travelling to. You should also confirm rules for departure with your airline, noting these rules may vary between airlines.

I’m a close contact of someone who has tested positive what can I do?

If you’ve been exposed to someone in your travel group who has tested positive to COVID-19, you’ll need to follow the requirements for isolation and testing in the city you are located.

Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

For information on where to get tested, contact the local health authority in your location. Always use an accredited testing facility. Scammers are taking advantage of travellers by charging for fake tests.

If you’re in a country where COVID-19 testing is not reasonably available, you may be eligible for an extension or exemption when returning to Australia. For the list of countries see the Department of Health website.

Will I be covered by travel insurance?

Some travel insurers now offer limited cover for COVID-19. It will likely only cover medical, quarantine and cancellation costs if you test positive to COVID-19.

See our CHOICE travel insurance buying guide: COVID-19 edition for more information and carefully check the details of your travel insurance policy before you leave.

Want to know more?

See our Global COVID-19 health advisory  and  step-by-step guide to travel during COVID-19 .

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.

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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.

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How have Australia’s international travel rules changed in response to Omicron?

We explain what border restrictions have changed and what the new Covid variant means for visa holders planning to travel to Australia

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The Omicron variant of Covid-19 has prompted governments around the globe to take rapid action and reintroduce border restrictions in an attempt to stop it spreading from southern Africa.

But the evidence from the two years since the coronavirus emerged suggest those efforts may not be entirely effective. Already, cases of the new variant have been found in the UK, Europe, Hong Kong and Australia .

All of the cases were in people who had recently travelled from countries in southern Africa where the Omicron variant was reported last week.

So how has Australia responded so far and what does it mean for international students and other visa holders planning to return from December?

What has changed?

On Saturday, the federal government reintroduced border restrictions on some countries in southern Africa where the Omicron variant has been detected.

The countries are: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi and Mozambique.

Anyone who has been in these countries and is not an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or their immediate family will not be able to enter Australia.

Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members arriving from these countries would need to go into “immediate supervised quarantine for 14 days subject to jurisdictional arrangements”.

That also applies to anyone who had already arrived in Australia and has been in any of the nine African countries within the previous 14 days.

The federal government announced on Monday night “these measures will be continued until 15 December” at least.

In New South Wales, the government said returnees from those nine countries “must enter hotel quarantine for 14 days” whether they are vaccinated or not.

What about arrivals from other countries?

All other international arrivals to Victoria, NSW and the ACT must isolate for 72 hours and get tested as a precaution. This can be done at their place of residence or accommodation, rather than hotel quarantine.

Victoria is also reportedly considering reintroducing 14-day quarantine for all international arrivals, although no announcements have been made.

South Australia has reimposed some border restrictions. All international travellers and people arriving in SA from high-risk Australian locations will again be required to quarantine for 14 days. People arriving from lower-risk locations interstate must also have a coronavirus test within the 72 hours prior to arrival and must show proof of a negative result.

Queensland, which still requires international arrivals to complete 14 days in hotel quarantine, said they will monitor news about the new variant, but have no plans to change reopening dates at this stage.

Are further border restrictions being considered?

The prime minister, Scott Morrison, has ruled out closing the international borders to citizens and has called for calm.

Any further action taken is set to be discussed at a national cabinet in the next 48 hours.

Health experts have also suggested that border closures would be unnecessary, while the NSW premier, Dominic Perrottet, warned against any “kneejerk” reactions.

“Ultimately we need to open up to the world (and) we need to do so safely,” he told reporters on Monday.

“We don’t need to have a kneejerk reaction, we need to have a proportionate and balanced response to the situation that’s in front of us. The responses should not be ‘let’s shut down’.”

What does it means for international students and skilled migrants?

From 1 December, fully vaccinated eligible visa holders were due to be able to enter Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption. But that’s now been delayed until at least 15 December.

The eligible visa holders included skilled migrants and international students. Fully vaccinated international visitors from Japan and the South Korea were also set to return at the start of December.

