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Vaccination for international travellers

Ensure that travellers are up to date with routine vaccines. Also consider other vaccines based on travel itinerary, activities and risk of disease exposure.

Recently added

This page was added on  09 June 2018 .

Updates made

This page was updated on 23 October 2023 .  View history of updates

Millions of Australians travel overseas every year. More than half of these trips are to destinations other than New Zealand, North America and Europe. 1

This page helps with making decisions about travel vaccines. Also check the disease-specific chapters in this Handbook for details about specific vaccines.

See also Infographic. Vaccination for international travellers .

Health risks of overseas travel

Health risks associated with international travel include exposure to:

• infective agents
• altitude and temperature extremes
• other physical, psychological and environmental hazards
• poor-quality or limited access to clean water, shelter, hygiene and sanitation facilities, and health and medical care

The level of health risks depends on factors such as:

• the traveller’s underlying physical and mental health and physiological state
• the itinerary and activities undertaken
• the duration of exposure to various hazards during travel

Travellers at increased risk of serious travel-associated infections include:

• young children and infants
• pregnant women
• people with underlying medical conditions, especially immunocompromising conditions due to disease or medical treatment
• people spending extended periods in multiple regions with poor resources or in remote areas
• people participating in events where large numbers of people will gather, such as major sporting, cultural, social or religious events
• migrant families travelling back to their region of origin to visit friends and relatives

Those travelling to visit friends and relatives are more likely to: 2

• have closer contact with local populations
• stay in remote or rural areas
• consume higher-risk food and beverages

Those travelling to visit friends and relatives are less likely to: 2,3

• recognise the health risks associated with travelling
• seek pre-travel health advice
• obtain the recommended vaccines or prophylaxis

Common infections acquired by travellers

Exposure to infectious diseases is one of the many health hazards of international travel. Some of these diseases are vaccine preventable. Although some of these diseases are present in Australia, the risk of acquiring them overseas may be higher because of:

• higher disease incidence in other countries
• increased risk of exposure from participating in certain activities while travelling

Foodborne and waterborne infections

It is common for travellers to ingest contaminated food or beverages, resulting in an illness. 4-6  Practicing safe eating and drinking habits is essential to minimise the risk of contracting food and waterborne diseases while travelling. These include treating water or only drinking bottled water, avoiding undercooked meat, and avoiding raw fruit and vegetables (unless they can be peeled or washed in safe water prior to eating). Most infections are diarrhoeal diseases due to enteric pathogens, but some are due to extra-intestinal microorganisms, such as hepatitis A virus and Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (causing typhoid).

Vaccines are available against hepatitis A, typhoid and cholera.

Vector-borne infections

Insect-borne — especially mosquito-borne — infections, such as malaria and dengue, are important causes of fever in Australian travellers returning from endemic areas, particularly Southeast Asia and Oceania. 4,6

A dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) is available for the prevention of secondary dengue infections (not primary prevention of initial dengue infection ) in select individuals. See Clinical advice: ATAGI statement on use of Dengvaxia® for Australians .

Japanese encephalitis occurs throughout much of Asia and the Western Pacific region, including eastern Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. 7 Yellow fever occurs only in parts of Africa and South America, 8 and tick-borne encephalitis occurs in parts of Europe and Asia. 9

Vaccines are available against Japanese encephalitis , yellow fever and tick-borne encephalitis .

Some other vector-borne diseases and parasitic (including protozoal and helminthic) diseases are also important for international travellers. Some are preventable through appropriate barrier precautions and chemoprophylaxis (for example, malaria). 9

Aerosol-borne infections

Vaccine-preventable infections transmitted by aerosols and/or droplets include: 9

• influenza (the most common vaccine-preventable infection among travellers) 10
• meningococcal disease
• varicella (chickenpox)

The incidence of measles and mumps is higher in many overseas countries, including some developed countries, than in Australia.

Tuberculosis is a rare infection in travellers. 11 Expatriates who live in endemic areas for a long time are more likely to acquire tuberculosis than short-term visitors. 12

Vaccines are available against all of these diseases.

Bloodborne and sexually transmitted infections

Some Australian travellers may be at risk from bloodborne and sexually transmissible infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. In some areas, healthcare workers using non-sterile medical equipment or other poor infection control practices may transmit these viruses and other bloodborne agents.

Vaccines are available against hepatitis B.

