Get ready to roam again

With some careful planning and organisation, you can enjoy international travel again. Here’s how.

Starting to think about international travel, not just dream about it? Flying overseas is a reality again with Australia’s international border reopening after being shut for nearly two years due to the pandemic. Whether you want to visit family and friends, reschedule that long overdue holiday or simply have a travel itch that needs to be scratched, there are a few more things that need to be taken into consideration when planning a trip in a post‑COVID world. With the virus still circulating, and changing, it’s understandable to feel some apprehension. But with planning, expert advice and some flexibility, it’s possible to see the world again. Here’s what you need to know if you’re setting your sights abroad.

Before you book

Even before the pandemic, there was a lot to consider before packing your bags. On top of your travel dates, destination, accommodation, visas and activities, you’ll need to consider things like entry requirements, pre and post‑departure PCR tests, and proof of vaccination. Flight changes and cancellations are also more common. “Have your dates but be flexible and be prepared for things to change,” said Natalie Daw, owner of Helloworld Camberwell. “Give yourself a buffer of time. Don’t book the return flight the day before you start work.” While airlines have offered flexible conditions and cancellation policies during the pandemic, you can’t assume that you’ll escape fees if you show up to the airport without a PCR test or the correct paperwork. “It’s not the airline’s responsibility to tell you that you need a border pass; it’s your responsibility,” Ms Daw said. “Airlines will allow you to make a change for free, but they’re starting to crack down on that. They’re not going to waive fees for ignorance.” And just because a seat is for sale on an airline’s website doesn’t mean travel to that destination is guaranteed on the day. Border restrictions, entry requirements and transiting rules are very fluid at the moment as countries and regions balance reopening with public health. “The rules are changing overnight,” Ms Daw said. “Something can be correct one day and it changes the next. “It’s hard to do it on your own, which is why more people are coming back to a travel agent. With everything that’s changing, it’s good to have that human interaction. It’s a new ball game but we’re doing it every day.” When considering destinations, your travel agent and the government’s Smart Traveller website are your two most reliable sources of information.

Natalie Daw, owner of Helloworld Camberwell

Basic requirements for most international travel

If you dust off that passport and find it’s expired, you’re not alone. Plenty of Aussies let their passports lapse during the pandemic, so allow up to six weeks to get it renewed. At a minimum, you will need to be double vaccinated to travel abroad but having a booster at least seven days before your departure is the safest bet to ensure you meet entry requirements. To prove your vaccination, or medical exemption, you will need to obtain an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate. “The vaccination certificate on your Services Australia app is not accepted overseas,” Ms Daw said. “You’ll need the international certificate, which you can download onto your phone.” It’s likely you will need to provide a negative PCR or RAT test to be able to board your international flight, but it’s worth checking the requirements in the weeks leading up to your trip. “At the moment you need to have a PCR test, but by May it will probably change,” Ms Daw said. If you need a pre‑departure test, you can find your nearest testing location via Dorevitch Pathology or Melbourne Pathology.

While you're abroad

Even if you are only transiting through a country, it’s important to know the rules and have the correct paperwork filled out ahead of time where possible. Many travel agents recommend reading every document presented to you during your travels. Reading the fine print may not be exciting, but it could mean the difference between a memorable trip and a travel nightmare. Once you arrive at your destination, you may be required to get one or several post-arrival tests, which may affect your itinerary. It’s important to know where you can get tested and if you need to make an appointment. “There may be a specific test you need,” Ms Daw said. “We call it a PCR test here, but it might be called something else overseas. In many places you’ll need to book an appointment, sometimes at a hospital, and it’s good to know how much it’s going to cost.” Once you’re in the clear, and seeing as you’ve travelled all that way, you’re going to want to see some sights and eat the local food. Arm yourself with the essentials including plenty of spare face masks and hand sanitiser, and assume that social distancing is the norm. COVID-19 has also impacted the opening hours for many attractions and public transport timetables. Book ahead where possible to avoid long queues or the possibility of missing out.

Making your trip less stressful

Even if you follow every rule to the letter, there is still a chance you could get COVID-19 or another illness or injury while you’re overseas. Getting COVID-specific travel insurance will ensure you’re not left with hefty quarantine or medical expenses. Again, make sure you read the fine print and have a contingency built into your travel budget. And there’s one more thing you’ll need to pack – your sense of adventure. “If you are fully vaccinated, you can’t be too scared to do things or you won’t do anything at all,” Ms Daw said. “You need to look at your own health and situation. If you’re a healthy, triple vaccinated 26-year-old, then wear your mask as per the rules of that country but don’t stop doing the things you want to do.” With some careful planning and organisation, you can enjoy international travel again.

Contact your local travel agent for advice

Helloworld Camberwell - 941 Burke Rd, Camberwell Phone: (03) 9963 1280

Flight Centre Camberwell - 231 Camberwell Rd, Hawthorn East Phone: 1300 835 259