But on Monday, Morrison announced the national security committee would meet to discuss whether those changes would be delayed after the discovery of the Omicron variant.

“On the basis of medical advice provided by the chief medical officer, Prof Paul Kelly, the national security committee has taken the necessary and temporary decision to pause the next step to safely reopen Australia to international skilled and student cohorts, as well as humanitarian, working holidaymaker and provisional family visa holders from 1 December until 15 December,” the prime minister said in a statement on Monday night.

“The reopening to travellers from Japan and the Republic of Korea will also be paused until 15 December.

“The temporary pause will ensure Australia can gather the information we need to better understand the Omicron variant, including the efficacy of the vaccine, the range of illness, including if it may generate more mild symptoms and the level of transmission.”

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All COVID-19 border restrictions to be lifted

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

“This is great news for families coming home from school holidays who now don’t need to use the DPD,” Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O’Neil, said.

The Biosecurity Act changes, which were made following health advice from the Chief Medical Officer, also mean that all visa holders can travel to Australia without needing a travel exemption.

“As more and more of us travel internationally and we get more confident in managing our risk of COVID, our airports are getting busier,” Minister O’Neil said.

“Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers to choose Australia as a destination.

“And for Australian citizens, with the removal of these requirements, returning home will be much easier.

“I know anyone who has travelled internationally since the borders have opened will find this as one less thing to worry about – especially as more Australians get back to travelling overseas.

“We’ve also listened to feedback about the DPD. While in time it will replace the paper based incoming passenger card, it needs a lot more work to make it user friendly”

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

Australians planning to travel overseas are encouraged to check current travel advice by visiting Smartraveller .

For more information on the changes to international travel requirements visit: www.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid19 .

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Australia’s latest COVID-19 restrictions by state and territory

With omicron cases on the rise in australia, covid-19 rules and restrictions change frequently. find out the latest changes on mask mandates, qr check-ins, density limits and travel in your state or territory..

Members of the public queue for Covid19 PCR tests at a clinic in Redfern in Sydney, Friday, December 24, 2021. . (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP/Mick Tsikas

New South Wales

Northern territory, south australia, western australia.

• indoor retail settings
• public transport
• hospitality venues (except when seated, or eating or drinking)
• indoor workplaces
• visitors and staff in residential aged care facilities

QR check-in

Density limits.

• retail premises, hospitality venues and personal care services
• entertainment and leisure venues, community and cultural facilities
• casinos, clubs, gambling venues and betting agencies
• places of worship, funerals and weddings
• gyms, health clubs, fitness centres or wellness centres, personal training, bootcamps, dance classes, swimming pools and organised sporting activities
• Complete an online  declaration form  within 24 hours of arrival into the ACT.
• Undergo a COVID-19 PCR test within 24 hours of arrival in Australia and quarantine until a negative test result is received.
• Undergo a further COVID-19 PCR test on day 6 after arrival in Australia.
• retail premises
• food and drink premises
• pubs, small bars and registered clubs
• hairdressers, spas, nail, beauty, waxing, and tanning salons, tattoo parlours and massage parlours
• gyms (except dance, yoga, pilates, gymnastics, and martial arts studios)
• hospitals (except patients of hospitals or hospitals with an electronic entry recording system that records sufficient information that can be used for contact tracing)
• residential care facilities or hostels (except in relation to the residents)
• places of public worship, like churches, mosques, temples, meeting houses and synagogues
• funeral, memorials and gatherings afterwards
• nightclubs and casinos
• strip clubs, sex on premises venues, sex services premises
• indoor music festivals with more than 1000 people

Vaccination requirements

• bars, pubs and nightclubs licensed to sell and consume liquor on-premises
• clubs licensed to sell and consume liquor on-premises
• casinos and licensed gaming venues
• restaurants with a liquor licence
• cinema, theatre, concert, music or dance hall
• all indoor workplaces
• public transport and rideshare
• supermarkets and retail shops
• hospitality venues including pubs, clubs and cafes
• cinemas and theatres
• indoor stadium, sports arena or sports centre
• gyms and sport activities
• vulnerable settings like hospitals and aged care
• schools, childcare and other education facilities
• airports and on planes

