Decided to go on a holiday to Australia? Great choice. Let’s get down to planning a trip worthy of making up for the two-year travel hiatus.
Australia’s spacious landscapes, natural wonders and cultural destinations should be at the top of the list. But first, let’s look at the most important must-haves: the visa and entry requirements. Travellers from Malaysia with proof of full Covid-19 vaccination can now enter Australia. However, states or territories may have specific requirements and exemptions that you should know about before heading over.
Here we have a pre-departure checklist updated as of May 23, 2022, to give you an overview of what’s required before your holiday to Australia. We also cover vaccines and doses recognised by Australian authorities, what you need to do if you are not vaccinated for medical reasons, as well as Australian travel restrictions and general information for different states and territories.
It is important to remember that entry to Australia for eligible travellers is subject to change based on federal and state government authorities including visa granting authorities. For specific travel advice and given the ever-evolving Covid-19 pandemic, do look for the most up-to-date information from relevant government and health authorities such as the Australian Department of Health and the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AUSTRALIA: COVID-19 INFORMATION AND MORE
In this article, we will cover:
- A Pre-Departure Checklist for Aspiring Travellers to Australia
- Recognised Vaccines and Doses
- If You Are Not Vaccinated for Medical Reasons
- States and Territories: Travel Restrictions and General Information
AUSTRALIA TRAVEL: A PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST
Simple things to do before your trip to Australia for a hassle-free holiday:
1. Apply for an eligible visa
Malaysians can apply for a tourist visa via the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) application. With this visa, you can visit friends and family, take a cruise and participate in other holiday activities, as well as undertake certain business visitor activities such as making general business inquiries and attending a conference or trade seminar.
There is no Visa Application Charge but there may be an application service charge of AUD20. Go here to find out more about tourist visas. Before you apply for your visa, ensure that you have a valid passport.
2. Bring proof of your Covid-19 vaccination
International travellers to Australia (including Australian citizens) must declare their vaccination status to enter Australia. Travellers must be able to provide appropriate supporting evidence.
If you are vaccinated, you must present your Covid-19 vaccination certificate to the airline staff when checking in for your flight. You may also be requested to present it to border officials upon arrival in Australia.
Travellers vaccinated in Malaysia should present certificates in formats that meet the following criteria:
- Issued by a national authority e.g. MySejathera or an accredited vaccination provider. Both paper and digital certificates are accepted.
- Written in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
- Required information includes the name as it appears on the traveller’s passport; either date of birth or passport number or Malaysian identity card number (NRIC); your vaccine brand name, and the date of each dose or the date on which a full course of immunisation was completed.
3. Complete your Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) before travelling
You can start working on your DPD seven days before your flight to Australia, but you can only submit your DPD within 72 hours before your departure. You must provide your health information and declaration within 72 hours before your flight.
Other information required by the DPD includes your flight number, passport number, travel history (14 days before your flight to Australia), destination and quarantine arrangement (if needed), your Covid-19 vaccination record or acceptable proof you cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
After you have created an account and submitted your DPD, you will need to show your summary screen (either a hard copy or electronically) along with the relevant supporting documentation at the airport check-in, before boarding your flight.
4.Check your airline regulations and requirements
You do not need to undertake a negative COVID-19 test before you travel to Australia. However, each airline will have its own regulations and conditions for travelling. Make sure you are aware of any pre-flight requirements before your departure date. Visit your airline’s website for the most up-to-date travel information.
5. Check state and territory restrictions
States and territories can apply their own travel restrictions. See below for an overview of the restrictions for each state/territory. Be sure to understand the requirements specific to the state or territory you are entering.
6. Book ahead
Be sure to book your accommodation, restaurants, tours and experiences in advance. Booking ahead ensures you don’t miss out on your favourite activities, and it can often be done online.
AUSTRALIA TRAVEL: RECOGNISED VACCINES AND DOSES
You are considered to be fully vaccinated for the purposes of international travel to or from Australia if you have completed a primary course of a vaccine approved or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Mixed doses count towards being fully vaccinated as long as all vaccines are approved or recognised by the TGA. Children under age 12 (demonstrated by their passport) are considered fully vaccinated.