Exotic infectious agents

Travellers may be exposed to a variety of other exotic infections, such as:

• rabies from bites or scratches from rabid dogs, bats and other mammals in many countries
• schistosomiasis from exposure to water infested with the parasites, especially in Africa
• leptospirosis through activities such as rafting or wading in contaminated streams

Of these diseases, vaccines are available only against rabies.

Recommending travel vaccines

Although recommending appropriate vaccines is important, it is not the only part of a pre-travel medical consultation. Travel vaccines — those relevant for travelling — include all relevant vaccines, not just the ones that prevent diseases that most commonly occur overseas.

Do not recommend a vaccine based only on the destination country, because there is no single ‘correct’ list of vaccines for travel to any particular country.

There are 3 categories of travel vaccines:

• routinely recommended vaccines (not specific to travelling overseas)
• selected vaccines based on travel itinerary, activities and likely risk of disease exposure
• vaccines required by the International Health Regulations 2005 (IHR) or for entry into specific countries

Questions for a pre-travel medical consultation

During a pre-travel medical consultation, ask questions about the traveller’s:

• personal information, including age and whether they are pregnant or planning pregnancy
• underlying medical conditions, particularly immunocompromising conditions, and current medicines
• vaccination history (including adverse events following immunisation) and allergy history
• purpose of travel and intended activities, especially those associated with various environmental risks and hazards
• plans for travel insurance

Also ask about their itinerary in detail, including:

• date of departure and time available for vaccinations
• specific localities and routes
• rural versus urban stay
• duration of stay
• likely access to health care and other services
• likelihood of changing the planned itinerary

This information helps to tailor recommendations about preventive vaccination or chemoprophylaxis for exposure risks during the proposed trip. It also allows the clinician to advise about other appropriate preventive health measures (for example, food and water precautions, avoiding bites from mosquitoes or other arthropods) and about managing possible health conditions during travel.

Organisational requirements for vaccination

Some overseas organisations, such as schools, colleges and universities, require evidence of vaccination or immunity against some vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles and meningococcal disease. Consider these requirements when planning and scheduling vaccines before departure.

Routinely recommended vaccines (not specific to travelling overseas)

Vaccinate all prospective travellers according to the recommended vaccination schedule appropriate for their age, underlying health conditions, occupation and lifestyle. Vaccines might include, for example, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine for an older person, or hepatitis B vaccine for a first aid officer. 

Also ensure that all children are vaccinated according to the National Immunisation Program schedule. In exceptional circumstances, give the National Immunisation Program vaccines at the minimum age rather than the recommended age (see Table. Minimum acceptable age for the 1st dose of scheduled vaccines in infants in special circumstances ). Children vaccinated using the minimum age rather than the recommended age may need extra vaccine doses to ensure adequate protection. Observe the minimum interval requirements between doses (see Table. Minimum acceptable dose intervals for children <10 years of age ). The chances of being exposed to some diseases, such as measles and mumps, may be greater during overseas travel, even to other developed countries.

For some itineraries, it may be appropriate for the traveller to receive some booster doses earlier than the routine recommended time. An example may be diphtheria-tetanus booster.

Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis

Vaccinate adult travellers against tetanus before departure, particularly if:

• their risk of sustaining a tetanus-prone wound is high
• there could be delays in accessing health services where they can receive tetanus toxoid boosters safely, if required

Offer dTpa vaccine during a pre-travel consultation if the traveller has never received a dose of dTpa . This provides protection against pertussis (see Pertussis ). 

For high-risk travel, consider giving a booster dose of either dTpa or dT vaccine if more than 5 years have passed (see Tetanus ).

Hepatitis B

Most Australian children born since 2000 have been vaccinated against hepatitis B under the National Immunisation Program or state and territory school-based vaccination programs.

Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for long-term or frequent travellers to regions of intermediate or high endemicity of hepatitis B, including:

• Central and South America

This is because travellers may be exposed to hepatitis B virus through bloodborne routes (including during emergency medical or dental procedures) or sexual routes. According to 1 survey, about half of Australian travellers who spent at least 3 nights in Southeast or East Asia participated in at least 1 activity that had a risk of hepatitis B transmission. 13

See also Hepatitis B .

Influenza and pneumococcal disease

Older travellers and those with any relevant underlying medical or behavioural risk factors should receive pneumococcal vaccine. See Pneumococcal disease for more details.