Vaccination requirements and density limits

• hospitality venues such as pubs, clubs, taverns, bars, restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets
• indoor entertainment venues such as nightclubs, live music venues, karaoke bars, concerts, theatres or cinemas, casinos
• outdoor entertainment activities such as sporting stadiums or theme parks
• festivals – either indoor or outdoor – such as musical festivals, folk festivals or arts festivals
• activities – either indoor or outdoor – such as convention and entertainment centres and showgrounds
• Queensland government-owned galleries, museums or libraries
• from a  hotspot  (domestic arrival)
• from the  border zone  (Border Zone pass)
• from the  green zone  (no restrictions)
• from  overseas
• having been to an  interstate exposure venue .
• on public transport, in taxis/rideshare services, in tourism vehicles and on commercial flights.
• at an airport.
• while attending an event that has 30,000 or more patrons present, unless you are seated outdoors at the event.
• while visiting a hospital or care facility.
• after being tested for COVID-19 and awaiting results, other than as part of surveillance testing.
• if the person has COVID-19 or is a contact, and is leaving the premises in line with quarantine, isolation or testing requirements.
• international passenger arrivals and international aircrew services workers who are in direct transit to their place of self-quarantine in Victoria and who leave their vehicle, or who are in self-quarantine and leave to undertake permitted essential services.

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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 .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry

One page required for entry stamp

Amounts over AUD 10,000, or equivalent, must be declared

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. consulate general sydney.

Suite 2, 50 Miller Street North Sydney, NSW 2060 Australia Telephone:  +(61) (2) 2 8219-2100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(61) (2) 4422-2201 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Embassy Canberra (The Embassy does not provide consular services.) Moonah Place Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Australia Telephone: +(61) (2) 6214-5600 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(61) (2) 411-424-608 Fax: +(61) (2) 6214-5970

U.S. Consulate General Melbourne 553 St. Kilda Road Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia Telephone: +(61) (3) 9526-5900 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(61) (3) 9389-3601 Fax: +(61) (3) 9526-5968 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Perth 4th Floor 16 St. George's Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Australia Telephone: +(61) (8) 6144-5100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(61) (8) 9476-0081 Fax: +(61) (8) 9325-5914 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.   

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa or an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. Most U.S. passport holders traveling to Australia for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain an ETA. The ETA is an electronic label-free visa and can be obtained at the ETA website for a small service fee. Airlines and many travel agents in the United States are also able to apply for ETAs on behalf of travelers.

If you overstay your ETA or any other visa, even for short periods, you may be subject to exclusion, detention, and removal by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

If you are travelling on a valid U.S. ePassport (a passport that contains an electronic chip) and are 16 years of age or older, you are eligible to use Australia’s automated border processing system, SmartGate, upon arrival in Australia (SmartGate kiosks are available only at participating airports). There is no additional enrollment process or fee to use SmartGate. Visit the SmartGate website for more information and for a list of participating airports in Australia.

Visit the Embassy of Australia website for the most current visa information.  

HIV/AIDS restrictions. Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors and foreigners seeking permanent residence in Australia. Depending on the type of visa you apply for, the length of your stay, and your intended activities in Australia, you may be required to undergo a medical examination before the Australian Department of Home Affairs will issue you a visa.

If you are in the application process, and are found to be HIV positive, a decision on the application will be considered on the same grounds as any other pre-existing medical condition (such as tuberculosis or cancer), with the focus on the cost to Australia’s health care and community services.

Additional information about Australian immigration health requirements can be found here.

Please verify this information with the Embassy of Australia in Washington D.C. before you travel. 

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorists have targeted, and could continue to target, Australia.

