Health - Australia travel advice (2024)

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 000 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.

Healthcare facilities in Australia

While you are in Australia, you can access essential and urgent medical care through the UK-Australia Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement. Find out more about healthcare for UK citizens in Australia.

Essential and urgent hospital treatment is free. There is a charge to visit GPs and receive prescriptions. Some costs can be recovered through Medicare, Australia’s universal health insurance scheme. You can enrol with Medicare through Services Australia.

If you’re not covered by reciprocal healthcare arrangements between Australia and the UK, costs of treatment can be high.

The standard of healthcare in Australia is very good. UK residents are entitled to limited subsidised health services from Medicare for medically necessary treatment while visiting Australia. These provisions do not apply to non-visitors, for example those studying in Australia. Other exclusions under the reciprocal agreement include pharmaceuticals (unless you’re in hospital), use of ambulance services and medical evacuations, which are very expensive.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Australia.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

Health - Australia travel advice (2024)

FAQs

Health - Australia travel advice? ›

While you travel

Is it safe to travel to Australia right now? ›

General safety

The country has a stable political system and a low crime rate, and Australians generally experience a safe lifestyle. However, you should observe the same precautions with your personal safety and possessions as you would when travelling anywhere, whether at home or overseas.

Do I need vaccinations to go to Australia? ›

Do I Need Vaccines for Australia? Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Australia. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Australia: COVID-19, hepatitis B, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tetanus.

Can i travel to Australia without a vaccine pass? ›

All travellers should be aware that: People entering Australia do not need to provide evidence of vaccination status. People entering Australia do not need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration.

Do I need a Covid test to fly into Australia? ›

The Australian Government does not currently have any COVID-19 requirements in place for travellers entering and departing Australia. COVID-19 however continues to pose a health risk in Australia and overseas. We strongly encourage wearing masks and being vaccinated while travelling internationally.

What are the Australian warnings about traveling to the US? ›

The Australian government warns its citizens who plan to visit the United States that violent crime is more common than in Australia and gun crime is possible in all areas.

What do Americans need to enter Australia? ›

You must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa or an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. Most U.S. passport holders traveling to Australia for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain an ETA.

Do I need any vaccinations to travel to Australia from the USA? ›

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Australia: hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

What is the best month to go to Australia? ›

Shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November)

Spring and autumn are among the best times to travel the entire country.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccine to enter Australia? ›

Australia strongly recommends that travellers >1 year of age have a valid ICVP with proof of valid yellow fever vaccination if they: are entering Australia within 6 days of leaving a country that is on Australia's list of yellow fever–declared places. stayed in the at-risk area overnight or longer.

What medical conditions are not allowed in Australia? ›

Infections or viruses that are extremely transmissible pose a large threat to public safety. These include Hep C, Hep B, HIV, syphilis, and tuberculosis. An applicant will be tested and screened for all of these conditions as part of the Australian immigration medical requirements.

Is vaccination mandatory to travel to Australia? ›

People travelling to Australia no longer need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. Some countries, airlines and ships may have their own testing, vaccination and face-mask rules. You should check with them before travelling.

How much is an Australia visa for US citizens? ›

Visa Classifications
Visa ClassificationFeeValidity Period
K-4None24 Months
L-1$1,775.0048 Months
L-2$1,775.0048 Months
M-1$260.0060 Months
69 more rows

What to declare when entering Australia? ›

There are many items that you must declare on your Incoming Passenger Arrival Card when you land in Australia, including:
  • all food, plant material and animal items.
  • firearms, weapons and ammunition.
  • currency amounts of A$10,000 (or foreign equivalent), and.
  • some medicines.

How long does it take to get an ETA for Australia? ›

The estimated processing time for an ETA is 1-3 business days. However, due to high demand and secondary checks, you may have to wait a little longer. In addition, if there are errors or mistakes in your ETA application form, your travel document will more likely be delayed.

What are the new rules in Australia on COVID isolation? ›

Isolation for people with COVID-19 is no longer mandatory but it is still strongly recommended. You should still go to any routine medical appointments, tests or procedures. Tell your healthcare provider that you have COVID-19 before your visit.

Is it safe to travel to Australia right now in 2024? ›

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA IN 2024? In our Safest Places Ratings, Australia is a perennial inhabitant of the top 10. In the 2024 rankings, the country placed tenth, after landing fourth the previous year.

Can tourists come to Australia now? ›

Whether you are visiting Australia for less than 72 hours or planning on a stay of several years you must have a valid Australian visa. A visa is a form of permission for a non-citizen to enter, transit or remain in a particular country. Information on visas to Australia can be found at the Department of Home Affairs.

What countries have a level 3 travel warning? ›

Learn about your destination
AdvisoryLevelDate Updated
Nicaragua Travel AdvisoryLevel 3: Reconsider TravelJanuary 11, 2024
Niger Travel AdvisoryLevel 3: Reconsider TravelJanuary 8, 2024
Nigeria Travel AdvisoryLevel 3: Reconsider TravelSeptember 20, 2023
Oman Travel AdvisoryLevel 2: Exercise Increased CautionJuly 13, 2023
143 more rows

Is it safe to travel to Sydney? ›

Sydney is a safe city, but unfortunately, like most cities in the world, it's not crime free. While in some areas crime rate is low such as Lavender Bay, the Inner West, and the City Center, there are areas with a higher crime rate you should be aware of when booking your accommodation or wanting to explore.

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