COVID-19: Leaving Australia

This page has information for Australians and permanent residents in Australia who want to go overseas. Read on to find information about:

• The ban on overseas travel from Australia
• Destinations exempt from the travel ban
• International COVID-19 vaccination certificates
• Things to consider before planning to travel

For information about travel zones with reduced restrictions, see our page on travel zones.

Overseas travel ban

There’s a ban on overseas travel from Australia. If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption to travel or you’re travelling to a destination that’s exempt from the ban. Foreign citizens are able to depart Australia at any time.

The Department of Home Affairs looks after this ban. Visit their page on Leaving Australia for further information, including details on exemptions to the ban and exemption restrictions for high risk countries.

Destinations exempt from the travel ban

If you're travelling to a destination which is exempt from the travel ban, you don't need to apply for an exemption to leave Australia from the Department of Home Affairs. You still need to abide by the entry requirements of your destination, including any mandatory quarantine periods and COVID-19 testing.

You must have been in Australia for 14 days or more before travelling to an exempt destination. The exemption applies whether you are flying or travelling by sea.

The only destination currently exempt from the travel ban is New Zealand.

Read more about destinations no longer included in the travel ban on the Department of Home Affairs page on Leaving Australia.

For information on quarantine-free travel, read our page on travel zones.

International COVID-19 vaccination certificates

You can now get an Australian-issued International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC). The ICVC is a free and secure way to prove your COVID-19 vaccination history when you travel overseas. 

Your international certificate features a secure QR code. It includes all the information you need to prove to airlines and authorities that you’ve had your COVID-19 vaccinations. To get a certificate, you’ll need to have your valid Australian passport with you. Your COVID-19 vaccinations will need to be registered on the AIR before you can apply.

Read more about the international COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

Things to consider before planning to travel

Before considering travel, be aware:

• Flights may be difficult to find – both for leaving and returning to Australia. Be prepared for possible delays and disruptions to your travel.
• Many travel insurance policies won't cover claims relating to COVID-19. Read insurance policies carefully to know what will and won't be covered.
• Even if you get an exemption, you'll have to comply with entry restrictions when you come back to Australia, including 14 days of mandatory quarantine. You may also have to pay for the cost of quarantine.
• We continue to offer consular support around the world, but it may be limited in some places. In some countries, our embassy buildings are closed to the public or offering limited consultations by appointment only. This is due to tight restrictions on local services and movement, including of our embassy staff.

Read our advice on how COVID-19 has changed international travel before you decide to leave Australia.

To stay up-to-date on any changes, read our travel advice for your planned destination/s and subscribe to receive news and travel advice updates.

If you decide to travel overseas, and receive an exemption to travel, you may be eligible to access COVID-19 vaccinations in Australia.

If you have questions about visas or other entry requirements for your destination, contact the embassy or consulate for that country.

Read more:

• See our general checklist of what to do before you travel
• Read about the difference between the travel ban and our travel advice levels on travel advice explained
• Learn about what assistance we can provide when you're trying to get home
• Read about what to do if you're staying overseas

See also:

• COVID-19 and the border (Department of Home Affairs)
• Foreign embassies and consulates in Australia (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
• COVID-19 Restriction Checker and links to state and territory governments (Australian Government)