• Australia has an alert system for possible terrorist attacks. The threat levels range from “not expected” to “certain.” The Australian National Security website has up-to-date information regarding the current terrorism threat level. You may also contact the Australian National Security Hotline at 61-1-800-123-400.
• U.S. citizens in Australia should remain vigilant toward their personal security and exercise caution.
• Australian law protects the right of individuals and groups to engage in peaceful protest and to publicly express their views. Demonstrations and political rallies are generally approved by local authorities and well publicized. However, please be cautious of any possible confrontation that could escalate into violence. You should attempt to avoid the areas of demonstrations and be careful within the vicinity of any demonstrations. You should stay current with media coverage of local events and always be aware of your surroundings.
• You should be aware that robberies, burglaries, assault, and auto theft are common in Australia’s larger cities.
• Foreign visitors in popular tourist areas are targets for pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and petty thieves. Most petty crime can be avoided if basic security precautions are taken.
• Be careful when visiting bars or clubs in the entertainment areas of major cities, as “bar brawls” and other assaults sometimes occur. You should watch out for drink spiking when consuming alcohol with unfamiliar people.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:

• Report crimes to the local police at 000 and contact the U.S. Consulate in your district.
• The local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
• See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms.
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide information about Australian Victim Assistance programs.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. consulate in your district for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated, and rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage, and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, imprisoned or deported.

• It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings, such as inside certain areas of Australian airports, near prisons, and at military bases.
• Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Alcohol and Drugs:

• Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy sentences and fines. Please see Australia’s Department of Health webpage for further information. 
• Driving under the influence of alcohol can result in jail time.
• Random breath testing of a driver's blood alcohol level is a common occurrence.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Potential Health Screening: Australian authorities have broad powers to prevent the entry of diseases and other materials into Australia that might pose a threat to its welfare. In the event of a public health emergency involving a communicable disease, passengers arriving in Australia may be subject to strict health screening measures, including testing, monitoring, and assessment for possible quarantine.

Customs: Australian customs authorities enforce very strict regulations concerning the importation from all countries of items such as agricultural goods, including plants and food products, and wood products, as well as very strict quarantine standards for animals and pets. Can you bring it in?

Contact the Embassy of Australia in Washington, D.C., or one of Australia's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements, and visit the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture website for additional information.

Natural Disasters:

Australia experiences a range of natural disasters, including bushfires, floods, and severe storms. These events are difficult to predict and can result in loss of life. You should be aware of conditions around you and monitor local weather and safety reports so you can take appropriate action when needed.

See our webpage for information on storm preparedness and response.

Safety Concerns:

Outdoor Recreation/Adventure

• Be aware that Australian fauna can be dangerous. From jellyfish to crocodiles, sharks, poisonous insects, and snakes, the continent and its waters host wildlife that merit awe and respect in equal doses.
• Visit the Wet Tropics Management Authority visitor information guide for information on Australian wildlife and marine life.
• Take important safety precautions when swimming, such as swimming only between the flags where a lifeguard is present, and never swimming alone.
• Further information on beach safety can be found on the Surf Life Saving website.

Follow recommended precautions when snorkeling and scuba diving and never dive alone. Over the past few years, there have been numerous deaths related to snorkeling and scuba diving incidents.

Faith-Based Travelers : See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Australia. Australian federal law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.

As of December 9, 2017 Australia defines marriage as “the union between two people.” Australia grants temporary and permanent visas to same-sex partners of Australian citizens.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance

• Australia enforces laws prohibiting discrimination against access to premises, facilities, and accommodation.
• Many of the downtown areas of Australian cities were built in the 1800s. These areas often have narrow sidewalks crowded with pedestrians and tourists.
• Most public transit, parking, streets, and buildings are accessible for disabled travelers.
• Tourist spots at the beach or in the Australian outback can have varying degrees of accessibility.
• Many accommodations and venues provide accessibility information on their websites.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Australia, dial 000.

Ambulance services are widely available.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

• Excellent medical care is available in Australia.
• Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
• Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on overseas insurance coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

Prescriptions:

• If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of  Australia  to ensure the medication is  legal in   Australia .
• Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of hospitals and a link to the Australian National Health Services Directory at Medical Assistance - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Australia (usembassy.gov) . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Australia.

Pharmaceuticals:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.  