Consider influenza vaccine for all travellers, especially if they are travelling to a region during its influenza season. Influenza vaccine is particularly relevant if:

• there is an influenza epidemic at the traveller’s destination
• the person is travelling in a large tourist group, especially one that includes older people
• the person is travelling on cruises, where people are relatively confined for days to weeks

See also Influenza. 

Measles, mumps and rubella

Inadequately vaccinated young adult travellers are responsible for most current measles outbreaks in Australia. This occurs when they acquire the infection overseas and bring it back to Australia. Some countries, regions or communities — including developed countries — have a higher incidence of measles and mumps than Australia. 9

Australians born during or since 1966 who have not received the recommended 2 doses of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella)–containing vaccines are recommended to receive MMR vaccine before travelling. This also applies to infants 6–12 months old travelling to areas with measles outbreaks or where measles is endemic . The exception is for pregnant women, because MMR is a live vaccine and is contraindicated in pregnancy. 

People born before 1966 do not need to receive measles-containing vaccine (unless serological evidence indicates that they are not immune). This is because circulating measles virus and disease were prevalent before 1966, so most people would have acquired immunity from natural infection .

However, confirmed cases of measles have occurred in people born before 1966. 14 If in doubt about a person’s immunity, it may be faster and easier to vaccinate the person than conduct serological testing . See Serological testing for immunity to measles . 

See also Measles . 

Unvaccinated travellers are recommended to receive varicella vaccine if they either:

• have not had clinical disease, or
• have an uncertain history of clinical disease and serology shows a lack of immunity 

The exception is for pregnant women, because varicella vaccine is a live vaccine and is contraindicated in pregnancy.

See also Varicella .

Meningococcal disease

Vaccination against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W-135, Y and B is recommended for certain age and population groups who are at increased risk of meningococcal disease.

In addition, MenACWY (quadrivalent meningococcal) vaccine is recommended for people who are:

• planning travel to, or living in, parts of the world where epidemics of serogroup A, C, W-135 or Y meningococcal disease occur, particularly the ‘meningitis belt’ of sub-Saharan Africa 15
• planning travel to mass gatherings, such as pilgrims travelling to the Hajj in Saudi Arabia

Seek up-to-date epidemiological information to determine whether a traveller needs meningococcal vaccination. See Accessing up-to-date travel information.

The Saudi Arabian authorities require that all pilgrims travelling to Mecca (for the Hajj or Umra) have evidence of recent vaccination with the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine. 16  See Requirements for travellers to Mecca and Accessing up-to-date travel information .

See also Meningococcal disease .

Poliomyelitis

Ensure that all travellers are age-appropriately vaccinated against polio (see Poliomyelitis ).

If the person is travelling to a country where wild poliovirus is still circulating, they should receive inactivated poliovirus ( IPV ) vaccine if they have not completed a 3-dose primary course of any polio vaccine. Travellers who have completed the primary course should receive a single booster dose.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Polio Eradication Initiative website website has an up-to-date list of polio-affected countries.

Documented evidence of polio vaccination is not routinely required for travellers under the International Health Regulations. However, documented evidence of vaccination may be temporarily required according to WHO recommendations in response to new evidence of the spread of wild poliovirus (see Vaccines required by the International Health Regulations or for entry into specific countries and Documentation and certificates ).

International polio epidemiology and associated travel requirements can change. Check the Australian Government Department of Health website for current recommendations for Australian travellers .

Ensure that all travellers are age-appropriately vaccinated against COVID-19. Foreign governments may require evidence of COVID-19 vaccination before a traveller is allowed to enter. The Australian-issued International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate is a secure way to prove COVID-19 vaccination history that has been developed to meet agreed international travel standards. Parents and carers of children <14 years of age, adolescents ≥14 years of age and adults can get a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination certificate at any time:

• using their Medicare online account through myGov
• through the Medicare Express Plus mobile app
• by calling 1800 653 809 (free call)

See also COVID-19 .

Vaccines based on travel itinerary, activities and likely risk of disease exposure

Use a risk assessment approach when recommending travel vaccines. Weigh the potential risks of disease exposure and protective benefits from vaccination against potential adverse effects, and the non-financial and financial costs of vaccination.

