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What you need to know about COVID restrictions before heading overseas on holiday

The borders are open but there are still rules you need to follow if you’re itching to travel.

There’s less risk of being stranded overseas or in another state, but it doesn’t mean things have returned to how they were before the pandemic.

What are the vaccination requirements, will I need to wear a mask, and what documents and apps do I need?

Travelling to Indonesia

Boys play with a kite on a beach at sunset
All travellers to Indonesia are required to undergo hotel quarantine in their city of arrival. (AP: Firdia Lisnawati)

Travellers to Bali and other parts of Indonesia will still be required to undergo hotel quarantine.

Vaccination requirements

You must have at least one vaccination dose, and all travellers are required to undergo hotel quarantine in their city of arrival.

The number of vaccination doses you have will affect your length of quarantine, with the shortest period being three days for those who have received their booster.

Children under 12 are not required to be vaccinated.

Any 12 to 17-year-olds with only one dose may be required to get vaccinated while in quarantine.

Proof of vaccination can be presented via an international COVID-19 vaccination certificate with photo ID.

You can register your proof of vaccination via the Non-Indonesia Vaccination Verification website, and present it at venues via the Indonesian PeduliLindungi app.

Do I need to wear a mask?

Yes, including outdoors.

What if I’m not vaccinated?

You will need to provide proof of a medical exemption.

If you present with any symptoms, even if you test negative, you will not be allowed to continue travelling in Indonesia.

Other things you should know

You need to provide proof of a negative PCR test taken in Australia within 48 hours of departure, and undergo PCR testing upon arrival and before your hotel quarantine period ends.

Travelling to the United Kingdom

People crane to take photos of London Bridge.
If you received your second dose more than nine months ago, you need to get a booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated in the UK. (Pexels)

Unvaccinated travellers can still enter the UK, but will need to undergo testing.

Vaccination requirements

If you are 18 years or older, you will need to be vaccinated with at least two doses of an approved vaccine.

If you received your second dose more than nine months ago, you need to get a booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated.

Proof of vaccination can be presented via an international COVID-19 vaccination certificate with photo ID.

Do I need to wear a mask?

Requirements around mask wearing are easing across the UK, but the rules are different depending on where you are.

Mask wearing is no longer required in most public spaces in England and Northern Ireland.

Scotland’s mask mandate is set to end on 21 March.

Masks are still required in Wales, but the rules have been flagged to change on 28 March.

What if I’m not vaccinated?

You need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of departure, and book a PCR test to be taken upon arrival within 48 hours.

If you test positive, you need to self-isolate.

Other things you should know

You need to complete a passenger locator form online within three days of arriving.

Travelling to New Zealand

A cityscape with a large mountain range in the distance
Children 16 years and under do not need to be vaccinated in New Zealand. (ABC Gold Coast: Kimberley Bernard)

Mask wearing and testing are still required for most travellers in New Zealand.

Vaccination requirements

You will need to be vaccinated with at least two doses of an approved vaccine.

Children 16 years and under do not need to be vaccinated.

Proof of vaccination can be presented via an international COVID-19 vaccination certificate with photo ID, and can be uploaded digitally to My Vaccine Pass, which can be obtained online or at some vaccination sites.

Do I need to wear a mask?

You must wear a mask in most public indoor venues, public transport, in taxis or ride share vehicles, and when visiting medical and aged care facilities.

What if I’m not vaccinated?

You will need to provide proof of a medical exemption, apply for a vaccine exemption, or be a New Zealand citizen.

If you do not have a medical reason for not being vaccinated, you will be required to undergo managed isolation and quarantine.

Other things you should know

You need to provide proof of a negative PCR test 48 hours before departing, or a negative rapid antigen test 24 hours before departing.

Travelling to Singapore

People walk on a street in Singapore
If travelling to Singapore, you will need to be vaccinated with at least two doses of an approved vaccine. (Reuters: Edgar Su)

Most travellers to Singapore will need to be vaccinated, and comply with a strict contact-tracing system.

Vaccination requirements

You will need to be vaccinated with at least two doses of an approved vaccine.

If you have contracted COVID-19 before getting vaccinated, then received a vaccination at least 28 days after diagnosis, you are also eligible to travel.

Proof of vaccination can be presented via the Singaporean TraceTogether app. Vaccination records can be uploaded by providing a digital certificate through the SG Arrival Card online.

Do I need to wear a mask?

Yes, including outdoors.

What if I’m not vaccinated?

You are not allowed to enter Singapore unless you have a medical exemption, have immediate family members in Singapore who are citizens or permanent residents, or require urgent entry to attend to the death or medical condition of an immediate family member.

Other things you should know

You need to provide proof of a negative PCR or rapid antigen test administered by a professional within 48 hours of departure, and self-administer a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arrival.

The Singaporean TraceTogether app needs to be active on your mobile device while in Singapore, unless you obtain a physical TraceTogether token.

Travelling to America

NYC braces for blizzard
You won’t be allowed to enter the US unvaccinated unless you are a US citizen, permanent resident or immigrant, or have an exemption. (Reuters: Mike Segar)

Most travellers will need to be vaccinated to go to the US.

Vaccination requirements

If you are 18 years or older, you will need to be vaccinated with at least two doses of an approved vaccine.

Proof of vaccination can be presented via an international COVID-19 vaccination certificate with photo ID.

Do I need to wear a mask?

Masks are required on all public transport and in transport hubs, such as airports and bus stations.

Indoor mask mandates are in place in Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.

What if I’m not vaccinated?

You are not allowed to enter the US unless you are a US citizen, permanent resident or immigrant, or have an exemption.

You must undergo COVID-19 testing three to five days after arrival, self-quarantine for seven days, and isolate if you test positive.

Other things you should know

You must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of departure, or proof of recovery from a positive infection.

Travelling to France

Glass pyramid of the Louvre it up at night, with facade of old building behind.
From 14 March, you only need proof of vaccination to enter France and visit medical facilities and care homes. (Pixabay: EdiNugraha)

France has some of the most relaxed rules for travellers who are vaccinated.

Vaccination requirements

You will need to be vaccinated with at least two doses of an approved vaccine.

If you received your second dose more than nine months ago, and you’re 18 years or older, you need to get a booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated.

Children under 12 are not required to be vaccinated.

Proof of vaccination can be presented via an international COVID-19 vaccination certificate with photo ID, or digitally via uploading the French TousAntiCovid app.

From 14 March, you only need proof of vaccination to enter the country, and visit medical facilities and care homes.

Do I need to wear a mask?

From 14 March, masks will only be required in medical facilities, care homes and on public transport.

What if I’m not vaccinated?

Unvaccinated travellers will need to fit under certain exemption criteria. For example, allowances are made if you’re a returning French national, visiting for a funeral, or a variety of other compassionate reasons.

If you’re not vaccinated, you also need to present a negative COVID-19 test, and be subject to random testing on arrival.

Other things you should know

Make sure you check the rules of each country if you’re travelling within Europe, as each jurisdiction’s requirements are different.

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