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

Air Quality

Air pollution is a significant problem during certain months in Australia due to bush fires. Consider the impact seasonal bush fire season pollution may have on your health and consult your doctor before traveling.

The air quality varies considerably and changes with the season. It is typically at its worst in the bush fire season. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Traffic operates on the left side of the road, and all vehicles use right-hand drive.
• Use caution when crossing streets and when driving.
• When crossing roads on foot, make sure you look carefully in all directions.
• Seat belt use by drivers and all passengers is mandatory, and fines apply for not wearing them.
• Motorcyclists must wear helmets.
• Speed limits and laws are rigorously enforced. Speed limits vary throughout Australia and are measured in kilometers, not miles. Be aware that speed cameras are everywhere and you will be ticketed for driving over the speed limit.
• Roads and streets are frequently narrower and less graded than U.S. highways.
• Outside major metropolitan areas, most highways are two-lane roads with significant distances between destinations.
• When driving in Australia, exercise caution while passing or merging with adjacent traffic.
• If driving in rural areas, be alert to free-roaming animals, such as kangaroos, and "road-trains" (several semi-truck trailers connected together).
• Passing road-trains is dangerous, and you should pull over to allow on-coming road-trains to pass to avoid being sideswiped.
• If you have no experience with a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you should exercise common-sense when driving in the Australian outback.

Traffic Laws:

• Each state/territory has different rules about using a foreign driver’s license and the conditions under which a visitor might have to get an international driver’s license. More information about  driving rules and regulations is available by state .
• Texting or holding your phone while driving is against the law in Australia, but you can use a hands-free system to communicate while driving.
• For specific information concerning Australian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, mandatory insurance, and the rental and operation of motor vehicles in Australia, visit the  Australian Tourist Commission website.

Public Transportation:  Australia has an extensive and safe public transportation network consisting of buses, streetcars, ferries, trains, and subways. Metered taxis and ride sharing services are also prevalent. Use common sense safety practices, such as guarding valuables and remaining aware of your surroundings, on all public transportation.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Australia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Australia’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Australia should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings website  portal select “broadcast warnings”.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Australia .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Travel bans, new quarantine rules as Australia reacts to spread of Omicron variant in South Africa and neighbouring countries

The federal government has announced travel bans and new quarantine rules amid concerns about the new Omicron COVID-19 variant circulating in southern Africa.

Key points:

• Non-Australians who have been to nine countries where Omicron has been detected cannot enter Australia
• The countries are South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, The Seychelles, Malawi and Mozambique
• Anyone who has already arrived in Australia from one of the countries must isolate for 14 days

Effective immediately, non-Australian citizens who have been in nine countries, including South Africa, where Omicron has been detected cannot enter Australia.

The countries are South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, The Seychelles, Malawi and Mozambique.

Australian citizens and their dependents who have been in those countries over the past 14 days will need to enter two weeks' supervised quarantine.

Additionally, anyone who has already arrived in Australia from one of the countries recently must isolate for 14 days.

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said about 100 people who had flown into states and territories where quarantine is not compulsory would be required to quarantine.

"The crucial thing is supervised 14 days' quarantine. Where that occurs [whether at home or hotel quarantine] will be a matter for states to determine," Professor Kelly said.

He said the states and territories where the new rules apply are New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT because they no longer have quarantine rules for fully vaccinated Australians.

Australia has also suspended all flights to and from the affected countries.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the measures were precautionary and could change at any time.

"If the medical evidence shows that further actions are required, we will not hesitate to take them and that may involve strengthening or expanding the restrictions," he said.

"The world will learn a lot over the coming weeks."

The government is also changing the international border checks for all arrivals.

At the moment people flying in are required to show their vaccine certificate and a negative PCR test, but they will now be asked to list which countries they have been to in the past 14 days.

No known cases in Australia

There are no known cases of Omicron in Australia, but a person who recently arrived from South Africa has tested positive to COVID-19 at the Howard Springs quarantine facility.

Health authorities will receive the results back next week that will outline what variant it is.

Professor Kelly said authorities were closely monitoring the situation.

