Best practices for international travel during COVID-19

Protocols are continually updating as new variants spread in different countries. Some are prohibiting travel into their countries altogether. Others are requiring a specified quarantine period after visiting or negative testing results within a specific time window. Make sure to research before you travel to avoid any unplanned surprises.

While it’s tempting to plan a big trip and visit several countries at once, limiting your travel to only one or two countries, means you won’t have to worry about planning around additional quarantines, testing requirements, and safety protocols between the different locations.

Certain countries are allowing visitors who have been vaccinated—but they will want confirmation of your vaccination status, so be sure to have your vaccination certificate on hand. The Australian-issues International Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate is a free and secure way to prove your Covid-19 vaccination history when you travel overseas  and is available using your Medicare account, through MyGov or the Express Plus medicare mobile app.

By now, we’re accustomed to wearing masks or face coverings, washing our hands diligently, disinfecting surfaces, and maintaining social distance. While traveling, these precautions are even more important. Be prepared and bring your own PPE, hand sanitiser, and cleaning supplies to disinfect any public or highly touched areas.

Depending on the countries you travel to, m may be required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation when travelling to, from and within the countries visited.. According to the Australian Government Department of Health, make sure the mask covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly under your chin, over the bridge of your nose and against the sides of your face.

When booking your lodging, make sure you are using a reputable accommodation service that enforces cleaning protocols. It’s important to understand what safety procedures they have in place to accommodate the Covid-19 pandemic and how they are helping protect their guests and staff. Some key elements to look for include enhanced cleaning procedures, enforced social distancing, required masks for staff and guests, designated waiting periods in between guests, and contactless payment options.