Before you go checklist (PDF 84.32 KB)
Learn about your destination
Read our travel advice for your destination. We'll tell you the key risks and how to stay safe. Learn what each advice level means in our travel advisories.
Subscribe to our travel advice. We'll update you when things change. Also follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram.
Research the local laws of the countries you plan to visit. If you're a dual national, check if this will affect your trip.
Organise your documents and insurance
Confirm your passport is valid for at least 6 months from when you think your trip will end.
Get the right visa for countries you're visiting or transiting through. Smartraveller can't help you with visas. Visa conditions change regularly so check with the embassy or consulate of your destinations before every trip.
Get comprehensive travel insurance to cover you and your belongings. Check the fine print - find insurance that's right for you and covers your activities in the places you'll go. Remember, even if you're healthy and fit, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Check if you need extra documents if you're travelling with children.
Check out local traffic laws and practices if you're driving overseas. You'll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and your Australian driver's licence.
Visas
A visa is a form of permission for a non-citizen to enter, transit or remain in a particular country.
1. A visa does not guarantee entry, that decision remains the right of the immigration officials of the country concerned.
2. The immigration laws of most countries do not have provision for appeal. Some countries ask visitors to present return tickets and evidence of funds sufficient to cover the intended stay. Others have compulsory currency exchange regulations on entry.
3. Some refuse entry to visitors who do not comply with requirements.
4. Visas for visitors to Australia Information on visas to Australia can be found at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Visas for Australians travelling overseas Only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their visa requirements. For all countries, We can provide information or you may contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit well in advance of travel.
Plan for your health
Consider if you're physically and mentally healthy enough for travel. Get advice from your doctor if you're unsure.
Find out if there are any health risks where you're going.
Get a basic health check at least 8 weeks before you go. Get the recommended vaccinations.
Check if your medication is legal and available where you're going. Take enough of your prescribed medicines to last the whole trip. Carry copies of your prescription and a letter from your doctor.
Tell people where you're going.
Tell your bank you're travelling and check if your cards will work. Have several payment options. Check how much local and foreign currency you can bring to your destination.
Share your itinerary with friends or family members. Let them know when you may be out of contact, so they don't worry.
Plan for if things go wrong
Take copies of your passport, visa and key documents such as your prescriptions, insurance policy and identification. Take a copy with you and give one to someone you trust.
Know what to do if there's a crisis where you are overseas.
Keep a hard copy list of contacts in case you need help. Emergency contacts for each country are listed in our travel advisories.
Read the Consular Service Charter to understand how we can help Australians overseas.
For further information on Travel Insurance , please click the below Insurance
Some of the most Popular Countries -Travel Advice
Australia:
From 22 January 2021, if you’re travelling to Australia, you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test to your airline when checking in for your flight at the departure point (exemptions apply).
You must be tested 72 hours or less prior to the scheduled flight departure.
If you or a primary close contact of your travelling group tests positive, you won’t be allowed to travel to Australia.
Masks must be worn on all international flights, including at airports.
Frequently asked questions on these new measures, including further information on exemptions and exempt countries, can be found on the Department of Health website.
Anyone who has a negative test result and enters Australia must still complete mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated facilities in your port of arrival.
If you’re scheduled to fly home to Australia in the coming weeks, confirm your itinerary and travel plans with your airline or travel agent. If you’re transiting through a third country, you should also check on any local requirements at your transit destination and confirm with your airline any specific requirements for onward travel.
For more information on COVID-19 measures before you depart for Australia and on return to Australia, see our COVID-19: Returning to Australia page.
Read more:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for international travellers (Department of Health)
Frequently asked questions – international airlines operating to Australia (Department of Health)
Coming to Australia Department of Home Affairs
New Zealand
You must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration Form (NZTD) before passport control on arrival. You need to answer questions about your trip and what you’re bringing into the country. You can complete it online or by using the NZTD app, there's no cost.
Most Australian citizens don't need a visa to enter unless you have a criminal record or if you've been deported from any country. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You can contact the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate for the latest details.
Before you travel, check Immigration New Zealand's website for current entry restrictions and requirements.
Philippines Latest update
Still current at:01 June 2024
Updated:04 April 2024
Latest update: We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines. Higher levels apply in Mindanao.
Travel
You can enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of stay of 30 days or less, provided that you meet all of the requirements and certain conditions. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Philippines for the latest details.
You must register your travel to and from the Philippines on the eTravel Card online portal in order to receive a QR code to use for arrival and departure formalities.
Airlines and countries you transit throughttps://etravel.gov.ph/h may have different requirements. Check and fully understand the requirements of the airline you're travelling with. Also check the requirements of any country you're transiting through. Transit passengers should ensure they meet all entry requirements for the Philippines. Flight cancellations or delays have resulted in transit passengers who do not meet arrival requirements having to remain inside the airport, sometimes for many days.
Airside transfer is not permitted between Terminal 3, and Terminal 1 or 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). All travellers transiting to or from Terminal 3 must pass through Immigration and meet all Philippine arrival requirements.
Failure to meet entry requirements may result in you being denied entry to the Philippines and detained until the next available flight to your port of departure or Australia, at your own expense.