Prioritise vaccines for diseases that are:

• common and of significant impact, such as influenza and hepatitis A
• less common, but have severe potential adverse outcomes, such as Japanese encephalitis and rabies

Consider booster doses, where appropriate (see disease-specific chapters in this Handbook for recommendations). If the person is departing for travel soon, consider an accelerated schedule, if appropriate, such as for hepatitis B vaccine or the combination hepatitis A-hepatitis B vaccine (see Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B ). Although immunity may be established sooner with the accelerated schedule, people who receive an accelerated schedule need another dose about a year later to complete the course and ensure long-term protection.

Most travellers do not need cholera vaccine. 16,17  The risk of a traveller acquiring cholera is very low if they avoid contaminated food and water.

No country requires travellers to have certification of cholera vaccination. No country has official entry requirements for cholera vaccination

See also Cholera .

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travellers ≥1 year of age travelling to moderately or highly endemic countries (including all developing countries). The exceptions are people who have evidence of natural immunity after previous infection .

Normal human immunoglobulin is no longer used to protect travellers against hepatitis A.

See also Hepatitis A .

Japanese encephalitis

While now considered an emerging disease in Australia, Japanese Encephalitis is more likely in travellers to endemic regions overseas. 18 Japanese encephalitis ( JE ) vaccine is recommended for travellers spending a month or more in endemic areas in Asia, Papua New Guinea or the outer islands of Torres Strait during the JE virus transmission season.

Consider JE vaccination for shorter-term travellers, particularly if:

• travel is during the wet season 
• travel may be repeated
• the person will spend a lot of time outdoors 
• the person’s accommodation has no air-conditioning, screens or bed nets

Check a reputable source before travel for information about JE virus activity — for example, Health Information for International Travel (the ‘Yellow Book’) . 19

A traveller’s overall risk of acquiring JE in these JE - endemic countries is likely to be low (<1 case per 1 million travellers). Determine the specific risk according to the: 17

• season of travel
• regions visited 
• duration of travel
• extent of outdoor activity
• extent to which the person avoids mosquito bites 

See also Japanese encephalitis .

Before travel to rabies- endemic regions, advise people about:

• the risk of rabies infection
• avoiding close contact with wild, stray and domestic animals — especially dogs, cats, monkeys and bats 
• the importance of appropriate immediate wound care of all animal bites and scratches 

See also Rabies and other lyssaviruses, including Australian bat lyssavirus .

Recommendations for rabies vaccination as pre-exposure prophylaxis

When deciding whether to give a pre-travel prophylactic rabies vaccination, assess the:

• likelihood of exposure to potentially rabid animals
• access to appropriate health care and availability of post-exposure prophylaxis , including rabies immunoglobulin , should there be an at-risk exposure
• timeliness of access to health care after exposure

Use a lower threshold for recommending rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis for children travelling to endemic areas.

Benefits of vaccination as pre-exposure prophylaxis

Pre-travel rabies vaccination:

• ensures that the traveller has received a safe and efficacious vaccine
• simplifies the management of a subsequent exposure because the person will need fewer doses of vaccine
• means that rabies immunoglobulin — which is often extremely expensive, and difficult or even impossible to obtain in many developing countries — is not needed
• reduces the urgency of post-exposure prophylaxis

Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is caused by a tick-borne RNA flavivirus. The disease may involve the central nervous system. TBE is prevalent in parts of central and northern European temperate regions, and across northern Asia. Travellers are at risk when hiking or camping in forested areas in endemic regions during the summer months.

Safe and effective vaccines are available. Vaccination is recommended only for people with a high risk of exposure.

TBE vaccine is not registered in Australia, but a small stock of vaccine may be available for use under the Special Access Scheme .

Tuberculosis

Vaccination with BCG (bacille Calmette–Guérin) vaccine is generally recommended for tuberculin-negative children <5 years of age who will be staying in high-risk countries for an extended period (3 months or longer).

Vaccinating older children and adults appears to be less beneficial. However, consider vaccinating tuberculin-negative children aged ≥5 years but <16 years who may be living or travelling for long periods in high-risk countries.

A high-risk country is one that has a tuberculosis incidence of >40 per 100,000 population.

For travellers who need BCG vaccine, consider the following precautions when scheduling their vaccination visits:

• If possible, give BCG vaccine at least 3 months before the person will arrive in an endemic area.
• Give other live viral vaccines (for example, MMR , varicella, yellow fever) at the same time or with a minimum 4-week interval after BCG vaccination.
• A tuberculin skin test (TST; Mantoux), performed by trained and accredited healthcare practitioners, is recommended before receiving BCG vaccine for all individuals (except infants aged <6 months).
• People may suppress reactions to tuberculin for 4–6 weeks after viral infections or live viral vaccines, particularly measles infection and measles-containing vaccines.

