Updated travel requirements: here’s everything you need to know
The omicron variant has spread rapidly throughout the world and Australia and with it we’ve seen a new array of travel requirements for Aussies.
But the requirements are not limited to international travel, with several states also adjusting interstate requirements over the holiday period.
So what requirements do Aussie travellers face as we kick off 2022?
International travel:
Aussie citizens and permanent residents aged 12 and over who are fully vaccinated can leave Australia without needing an outwards travel exemption and can be eligible for reduced quarantine requirements when returning to Australia.
Quarantine-free international travel into Australia is possible for fully vaccinated Australian citizens, permanent residents and temporary visa holders in NSW, Victoria, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT, provided they isolate until they receive a negative test result.
Direct international arrivals to Western Australia and Queensland must undertake hotel quarantine for 14 days.
Travellers to Australia should complete an Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) at least 72 hours prior to departure. The ATD includes a vaccination certificate, a legally binding declaration in relation to their vaccination status, and an acknowledgement that when they check-in for their flight, they must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 3 days of their flight’s scheduled departure to Australia.
The ATD also includes a declaration regarding the travellers last 14 days travel history, and a declaration that the person will comply with the quarantine requirements of the state/territory of first arrival and any other state/territory to which they intend to travel and have made quarantine arrangements prior to travel where required.
Interstate travel:
NSW:
For those arriving in NSW from another Australian state or territory, there is currently no requirement to complete an entry declaration form, however, entry will be restricted if an NSW Health concerns notice identifies affected areas, areas of concern and places of concern.
If you are allowed to travel to NSW from a location that appears in the COVID-19 concerns notice, when you arrive you may be required to self-isolate for 10 days and get a COVID test.
There is currently no concerns notice for any other state or territory.
Travellers also need to comply with COVID-19 rules and restrictions within NSW.
Victoria:
There is no permit required to enter Victoria from interstate, unless you have been overseas in the past 14 days, and there are no domestic testing requirements for interstate arrivals.
Victorian residents who tested positive to COVID-19 interstate can return home to complete their isolation.
Queensland:
Travellers entering Queensland from a hotspot must be fully vaccinated, take a COVID-19 PCR test (from a COVID-19 hotspot), receive a negative test result within the 72 hours prior to their arrival in Queensland, and apply for and receive a Queensland Entry Pass.
Those who have not been in a hotspot can enter directly from a safe travel zone without restrictions.
Hot spots include NSW, ACT, Victoria, parts of the Northern Territory around Darwin and the north island of New Zealand.
South Australia:
There are no restrictions on interstate travel in South Australia.
Tasmania:
Fully vaccinated travellers need to register their travel through the Tas-e Travel system and those who have been in high risk areas need to have a negative result from a COVID-19 test before arriving in Tasmania. This can be a rapid antigen test 24 hours before departure or a PCR 72 hours prior to departure.
Unvaccinated travellers will be required to quarantine for up to 14 days after applying to enter Tasmania through the Tas-e travel system. They also need to provide a negative COVID test prior to departure.
Northern Territory:
Fully vaccinated people can travel to the NT without quarantine and proof of vaccination is required on entry. Travellers must complete a border re-entry form before arriving, receive a rapid antigen test after arrival, on day 3 and day 6, and are required to download the G2G Now App.
These travellers can travel anywhere in the NT, except to an excluded community, within 14 days of arrival.
Unvaccinated travellers are not allowed to enter the NT.
Western Australia:
Travellers from everywhere in Australia except for the NT are not permitted to enter without an approval through G2G Pass, and must undergo 14 days quarantine at a government approved hotel.
They also have to provide proof of being double vaccinated and will need to be tested on days 1, 5 and 13 of quarantine.
Travellers from the NT also need an approved G2G Pass and must undergo self-quarantine at a suitable premises for 14 days. These travellers have to undergo testing on days 1 and day 12, as well as provide proof of being fully vaccinated.
ACT:
There are no longer any restrictions on interstate travel to the ACT.
Latest News
Two thirds of Australians support introduction of tourism tax, survey reveals
Can you guess which generation was the most outraged at the news? Hint: It is exactly who you think!
“The consumer really just wanted more classic reward availability” – customers underwhelmed by Qantas FF shakeup
All this consumer wants is to sit behind someone that doesn't push their seat back to near-horizontal levels.
Aussie travellers warned of ‘significant’ visa shifts in destinations including Chile, US and Vietnam
To be honest are biggest advice for having a layover in the US, is just don't.
Profile: Delta CEO Ed Bastian
Bastian says the airline business isn't for the faint hearted. We're sure Alan Joyce would agree!
Final Call: Travel DAZE Exec early birds are about to expire
Much like the auctioneer at the hottest sale of the year, we're giving you one more chance to jump at this deal!
Forget the weekend! Experience Gold Coast launches mid-week travel campaign
Your boss might be a bit bothered if you jet off mid-week, but you'll be the envy of all of your Instagram followers.
Victorian Tourism Industry Council warns of losing tourism dollars to NSW & QLD
Trendy cafe's hidden in CBD laneways can only get so many tourism dollars, clearly!
