Flying to Australia – Tips for Smooth Travel

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Flying to Australia?

Borders are reopening, and people are once again booking vacations. Dwayne and I have already travelled between several countries a handful of times since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Granted, air travel has undergone several changes, but the worst of it has passed. However, moving between countries is more complicated now than before. If you choose to engage in international travel, you must ensure you are well organised, arrive at the airport early and implement unwavering patience.

However, before the trials and tribulation of airport dramatics, you must check the country’s entry requirement to be sure you will be permitted entry. The following list will assure you are prepared for your trip to Australia.

Checklist for entry to Australia

From 18 April 2022, vaccinated travellers entering Australia no longer require a negative pre-departure PCR test. However, you must:

- Check if you meet Australia’s definition of fully vaccinated for international travel purposes – click here.
- Check state and territory arrival requirements – click here.
- Check your visa requirement – click here.

iVisa makes getting a visa super easy.

Are you ready to fly?

Once you have booked your flight and have your vaccine certificate and visa (if needed), it is time to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD). Download the “Australia DPD” app, or to complete the application online, click here.

Prepare your documents for the airport

To ensure check-in runs smoothly at the airport, have the following document ready:

- Passport
- Visa (if needed)
- Vaccine certificate
- Completed DPD (digital Passenger Declaration)

Connecting flights

Another consideration is to ensure you have enough time for any connecting flights. Two and a half hours was not enough time for Dwayne to get his connecting flight from Sydney to Adelaide after flying in from Phuket. I have allowed myself three and a half hours for a connecting flight in Melbourne. So fingers crossed it is enough time.

If you are travelling between the states of Australia, check each state’s travel requirements as they can differ. Click here to see state and territory arrival requirements.