Logan Reed
As of July 2022, Virgin Australia requires passengers to present a vaccination certificate to fly internationally. However, there is no vaccination requirement for domestic flights within Australia. Virgin Australia's website states that passengers must meet the COVID-19 travel regulations for their origin, destination, and transit points, which may include vaccination requirements. The airline has previously stated that it is the passenger's responsibility to comply with the relevant entry and exit rules of the countries they are travelling to and from.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Domestic flights | No vaccination certificate required |
| International flights | Vaccination certificate required |
| Exemptions | Children under 12 or under 17 with a vaccinated parent or guardian |
| Additional requirements | Negative COVID-19 test |
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What You'll Learn
International flights may require vaccination
International flights with Virgin Australia may require vaccination. While the airline has not always required vaccination for passengers on domestic flights, international travel is a different matter. Virgin Australia has stated that for travel to and from Australia, passengers must meet the vaccine requirements of the Commonwealth and relevant State and Territory governments, as well as the entry and exit requirements of the countries they are travelling to. This means that passengers may be asked to present a vaccination certificate to fly internationally with Virgin Australia.
Indeed, in 2021, Virgin Australia's chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka made COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory and called for international flights to resume by Christmas. She expressed optimism that Australians would achieve the desired vaccination rates to enable lockdowns to end and state borders to reopen. She also stated that she saw no reason why Australia couldn't hit 80% vaccination rates by the end of the year and open its borders to other countries.
However, it's important to note that vaccine requirements can vary from country to country, and these requirements may include specific timeframes between full vaccination and the date of travel. Therefore, passengers travelling internationally with Virgin Australia are responsible for meeting the COVID-19 travel regulations for their origin, destination, and any transit points.
In addition to vaccination requirements, passengers travelling internationally may also need to comply with additional health screening measures, such as providing a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding. These requirements are subject to change, so it is recommended that passengers check the latest information from the relevant government websites before their travel.
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Domestic flights don't require vaccination
As of July 2022, Australia has opened its borders to unvaccinated travellers, and no longer requires a Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) to record vaccination status. However, some airlines still require vaccination certificates for international flights.
Virgin Australia has made COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for international flights, and passengers must meet the vaccine requirements of their origin, destination, and transit points. However, for domestic flights within Australia, Virgin has always allowed unvaccinated passengers to fly. Qantas, which previously restricted unvaccinated passengers on domestic flights, has also removed this restriction.
It is important to note that various restrictions are in place across Australia, and guests are encouraged to visit the latest information for each State and Territory on their government website before travelling. While there are no vaccination checks for domestic flights, additional health screenings may take place before departure and upon arrival.
Therefore, while domestic flights in Australia do not require vaccination, travellers are advised to check the latest government information and travel regulations before their journey, as requirements may change.
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Virgin Australia's stance on vaccine passports
Australia has developed a QR code system of vaccine certificates to be used for international travel and re-engaging in "commercial, social, and cultural life". However, the implementation of vaccine passports has faced resistance in some states and territories, with concerns about human rights issues and philosophical objections.
Virgin Australia has allowed unvaccinated passengers to fly domestically, but for international flights, they require passengers to present a vaccination certificate. This is in line with other Australian airlines like Qantas and Jetstar.
There are no checks for vaccination status on domestic Virgin Australia flights. However, for international travel, vaccination requirements vary from country to country, and passengers may need to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
While Virgin Australia does not explicitly mention the term "vaccine passport," their acceptance of unvaccinated passengers on domestic flights and requirement for vaccination certificates on international flights indicate a stance that aligns with Australia's vaccine passport system. This system allows individual businesses and states to implement their own policies, resulting in variable standards across the country.
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Vaccination requirements for airport lounges
As of December 2021, vaccination is not mandatory on all flights within Australia. However, it is a strict requirement to enter many airport lounges, even for non-flying guests. This is because airport lounges operate under the regulations applied to the hospitality industry in each state or territory. Hence, the rules vary across different states and territories.
At the time of writing, all visitors to the airport lounges of Qantas and Virgin Australia in Victoria and Queensland must show proof of full vaccination before they are allowed into the lounge. This applies to everyone entering the lounges in those states, regardless of whether they are flying that day. Proof of vaccination can be shown through an app-based digital vaccination certificate or a printed copy of an immunisation history statement.
On the other hand, proof of vaccination is not required for entering airport lounges in New South Wales, Canberra, Tasmania, South Australia, or Western Australia. However, visitors to these lounges must still register their details with the relevant state or territory's contact tracing app.
It is important to note that these rules are subject to change, and travellers are responsible for meeting the COVID-19 travel regulations for their origin, destination, and transit points.
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COVID-19 travel regulations for origin, destination, and transit points
As of August 2021, Virgin Australia made COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for passengers on international flights. However, this mandate does not extend to domestic flights within Australia. While the airline encourages vaccination, it is not a requirement for passengers travelling domestically.
Regardless of your vaccination status, it is your responsibility to adhere to the COVID-19 travel regulations of your origin, destination, and any transit points. These regulations vary across different states and territories in Australia and may include additional health screenings, entry and exit requirements, and restrictions on interstate travel. It is recommended that you review the latest information from the relevant government websites before your travel.
For international travel to and from Australia, you must comply with the vaccine requirements and entry and exit rules of the Commonwealth, State, and Territory governments. These requirements may differ depending on the countries you are travelling to and from. It is important to stay updated with any changes in regulations.
When entering airport lounges in Australia, vaccination requirements vary depending on the state or territory. In Victoria and Queensland, for example, proof of full vaccination is mandatory for all visitors to the airport lounges of Qantas and Virgin Australia. In other states and territories, such as New South Wales, vaccination proof is not required for lounge access. However, registration with the state or territory's contact tracing app may still be necessary.
It is important to note that these regulations are subject to change, and it is your responsibility to stay informed about the COVID-19 travel regulations at your origin, destination, and any transit points.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, for international flights, Virgin Australia requires passengers to present a vaccination certificate. However, this does not apply to children under 12 or those under 17 who are flying with a vaccinated parent or guardian.
No, Virgin Australia does not require proof of vaccination for domestic flights within Australia.
Yes, passengers are responsible for meeting the COVID-19 travel regulations for their origin, destination, and transit points. This may include additional health screening before departure and upon arrival.
Yes, Virgin Australia has encouraged its staff to get vaccinated through the VA-X & Win competition, which offers prizes such as additional annual leave, lounge memberships, and free business class flights.
Yes, Virgin Australia has made COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for its staff, with the goal of resuming international flights and ending lockdowns.
