Latest update
12 March 2020:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The risk of transmission around the world is increasing.
The outbreak has significant implications for Australians planning to travel. Many countries are reporting an increasing number of cases. Many are introducing new entry or movement restrictions in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. These are changing often and quickly. Your travel plans may be disrupted. You may be placed in quarantine or denied entry to some countries.
Be prepared for delays and disruption. Take into account what this might mean for your health, and your family, work or study responsibilities.
When you’re travelling, you’re also likely to come into contact with more people than usual, which could increase the risk you’ll come into contact with the virus. Consider carefully your need to travel if you have underlying health conditions that may put you at greater risk. If in doubt, consult your doctor.
It’s important you understand the risks you’re taking and that efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 may cause further travel disruptions. On this basis, the Australian Government has asked public servants to minimise official overseas travel at this time, and to instead use video-conferencing and other communication technologies as much as possible.
Should I take my planned trip to….?
Particularly if you’re elderly or have an underlying health condition, you should carefully consider your travel plans and consult your doctor before travelling.
All travellers should consider what medical services or support you’d have available if you contracted COVID-19 overseas, or had to undergo a quarantine period in the country you’re headed to. Every traveller is different, and will have different reasons for travelling, health conditions and risk appetite.
To inform your decision about whether to travel, and to be prepared if you do:
read and subscribe to our travel advice for your destination, as well as any transit points;
check in with your travel insurance provider to confirm what your insurance may cover if your travel is disrupted due to COVID-19;
call your airline or travel agent to ask how COVID-19 may affect your bookings; and
visit your doctor for advice if you are elderly, travelling with children or have underlying health issues.
How is Smartraveller responding to the outbreak?
We are working around the clock to keep all our travel advisories up to date. We’re making our recommendations in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee and our network of overseas embassies and consulates. We’re also regularly updating our Facebook and Twitter feeds to get the message out. We aim to provide you with the very latest and most accurate travel advice to inform your travel decisions.
For more information see our Coronavirus (COVID-19) – information for Australian travellers page.