*Coronavirus notices, CBT news, Travel tips

How to prepare for international travel

Plans are now firmly in place for the resumption of international travel from Australia.

Flights can be booking with many of the major carriers. NSW has already advised that quarantine will no longer be a requirement for vaccinated Australian travellers from November. And the Federal Government has flagged the possibility of reopening early due to Australia’s higher vaccination rates.

So what do you need to do to prepare for international travel?

1. Get Vaccinated
Under Phase C of the Australian Government’s national plan, international travel will reopen only to fully vaccinated Australian travellers.

Being fully vaccinated has been included as a condition of entry by many countries. Since it takes at least several weeks to receive the double vaccination, you will need to allow time to have both jabs.

2. Check government travel requirements
In addition to knowing the current government regulations in Australia, before booking it’s important to check travel requirements and regulations for your destination.

Travellers could be denied entry if they are not aware of mandatory health declarations, entry permits, pre-approval and quarantine requirements. Also travellers who are unable to be vaccinated, due to medical reasons for example, will need to apply early for exemptions.

Most countries now require a pre-departure test 48-72 hours prior to departure and some destination countries have tightened their COVID-19 RT-PCR testing timelines. CBT has partnered with Healius to make it easier for our clients to get real time tests and same day turnaround tests.

3. Find your passport
If you’ve forgotten where you left your passport after all this time, you’re not alone! Once you find it, check its validity. You’ll need to have at least 9-12 months before the passport expires, depending on where you will be travelling.

4. Check the latest travel alerts
Before you fly, make sure you are up to date with local conditions. It pays to check travel alerts on smartraveller.gov.au.

5. Airline travel policies
The CBT will ensure you know the travel policies of the airlines that you have booked, but as a general rule you should be prepared for the following:

  • – Airline passengers will be required to be fully vaccinated at the time of travel with a TGA-approved or recognised vaccine
  • – Passengers will be required to return a negative COVID-19 PCR test 72 hours before departure
  • – A vaccine passport or digital travel pass may be required at check in as proof of vaccination
  • – Face masks must be worn for the duration of the flight and other sanitation measures may be in place

How to get a PCR test

To get technical, PCR means polymerase chain reaction and a PCR test is the gold standard for diagnosis of COVID-19.

When it comes time to get your COVID-19 PCR test, CBT can help. As mentioned above, we’ve engaged the support of Healius because they are already working with major airlines and IATA’s Travel Pass. They understand the requirements of the travel industry and realise that business travellers need a fast and easy testing solution.

CBT is pleased to pass on a saving to our clients of $10-$20 per test, depending on the type of PCR test that’s required.

You will receive a test certificate with the necessary report, that’s been developed in collaboration with airlines and consulates. Country-specific requirements will also be included as necessary, such as stamps, signature and NATA/ISO accreditation certificates.

For more information about how the COVID-19 Testing for Travel works and how you can save on PCR tests, please speak to the CBT team.

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