"Things are still being monitored in relation to this particular variant," he said.

"We do know that it does contain a large number of mutations. It is quite different to previous variants that we have been watching.

"But at this point, other than understanding that it is transmissible between humans and is transmitting particularly in South Africa but also in those surrounding countries, we do not, at this point, have any clear indication that it is more severe, or any definite indication of issues in relation to the vaccine.

"We don't know a lot about it, to be honest," he added.

Australia is the latest country to to introduce measures in response to the new variant .

Overnight, the World Health Organization called for calm, as scientists said it could take weeks to fully understand the variant's mutations and whether existing vaccines and treatments will work against it.

Mr Hunt said the outbreak again highlighted the importance of vaccination against COVID-19.

"We have seen a statement from the South African government," he said. "It is early days and they indicated that the vast majority of people who have been diagnosed so far [are] unvaccinated".

"This does emphasise, if you haven't been vaccinated, please come forward to be vaccinated."

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COVID-19 vaccine advice and recommendations for 2024

Stay protected against COVID-19 with current vaccination advice. Learn where you can find a vaccine provider and get the latest advice on vaccination.

Your primary course of vaccination

Your primary course of vaccination is the first time you receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Most people now only need 1 first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as their primary course. You may need 2 doses if you are at high risk of severe illness. 

Talk to your usual healthcare provider to decide how many primary course doses you need. Most Australians have already received their primary course of vaccination.

Advice about regular COVID-19 booster vaccinations

Regular COVID-19 vaccinations (also known as boosters) are the best way to maintain your protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19. 

They are especially important for anyone aged 65 years or older and people at higher risk of severe COVID-19.

As with all vaccinations, people are encouraged to discuss the vaccine options available to them with their health practitioner. You can also use the booster eligibility tool to determine whether you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination.

Find a vaccine service

The healthdirect Service Finder can help you find a vaccine provider near you. It also identifies clinics that cater to special requirements like ramp access and quiet spaces. 

All COVID-19 vaccinations are free to all people in Australia, including those without a Medicare card. 

It is safe and efficient to receive your COVID-19 vaccine alongside your flu vaccine or other routine vaccinations, including those for children over 5 years old and teens.

Possible side effects

The most frequently reported side effects include injection-site reactions, such a sore arm. Other reported side effects include:

• muscle pain
• fever and chills

These side effects typically last no more than a couple of days, and you will recover without any problems. Visit healthdirect for more information about side effects .

If you’ve had COVID-19

Regular COVID-19 vaccination is recommended even in individuals who have had a past infection.

There are no safety concerns for individuals receiving a COVID-19 vaccine who may have had a recent COVID-19 infection.

Immunisation history

You can obtain proof of your vaccination by accessing your immunisation history statement.

Visit Services Australia for information on how to get immunisation history statements .

More information

If you have any questions about vaccines, talk to your regular healthcare provider. 

We encourage you to rely on credible information to make informed choices about the vaccine you receive. 

Like your other vaccinations, we encourage you to discuss COVID-19 vaccine options available to you with your healthcare provider. They can help you decide how frequently you have your regular dose with an individual risk–benefit assessment.

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CDC streamlines COVID-19 guidance to help the public better protect themselves and understand their risk

Embargoed Until: Thursday, August 11, 2022, 3:00 PM ET Contact: Media Relations (404) 639-3286

Today, CDC is streamlining its COVID-19 guidance to help people better understand their risk, how to protect themselves and others, what actions to take if exposed to COVID-19, and what actions to take if they are sick or test positive for the virus. COVID-19 continues to circulate globally, however, with so many tools available to us for reducing COVID-19 severity, there is significantly less risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death compared to earlier in the pandemic.

“We’re in a stronger place today as a nation, with more tools—like vaccination, boosters, and treatments—to protect ourselves, and our communities, from severe illness from COVID-19,” said Greta Massetti, PhD, MPH, MMWR author. “We also have a better understanding of how to protect people from being exposed to the virus, like wearing high-quality masks, testing, and improved ventilation.  This guidance acknowledges that the pandemic is not over, but also helps us move to a point where COVID-19 no longer severely disrupts our daily lives.”

