Madison Clarke
As of February 2022, Australia has reopened its borders to international travellers, allowing entry to those who can show proof of two doses of an approved Covid-19 vaccine. Unvaccinated travellers must provide a valid reason for their trip and apply for a travel exemption. They may also be required to quarantine at a hotel. Each Australian state or territory has its own vaccination and testing requirements, with some states, such as South Australia, only permitting entry to vaccinated travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination Requirements | Must be fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine |
| Approved Vaccines | AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Covax, Coronavac, Sputnik, Sinopharm, Novavax, Johnson & Johnson |
| Number of Doses | 2 doses (mixed doses are accepted) or 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson |
| Time Since Final Dose | At least 7 days before travel |
| Proof of Vaccination | COVID-19 vaccination certificate in English or with certified English translation |
| Medical Exemptions | Allowed with valid evidence of a medical contraindication |
| Age Requirements | Children under 12 years and 3 months can enter if accompanying adults are fully vaccinated |
| Testing Requirements | Negative test result (PCR or supervised rapid antigen test) within 72 hours or 24 hours before departure, depending on the state |
| Quarantine | May be required for unvaccinated travellers or those without approved medical exemptions |
| State-Specific Rules | Individual states/territories have their own entry, testing, and quarantine requirements |
| Visa Requirements | Visa holders must be fully vaccinated or have a valid medical exemption |
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What You'll Learn
Who can enter Australia without being vaccinated?
As of 6 July 2022, people can travel to and from Australia without declaring their COVID-19 vaccination status. However, individual states or territories have their own vaccination and testing requirements, particularly for young people, so it is important to check carefully before travelling.
Unvaccinated travellers without an approved medical exemption are not permitted to enter South Australia, including returning residents. Exemptions will be considered for select reasons, such as funerals and end-of-life visits, with applications made as an extension of the EntryCheck SA application.
Western Australia is open to fully vaccinated domestic and international travellers. Only visitors from Tasmania can enter Western Australia without quarantining.
Tasmania requires all travellers, including returning residents, to provide their contact and travel details before entering the state through the Tas e-Travel system. All unvaccinated travellers and returning residents will need approval to enter Tasmania. Applications must include evidence of a suitable premises for self-isolation or a hotel quarantine booking, as well as a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours before departure to Tasmania.
Children under the age of 12 years and three months at the time of travel can enter Australia if the adults they are travelling with are fully vaccinated. Children over four, unless medically exempt or recently recovered from Covid-19, must be tested in the same way as fully vaccinated adults. Anybody over the age of 12 years and three months must be fully vaccinated.
Upon arriving in Australia, travellers may be asked by border control to provide a valid vaccination certificate as proof of receiving the yellow fever vaccination. If travellers do not have a valid certificate, they will still be permitted entry.
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What vaccines are accepted as valid?
Vaccination requirements for entry to Australia can change, so it is important to check official government websites like the Australian Department of Home Affairs and Smartraveller for the latest information. Here is the situation as of June 2025.
The Australian government no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry to the country. However, the CDC and WHO recommend that all international travellers are fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The CDC and WHO also recommend the following vaccinations for Australia: hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) is a national register that records vaccines given to all people in Australia. You may already have received recommended vaccines from previous travel or routine vaccinations, and these may be recorded in the AIR.
If you are travelling to Australia with children over 1 year of age, it is recommended that they get a Hepatitis A vaccination. Japanese encephalitis is a serious disease spread by mosquitoes in Asia and the Torres Strait region of Australia, so vaccination is recommended if you are travelling to these areas. Rabies is common in Central and South America, Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia, so vaccination is recommended if you are arriving from these areas.
If you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is present, you will need to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination. This is the case even if you are only transiting through an airport in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission (with the exception of the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador).
For pilgrims travelling directly from Australia to Mecca (Hajj and Umra), only evidence of MenACWY vaccination is currently mandatory.
Other Health Considerations
In addition to the above vaccines, there are other health considerations to keep in mind when travelling to Australia. Dengue occurs seasonally in northern Queensland, so take extra precautions from January to April. There is also a risk of contracting the Ross River Virus, a mosquito-borne illness mainly found in Australia and the South Pacific. While there is no specific vaccine for this virus, travellers should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors in Australia, be aware that bug bites can spread diseases. Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. Use an appropriate insect repellent and consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day. 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 by using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and seeking shade during the hottest time of the day (10 am–4 pm).
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in Australia, so call Australia's embassy to verify that all of your prescription medications are permitted. Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extras in case of travel delays.
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What if I can't be vaccinated for medical reasons?
As of July 6, 2023, all COVID-19 vaccination entry requirements for international travelers have been lifted in Australia. This means that you do not need to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Australia, regardless of your vaccination status. However, it's important to check for any last-minute changes before your travel, as the requirements can be reinstated or modified at short notice.