Current approved or recognised vaccines and dosages accepted for travel are:
Two doses at least 14 days apart of:
- AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
- AstraZeneca Covishield
- Pfizer/Biontech Comirnaty
- Moderna Spikevax or Takeda
- Sinovac Coronavac
- Bharat Biotech Covaxin
- Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (for people under 60 years of age on arrival in Australia)
- Gamaleya Research Institute Sputnik V
- Novavax/Biocelect Nuvaxovid
Or one dose of:
- Johnson & Johnson / Janssen-Cilag Covid Vaccine
At least 7 days must have passed since the final dose of vaccine in a course of immunisation to be considered fully vaccinated to travel to Australia. If you have not been vaccinated with the above doses or schedule, you do not meet Australia’s definition of fully vaccinated for international travel purposes.
AUSTRALIA TRAVEL: IF YOU ARE NOT VACCINATED FOR MEDICAL REASONS
People who cannot be vaccinated need to have a medical certificate which indicates that they have a medical contraindication to Covid-19 vaccines, that is, they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. This will enable you to access the same travel arrangements as people who are fully vaccinated for international travel purposes.
You must show airline staff a medical certificate that indicates you are unable to be vaccinated with a Covid-19 vaccine because of a medical condition. The medical certificate must be in English and include the following information:
- Your name (which matches your travel identification documents)
- Date of medical consultation and details of your medical practitioner
- Details that clearly outline that you have a medical condition, which means you cannot receive a Covid-19 vaccination (vaccination is contraindicated)
Note that a previous infection with Covid-19 is not considered a medical contraindication for Covid-19 vaccination.
STATE & TERRITORY: AUSTRALIA TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Explore fantastic beaches, vibrant nightlife and eclectic festivals that make Western Australia and Perth ideal destinations to spend a holiday.
Pre-Departure Requirements:
Complete the G2G Pass in addition to federal requirements
Arrival & Additional Testing:
No Covid-19 testing is required.
More information on travel to Western Australia can be found here.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
The Northern Territory is an adventure seeker’s mecca with wide-open stretches of the rich red outback, clear waterholes, ancient Aboriginal culture and charming towns.
Pre-Departure Requirements:
Follows federal requirements; some have been described above
Arrival & Additional Testing:
No Covid-19 testing is required
More information on travel to the Northern Territory can be found here
QUEENSLAND
From the bright lights of the Gold Coast to the technicolour underworld of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland has a slice of paradise to suit every traveller.
Pre-Departure Requirements:
Follows federal requirements; some have been described above
Arrival & Additional Testing:
A self-administered Antigen Rapid Test (ART) (or also known as Rapid Antigen Test, RAT, in Australia) test is required within 24 hours of arrival
More information on travel to Queensland can be found here.
NEW SOUTH WALES
New South Wales is well known for its sparkling capital of Sydney, its seemingly endless beaches and bushland, and its sophisticated dining scene.
Pre-Departure Requirements:
Follows federal requirements; some have been described above
Arrival & Additional Testing:
ART to be done within 24 hours of arriving.
More information on travel to New South Wales can be found here.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
You can find it all in South Australia from vast swatches of the ochre outback, dramatic coastline, world-class wineries and historic towns and cities.
Pre-Departure Requirements:
Follows federal requirements; some have been described above
Arrival & Additional Testing:
ART to be done within 24 hours of arriving.
More information on travel to South Australia can be found here.
TASMANIA
A trip to Tasmania reveals World Heritage wilderness, meandering waterways, breath-taking coastal scenery and a bounty of award-winning artisanal produce.
Pre-Departure Requirements:
Follows federal requirements; some have been described above
Arrival & Additional Testing:
No testing is required
More information on travel to Tasmania can be found here.
VICTORIA
Victoria allows you to explore your way. There is the Great Ocean Road, Aboriginal rock art and gold rush splendour as well as gourmet discoveries, mineral springs, wilderness and wildlife.
Pre-Departure Requirements:
Follows federal requirements; some have been described above. Unvaccinated travellers must complete a Victoria Quarantine Arrival Form.
Arrival & Additional Testing:
No testing is required
More information on travel to Victoria can be found here.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Discover the Australian Capital Territory and its captivating history. This is where blissful nature sits alongside buzzy urban neighbourhoods and modern eateries.
Pre-Departure Requirements:
Follows federal requirements; some have been described above
Arrival & Additional Testing:
ART to be done within 24 hours of arriving.
More information on travel to the Australian Capital Territory can be found here.
Finally, there are mask rules, check-in requirements and, maybe free Covid-19 kits, specific to each state. We encourage you to get in touch with us for information that is relevant to your trip to Australia. This includes information on what you need to do if you are unvaccinated and if you test positive for Covid-19 while in the country.
INSPIRED TO VISIT AUSTRALIA?
REACH OUT TO US AT +603 2303 9100 OR
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