Last updated: 22 January 2022
The Australian Government has announced changes to the COVID-19 testing requirements for inbound travel to Australia. You still need to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test before you board your flight. But more test types will now be accepted.
Tests can be either:
- A nucleic acid amplification (NAA) test - such as a PCR test - done within 3 days before the day of the flight’s scheduled departure, or
- A rapid antigen test (RAT), taken under the supervision of a medical practitioner, within 24 hours of the flight’s scheduled departure time.
Serology tests are not accepted.
Test results can be paper-based or electronic but must meet certain requirements.
In addition, the time between receiving a positive test result and being able to be cleared for travel to Australia will be reduced from 14 to 7 days.
These changes will start from 1am AEDT on 23 January 2022.
You’ll still need to wear a mask during your flight and comply with state and territory government requirements for quarantine and testing when you arrive.
For more information about which COVID-19 tests can now be used for inbound travel, visit the Department of Health.
Tested positive? Find out what to do if you test positive in a pre-departure test.
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