Now, regarding your specific concern about not being able to get vaccinated due to medical reasons:
If you have a medical condition that contraindicates vaccination, you should carry or wear a medical waiver or exemption card or medical jewelry, such as a bracelet or necklace, that explains your situation. This will help to quickly communicate your condition to border officials and other authorities. Make sure to have a doctor's note or letter that explains your medical condition and the reason for your unvaccinated status. This letter should be translated into English if it's originally in another language. Keep the letter with your other important travel documents, and carry it with you at all times during your travel.
Additionally, you may need to take a COVID-19 test before departing for Australia and present a negative result upon arrival, even if vaccination is not required. Check the latest requirements before your travel and ensure that you understand the testing options available to you, including the types of tests accepted and the timeframe within which the test must be taken. It is always advisable to have some buffer time in case you need to arrange for a test and obtain the results before your travel.
If you are traveling with someone who is unvaccinated due to a medical condition, it is important to ensure that you yourself are fully vaccinated and boosted, if eligible. This will help protect you and those around you during your travel and stay in Australia. Follow all other recommended health and safety guidelines, such as wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and practicing good hygiene, especially in indoor settings or crowded places.
Lastly, keep yourself informed about the local requirements and guidelines in Australia. While vaccination may not be mandatory for entry, there could be specific rules or restrictions in certain regions or establishments that you plan to visit. These could include requirements for proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for accessing certain events, venues, or activities. Staying informed will help you prepare accordingly and ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Australia.
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Do children need to be vaccinated to enter Australia?
Australia has implemented vaccination requirements for entry into the country. All travellers entering Australia must declare their vaccination status. Foreign COVID-19 vaccination certificates will be accepted for entry as long as they are issued by a national or state/provincial-level authority or an accredited vaccination provider. The certificate must be presented in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. The traveller's name, date of birth, and passport or national identity number must match those on the certificate, which must also indicate the vaccine brand name and the date of each dose administered.
Children aged 0 to 4 years old can receive free vaccinations against serious diseases, including routine childhood immunisations recommended for all children in Australia. These vaccines help protect children from serious childhood infections, some of which can be life-threatening. The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides these vaccines free of charge, and children who missed their recommended vaccines can receive them for free until they turn 20 years old (25 years old for the HPV vaccine). Refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age can also receive free NIP vaccines if they did not receive them during childhood and they are still clinically recommended.
While there is no explicit mention of vaccination requirements for children entering Australia, the country's vaccination entry rules apply to "all travellers." This would include children, who may be required to present a foreign COVID-19 vaccination certificate upon entry. Additionally, certain public events and activities in Australia may require proof of vaccination for entry, which would include children.
It is important to note that different states and territories in Australia may have specific testing and vaccination requirements. For example, New South Wales and South Australia require travellers to take an antigen test within 24 hours of arrival and remain in isolation until they receive a negative result. Therefore, it is essential to check the current COVID-19 rules and regulations of the specific state or territory you are travelling to before planning your trip to Australia.
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What are the entry requirements for each state?
Australia has implemented various measures to prevent the entry of diseases and materials that could pose a threat to its welfare. As of April 18th, travellers entering Australia are no longer required to present a negative pre-departure test. However, they must complete a Digital Passenger Declaration within 72 hours of departure, and those arriving by sea must complete a Maritime Travel Declaration. Travellers must also declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to duty or tax, such as food, animal products, and plant materials.
Different states and territories in Australia have different testing and vaccination requirements. Here are the entry requirements for some of the states:
New South Wales
New South Wales requires travellers to take an antigen test within 24 hours of arrival and remain isolated until they receive a negative result.
South Australia
Similar to New South Wales, South Australia requires travellers to undergo an antigen test within 24 hours of arrival and isolate until they obtain a negative result.
Queensland
Queensland follows similar protocols to New South Wales and South Australia, but travellers must use private travel to their place of isolation.
Western Australia
Western Australia imposes limited travel to remote communities.
General Requirements
All travellers entering Australia must declare their vaccination status, and proof of vaccination may be requested from Australian citizens and permanent residents when travelling out of the country. A foreign COVID-19 vaccination certificate is accepted for entry into Australia if issued by a relevant authority or accredited vaccination provider. The certificate must include specific details such as the traveller's name, date of birth, passport number, vaccine brand name, and the date of each dose. Travellers who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons must provide valid evidence of a medical contraindication.
Additionally, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Australia if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need to be fully vaccinated to enter Australia. This means that you must have received at least two doses of an approved vaccine.
If you are not vaccinated, you will need a compelling reason to enter Australia. You will also have to apply for a travel exemption and quarantine in a hotel.
If you cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, you must provide valid evidence of a medical contraindication, such as a medical certificate.
Yes, children under the age of 12 years and three months can enter Australia if they are accompanied by fully vaccinated adults.
Each state or territory in Australia has its own rules regarding entry and vaccination requirements. It is important to check the specific requirements for the state or territory you plan to visit.
