Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. Foreign governments may need evidence of the COVID-19 vaccinations and tests you’ve had before they let you enter.
The Australian-issued International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) is a free and secure way to prove your COVID-19 vaccination history when you travel across borders overseas.
Read this page to learn about:
This page provides general information about the ICVC. It’s your responsibility to be informed about the destinations you’re visiting. Including understanding entry requirements, risks and planning for your safety. Read the travel advice for your destination for details.
How to get your ICVC
The easiest way to get a certificate is by using your Medicare account through myGov, or the Express Plus Medicare mobile app. If you can’t use these options
- visit a Services Australia services centre or
- contact the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) on 1800 653 809 (in Australia) or +61 2 8633 3284 (from overseas).
To get a certificate, you’ll need to have your valid passport with you. Your COVID-19 vaccinations will need to be registered on the AIR before you can apply.
- If you got your vaccinations in Australia, the details are added to the AIR for you.
- If you got your vaccinations overseas, you’ll need to get them recoded on the AIR before you can get a certificate. Only an Australian medical professional in Australia can add records to the AIR. Ask your GP or other medical practitioner for help.
If you got your vaccinations overseas and they’re not yet recorded on the AIR, you can use your foreign vaccination certificate when re-entering Australia. The foreign vaccination certificate needs to meet certain criteria to be accepted.
How to use your ICVC
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.
Some authorities may accept the QR code on its own, but some may not. Carry a printout of the PDF version in case you need it.
You’ll need to show your international certificate and passport when you check in at the airport in Australia. Depending on your destination, you may need to show your certificate to local authorities when you arrive.
Check the local requirements
The destination you’re going to determines their public health requirements. Some destinations:
- don’t exempt vaccinated travellers from quarantine
- have different policies to Australia about the vaccines they accept and the length of time between doses, and/or
- need evidence of a negative COVID-19 test in addition to a vaccination certificate
Some destinations will only accept certificates that show your COVID-19 vaccination batch numbers. If the destination you’re visiting needs these details and your certificate is missing it, go to the Services Australia website.
You may also need a local ‘vaccine passport’ to access certain services and venues at your destination.
To find out more about these requirements, read the travel advice for your destination. Or check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
More information on the international certificate is available from the Australian Passports Office, including:
- How the international certificate works
- Eligibility
- How to get an international certificate
- Using your international certificate overseas
Read more:
- Find more on COVID-19 vaccinations
- Learn about Australia's biosecurity and border controls
See also:
- Learn about the best proof of vaccination for your situation (Services Australia)