In support of this update CDC is:

• Continuing to promote the importance of being up to date with vaccination to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Protection provided by the current vaccine against symptomatic infection and transmission is less than that against severe disease and diminishes over time, especially against the currently circulating variants. For this reason, it is important to stay up to date, especially as new vaccines become available.
• Updating its guidance for people who are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccines on what to do if exposed to someone with COVID-19.  This is consistent with the existing guidance for people who are up to date on COVID-19 vaccines.
• Recommending that instead of quarantining if you were exposed to COVID-19, you wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5.
• If your results are positive, follow CDC’s full isolation recommendations.
• If your results are negative, you can end your isolation.
• If after 5 days you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and your symptoms are improving, or you never had symptoms, you may end isolation after day 5.
• Regardless of when you end isolation, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 until at least day 11.
• You should wear a high-quality mask through day 10.
• Recommending that if you had moderate illness (if you experienced shortness of breath or had difficulty breathing) or severe illness (you were hospitalized) due to COVID-19 or you have a weakened immune system, you need to isolate through day 10.
• Recommending that if you had  severe illness or have a weakened immune system, consult your doctor before ending isolation. Ending isolation without a viral test may not be an option for you. If you are unsure if your symptoms are moderate or severe or if you have a weakened immune system, talk to a healthcare provider for further guidance.
• Clarifying that after you have ended isolation, if your COVID-19 symptoms worsen, restart your isolation at day 0. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about your symptoms or when to end isolation.
• Recommending screening testing of asymptomatic people without known exposures will no longer be recommended in most community settings.
• Emphasizing that physical distance is just one component of how to protect yourself and others.  It is important to consider the risk in a particular setting, including local COVID-19 Community Levels and the important role of ventilation, when assessing the need to maintain physical distance.

Actions to take will continue to be informed by the COVID-19 Community Levels , launched in February. CDC will continue to focus efforts on preventing severe illness and post-COVID conditions, while ensuring everyone have the information and tools, they need to lower their risk.

This updated guidance is intended to apply to community settings. In the coming weeks CDC will work to align stand-alone guidance documents, such as those for healthcare settings, congregate settings at higher risk of transmission, and travel, with today’s update.

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There's another COVID variant you should know about: KP.3 now makes up 25% of COVID cases

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that a new COVID variant, the KP.3 variant , is rising to dominance across the United States.

For the two-week period starting on May 26 and ending on June 8, the government agency data shows that KP.3 accounts for 25% of COVID cases in the U.S. and is now the dominant variant. This knocks down previous frontrunner, the JN.1 variant , which spread globally last winter, and now makes up 22.5% of cases.

The CDC uses Nowcast data tracker to project the COVID variants over a two-week period. The tool is used to help estimate current prevalence of variants, but does not predict future spread of the virus, the CDC said.

Could there be a summer surge?: New COVID-19 FLiRT variants are now the dominant variant.

What is the KP.3 variant?

Like JN.1 and "FLiRT" variants KP.1.1 and KP.2, KP.3 is a similar strand.

USA TODAY reached out to the CDC for more information on the variant but have not heard back.

State of COVID cases in US

Although the rates for deaths and hospitalizations have declined significantly, the data also shows that the rates for positive tests and emergency room visits are on the rise.

The CDC recently reported on June 4 that "COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 30 states."

COVID fall vaccine will target JN.1

The dominant emergence of the KP.3 variant comes on the heels of an FDA panel meeting this week to discuss updates to a COVID vaccine for the fall.

During the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee , health experts from vaccine manufacturers Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax each told the panel they were prepared to make JN.1-targeted vaccines available in August pending FDA approval.

The updated vaccines are set to be  released in the fall , ahead of expected winter upticks in COVID-19 cases.

Contributing:   Eduardo Cuevas , USA TODAY.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at  [email protected] . Follow her on  Instagram ,  Threads  and  X (Twitter) .