Locals looking to take a holiday down under will have the opportunity this month.
Effective Feb. 21, Australia will reopen its borders to international travellers after nearly two years (the country closed them in March 2020).
From glistening white-sand beaches to vibrant coral reefs, delectable eateries to endless shopping experiences, there are a number of things to see and do in Australia. The country is famous for its wildlife and there are a variety of tours that take travellers up close and personal with some of the most fascinating creatures in the world.
But there are several things Canadian travel will need to keep in mind before they pack their bags.
What Canadians need to travel to Australia
To be eligible to enter Australia, international travellers must hold a valid visa and be fully vaccinated with two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and provide proof of vaccination status.
Planning on getting a second dose right before your trip? Keep in mind that seven days must have passed since the final dose of vaccine in a course of immunization. Mixed doses count towards being fully vaccinated.
Similar to Canada, the Australian government requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Complete an Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before your flight
Passengers travelling to Australia should complete the Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before departure.
When filling out the ATD you will need to upload your vaccination certificate. You will also need to:
- make a legally binding declaration in relation to your vaccination status
- provide information and a declaration about your last 14 days travel history
- acknowledge that when you check-in for your flight, you must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken within 3 days of your flight’s scheduled departure to Australia (unless you are exempt); and
- make a declaration that you will comply with the quarantine requirements of the jurisdiction of the first arrival and any other domestic jurisdictions you intend to travel to and have made quarantine arrangements prior to travel where required.
What to show at the airport
Present your Canadian vaccination passport, negative COVID-19 PCR test result, and show your completed ATD to airline staff when you check-in for your flight. If you are not able to present valid documentation you may not be permitted to board your flight.
Do I need to quarantine?
As of Feb. 7, fully vaccinated visa holders can enter all states and territories quarantine-free starting on Feb. 21, except for Western Australia.
Travellers will need to comply with requirements in the state or territory of their arrival, and any other state or territories that they plan to travel to. You should always double-check entry requirements before you go and check any requirements for stopover destinations.
For requirements for travel into specific states and territories in Australia, visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.
For more information on travelling to Australia visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
Metro Vancouver residents: What to know about travel right now
- Find out everything you need to know about international travel with our comprehensive travel guide for Canadians.
- Discover a tutorial on how to use the ArriveCAN app.
- See the testing and quarantine instructions you'll receive at Vancouver International Airport.
- Find out the best way to get a refund on your flight and not get taken advantage of by the airline with V.I.A.'s air passenger guide.
Disclaimer: Vancouver Is Awesome does not support travel during the non-essential travel advisory. Many foreign governments are implementing strict travel restrictions due to the spread of the Omicron variant and international transportation options may be limited. As a result, you may have difficulty returning to Canada.
