We recommend checking the latest travel info and advice before you fly. You can find out what you need to know from the Australian Government on the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health and Smartraveller websites.
Flying to Australia? Check the government website of the country you’re departing from – to make sure you meet their exit travel requirements too.
Travelling domestically?
Before you set off interstate, it’s best to check the Government website of the State or Territory you’re traveling to – just so you’re up to date with the latest entry requirements.
You can also check restrictions using the COVID-19 Restriction Checker.
Before you fly, you will need to provide your contact tracing details via our contact tracing form. You'll also need to supply your email address, phone number and postcode when checking in at the terminal.
Travelling internationally?
Before we get stuck into the finer details, here’s a top-line snapshot of what you need to know (and do) to travel internationally.
1. First things first
- Have your passport ready. Make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months (some countries have different rules, so make sure you check these).
- Get your jabs. You’ll need to be fully vaxxed at least 7 days before leaving Australia, unless you’re exempt. Vaccination entry requirements change from country to country.
- Sort out your proof of vaccination. If you were vaccinated in Australia, you’ll need to get an International COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate (ICVC). If you were vaccinated outside of Australia, you'll need to get a foreign vaccination certificate. Find out how here. If you’re not eligible for Medicare, you can get your immunisation history statement online through myGov. Find out how here.
- Do you need a visa? To find out if you need a visa for travel to a particular country, visit the IATA Travel Centre.
- Arrange your travel insurance. It’s more important than ever to be covered, as some countries now require you to have a specific insurance that includes COVID-19 cover.
2. Before you fly
- Get your pre-departure PCR test. While Australia doesn’t require pre-departure testing for outbound international travel, certain countries do require a PCR test prior to arrival. Be sure to check the requirements for the country you are travelling to.
A PCR test can be booked at a provider such as Sonic Travel Testing:
 See all collection locations and book your test |
From $A145 Special discount available to Virgin Australia guests. When booking, enter code VAJ7P22 at the checkout to receive 10% discount, valid from 1 January 2022. |
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3. On the day you fly
- Have all your documentation sorted and bring them with you to the airport. This includes your ICVC or exemption documents, valid passport, PCR test results, and travel insurance details with specific reference to COVID-19 cover. We recommend you have your documentation printed, or downloaded and saved to your mobile device.
- Arrive 4 hours early. Online and self-service check-in aren’t available, so it’s best to get there a little earlier to have your documents checked.
4. When you touch down
- Keep up to date. Different destinations have different rules you’ll need to follow. We recommend keeping up to date with the latest travel information before you fly – and while you’re there too, as things can (and do) change.
The finer details
Virgin Australia will only carry guests travelling on international flights, who are:
- Fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved or recognised by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA); or
- are under the age of 12 at the time of departure; or
- an Australian child aged between 12 and 17 at the time of departure who is:
- either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated; and
- entering Australia through New South Wales, Victoria or the ACT; and
- traveling with their fully vaccinated parents or guardian; or
- cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons (with approved evidence and subject to state and territory requirements).
Vaccination exemptions
If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident travelling to Australia – and you can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons – you’ll need to check the border entry requirements in the state or territory you’re travelling to.
You’ll need to provide an Immunisation History Statement issued by the Australian Government, or you have other evidence in line with government requirements that show medical contraindications to COVID-19 vaccines.
Find out more info on the Smartraveller and Department of Home Affairs websites.
Fly the flexible way
Change your flight, fee-free for domestic travel up to 30 April 22 and international travel up to 31 Dec 22* Now you know how to safely travel, where will your next holiday be? Check out all our available flights.
*Change without a fee on domestic routes for travel up to 30 April 2022 and international routes for travel up to 31 December 2022. Changes must be made prior to your travel date. Fare differences may apply. Full terms and conditions here.