AIME 2024 rustles up $330m for APAC economy
This figure is a 65 per cent increase on 2023, much alike The Nibbler staff's alcohol consumption.
Amex GBT to purchase CWT for $871m
It's big deals like this that get a firm handshake - hence the sore hands over at the CWT and Amex GBT offices.
Boeing cleanout: CEO, chair to go as safety crisis plagues the manufacturer
CEOs are falling thick and fast these days. We should have started up a bingo game with their headshots in the office.
Star boss resigns, admits retaining NSW casino licence unlikely under his leadership
The CEO resigned after 18 months in the role. 'Another one bites the dust' rumoured to be heard playing in Pyrmont.
Corporate Traveller swings amateur golfers around the globe for World Golf Competition
How're your golf skills? Consider yourself a Tiger Woods or often get quadruple bogeys? We take after the latter.
Corporate travellers to spend big on Melbourne F1 despite financial pressures
Part of the attraction is sick days after the event as corporate travellers suffer creaked necks and blown eardrums.
Bonza officially kicks off Gold Coast-Darwin route
The Flying Purple Thumb is back at it with another route. We swear, we're going to make this nickname stick!
South West Sydney Tourism launches Western Sydney Tourism Awards
Penrith's 3 consecutive NRL premierships wasn't enough? The people of Western Sydney could fill the trophy cabinet more!
Hotels vs. Airbnb: Industry leaders at odds over who should pay accommodation levy
There's not as much gore in the Hotels vs. Airbnb saga as there is in Alien vs. Predator, but it's just as thrilling!
Singapore Airlines revamps premium economy with new menu, amenity kit
Felt Singapore Airlines was lacking "the sauce" (as the kids say). Bolster belief in the carrier's je na sais quoi here.
Business Events Adelaide set for 20th Destination SA event
Destination SA turns 20! Hopefully it's not celebrated with vodka cruisers and vapes like most 20th birthdays.
Boeing’s woes delay massive Virgin Australia order
This delay means Virgin staffers will be without that new plane smell, inspiring us to sell it in a can.
All the winners from the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
Somehow missed this news recently? Good thing you're subscribed to our fabulous newsletter!
Corporate international travel from Brisbane up 30% YOY: Flight Centre
Queenslanders seem keen to go somewhere that actually serves good beer! Sorry, we actually like Great Northern.
Amora Brisbane undergoes $30m remodelling, geared up for MICE offerings
When $30m goes into an amazing hotel to get it geared up for MICE offerings, that's amore!
Corporate Travel Management’s CEO Laura Ruffles steps down
CTM confirmed that Ruffles will be stepping down due to a personal health issue, effective immediately.
Qatar Airways crowned World’s Best MICE Airline at World MICE Awards
You could say Qatar Airways really 'nabbed the cheese' with this one! Alright, we'll see ourselves out...
Qantas, Jetstar & Virgin hike airfares as supplier costs inflate
Supplier increases means you'll pay more. It's like pass the parcel, but instead of getting a present, you owe money.
NSW Central Coast wins global sustainability award for promoting ecotourism at ITB
NSW Central Coast jumped the gun on St. Patricks Day and got the green celebrations going early!
PHOTOS: RuPaul’s Drag Race stars hit Kings Canyon for Priscilla’s 30th anniversary
The stars have renamed the iconic spot 'Queens Canyon'. No name change to the adjacent 'Priscilla's Crack', however.
Air NZ to suspend Auckland-Chicago route amid aircraft troubles
Sorry Kiwis, your craving for authentic deep dish pizza will go unsatiated (or you could just fly with another airline).
Tasmanian Premier promises to build the world’s largest chocolate fountain if re-elected
If only sticky 6-year-old children could vote. Then the Tassie Premier would be guaranteed a victory!
The staggering amount invested in 2022/23 Australian tourism projects revealed!
Any guesses on how much it was? We'll give you a hint: It's between $1 and $9 trillion (hope this helps).
Marriott’s Bonvoy Lounge makes it a 5-peat at Formula 1 in Melbourne
If Formula 1 is so good, then why isn't there a Formula 2? Oh there is one... Never mind.
Virgin Australia posts $236m profit, but the outgoing CEO warns of turbulence ahead
Hrdlicka warns of tough times ahead, just after announcing she's leaving. We wonder if there could be a connection!
Ascott opens new 255 room property in Central Sydney
Bored of your bedroom and want 255 new ones to try? The new Ascott property is here to solve this very specific problem!
Work and play at the Radisson RED, Auckland
We aren't going to tell you what order to work and play in, just that you should be looking to do both at Radisson Red.
Swiftonomics 101: Just how much did fans spend travelling to see Taylor Swift?
Thought you'd heard the last of Swift, huh? Not in your Wildest Dreams could Swiftomania go out of Style!
Rex posts a $13.3m turnaround for 1H24, but still at a loss
Rex is slowly making its way back to pre-pandemic form. Much like us with our sporadic attempts at exercise.