Japan Latest update
Still current at:01 June 2024
Updated:29 April 2024
Latest update: We continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions in Japan.
Travel
Australians are eligible for Japan's visa exemption scheme for short-stay tourism and business travel. You don't need a visa to travel to Japan for up to 90 days. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. It is your responsibility to verify visa requirements from the nearest embassy or consulate of Japan.
If you're travelling for any other reason, contact your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate to check if you need a visa, especially if you plan to work in Japan. Penalties may apply if you work in Japan on a tourist visa.
It's dangerous to climb Mount Fuji from September to June.
You can drive for up to 1 year with an Australian driver's licence and an International Driving Permit. If you're staying longer, you will need to obtain a local licence. Heavy snowfalls and ice in winter can make driving dangerous. It's illegal to drive with any alcohol in your bloodstream.
South Korea-Latest update
Still current at:01 June 2024
Updated:07 May 2024
Latest update: We've reviewed our advice for South Korea and continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions. You may be required to register on the Korean Q-code quarantine registration system prior to arrival or to complete a health questionnaire on arrival. Check with the South Korean embassy or consulate for the latest requirements for Australians (see 'Travel').
Travel
Australian passport holders can visit South Korea as tourists for stays of up to 90 days without applying for a K-ETA (or visa waiver). Previously approved K-ETA applications will remain valid up to the granted expiry date. Visit the official K-ETA website for more information.
You may be required to register on the Korean Q-code system prior to arrival or to complete a health questionnaire on arrival. Further information on 'Quarantine Inspection Required Areas' is available on the 'Notices' page. Check with the South Korean embassy or consulate for the latest requirements for Australians.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate for the latest details.
USA-Latest update
Still current at:01 June 2024
Updated:02 April 2024
Latest update:We continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions. If you're visiting for less than 90 days, you may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If not, you'll need to get a visa before you travel. (See 'Travel').
Travel
Entry requirements are strict. US authorities have broad powers to decide if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law. Check US entry, transit and exit requirements.
If you're visiting for less than 90 days, you may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If not, you'll need to get a visa before you travel. Whether you're travelling on a visa or under the VWP, ensure that you understand all relevant terms and conditions before attempting to enter the US.
Expect enhanced screening procedures, including for domestic flights within the US. You can be denied boarding if you show signs of illness.
US authorities actively pursue, detain and deport people who are in the country illegally. Be prepared to show documents proving your legal presence.
Some US states require you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your Australian driver’s licence. Get your IDP before you leave Australia. Road rules vary between localities and states. Learn local traffic rules and driving conditions before you drive.
Canada-Latest update
Still current at:01 June 2024
Updated:22 April 2024
Latest update: We’ve reviewed our advice for Canada and continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions.
Travel
Check the latest entry, transit and exit requirements before travel.
Get an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before you travel to Canada by air. You may not be allowed into the country if you have a criminal record, including a drink driving conviction.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest high commission or consulate of Canada for the latest details. You may need documents to travel with children or pets or to bring goods into Canada. Check with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Driving in winter can be dangerous. Use snow tires and drive to conditions. Carry food, water and blankets.
Winter sports can be dangerous, even fatal. Some areas experience avalanches. Check that your travel insurance covers your chosen activity. Follow the advice of local officials.
France Latest update
Still current at:01 June 2024
Updated:09 May 2024
Latest update: France has raised its terror alert warning to the highest level. Expect high-level security measures to be in place throughout the country, including at schools, places of worship, shopping centres and landmarks. Be aware of your surroundings, monitor local media, and follow the advice of the local authorities (see 'Safety').
Travel
France is part of the Schengen area, meaning you can enter without a visa in some cases. In other situations, you'll need a visa. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of France for the latest entry and exit conditions.
The France-Visas website can help determine if you need a visa to enter or transit France.
The currency in France is the Euro.
Italy Latest update
Still current at:01 June 2024
Updated:24 April 2024
Latest update: We've reviewed our travel advice for Italy and continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions. You may need to pay an access fee if you're visiting Venice on a day trip from 25 April onwards.
Travel
Several cities in Italy impose a 'tourist tax' per person for each night of stay. You pay this directly to your accommodation provider. You may also need to pay an access fee to visit Venice on a day trip from 25 April onwards. For more information, see advice from the Venice authorities - Venice Access Fee.
Temporary border checks have been introduced at Italy's borders with Slovenia. You should allow extra time for crossing the land border between Italy and Slovenia.
Italy is part of the Schengen area along with many other European countries, meaning you can enter Italy without a visa in some cases.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Italy for the latest details.
You may need to pay an access fee if you're visiting Venice.
Belgium-Latest update
Still current at:01 June 2024
Updated:18 May 2024
Latest update: There's an ongoing threat of terrorism in Belgium. The threat level issued by Belgian authorities remains at level 3 of 4 - 'Serious' (see 'Safety'). Crowded places, such as music and cultural events, festivals, tourist areas, shopping areas, transport hubs, major sporting events and other public areas, are possible targets. Be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local authorities.
Travel
Belgium is a part of the Schengen area, along with many other European countries, meaning you can enter Belgium without a visa in some cases. In other situations, you'll need a visa.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Belgian embassy or consulate for the latest details.