State and territory tuberculosis services can provide tuberculin skin tests and BCG vaccine.

See also Tuberculosis .

Typhoid vaccine may be recommended for travellers ≥2 years of age travelling to endemic regions, including: 

• the Indian subcontinent
• most Southeast Asian countries 
• several South Pacific nations, including Papua New Guinea 

This advice is also relevant for those travelling to endemic regions to visit friends and relatives.

Inactivated parenteral and live oral typhoid vaccine formulations are available.

See also Typhoid fever .

Yellow fever

Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for all people ≥9 months of age travelling to, or living in, an area with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission. 20

To minimise the risk of introducing yellow fever, some countries require documented evidence of yellow fever vaccination for entry, in line with the International Health Regulations (see Vaccines required by the International Health Regulations or for entry into specific countries ).

When assessing the need for yellow fever vaccination, consider:

• the risk of the person being infected with yellow fever virus
• country entry requirements
• individual factors such as age, pregnancy and underlying medical conditions 

Vaccination is generally not recommended for travel to areas with a low probability of yellow fever virus exposure — that is: 

• where human yellow fever cases have never been reported 
• where evidence suggests only low levels of yellow fever virus transmission in the past 

However, consider vaccination for a small subset of travellers to lower-risk areas who are at increased risk of exposure to mosquitoes or who are unable to avoid mosquito bites. 20

People aged ≥60 years are at increased risk of severe adverse events after primary yellow fever vaccination. Weigh the adverse effects of vaccinating people in this age group against the potential for yellow fever virus exposure and, in turn, the benefits of vaccination. 17

See also Yellow fever .

Booster doses

Most people do not need a booster dose of yellow fever vaccine. A single dose induces protective antibody levels that last for many decades. However, certain people are recommended to receive a booster if their last dose was more than 10 years ago and they are at ongoing risk of yellow fever virus infection . See Yellow fever .

Vaccines required by the International Health Regulations or for entry into specific countries

Yellow fever requirements.

The International Health Regulations require yellow fever vaccination for travelling in certain circumstances. This is to:

• protect travellers who are likely to be exposed to yellow fever 
• stop importation of the virus into countries that have the relevant vectors (see Yellow fever ).

Some countries may require documented evidence of yellow fever vaccination as a condition of entry or exit (see Planning and documenting vaccines ). This includes countries that do not currently have yellow fever circulating.

Australia’s yellow fever travel requirements are detailed in the Australian Government Department of Health’s yellow fever fact sheet .

Contact the relevant embassies or consulates in Australia to confirm the entry requirements for yellow fever vaccination for the countries a traveller intends to enter or transit through. 

Requirements for travellers to Mecca

Each year, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health publishes the requirements and recommendations for entry visas for travellers on pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj and Umra). 16

For pilgrims travelling directly from Australia, only evidence of MenACWY vaccination is currently mandatory. However, check the current requirements when advising prospective Hajj and Umra pilgrims (see Meningococcal disease and Accessing up-to-date travel information ).

Temporary requirements

The International Health Regulations may temporarily introduce requirements for other vaccine-preventable diseases in response to changes in disease epidemiology that are of international health concern. An example is for polio vaccination.

Because country vaccination requirements are subject to change at any time, confirm all current vaccination requirements for the countries a traveller intends to enter or transit through before travel. See Poliomyelitis and Accessing up-to-date travel information .

Planning and documenting vaccines

Ideally, start vaccination courses early enough before departure to allow:

• monitoring of any possible adverse events 
• time for adequate immunity to develop

Requirements for multiple vaccines

A traveller may need multiple vaccines before they depart. Apply the standard recommendations and precautions when giving multiple vaccines (see Administration of vaccines ).

A traveller may need more than 1 clinic visit if they need multiple vaccines or doses (for example, rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis or hepatitis B vaccine). Pay special attention to scheduling of these visits, and consider:

• dose interval precautions (for example, for multiple live vaccines)
• requirements for pre-vaccination tests (for example, tuberculin skin test)
• potential interference by some antimalarials, if relevant (for example, rabies vaccine)

Documentation and certificates

It is important to document travel vaccines: 

• in the clinic’s record
• in the traveller’s record that they can carry with them 
• on the Australian Immunisation Register

The record should also include all the other routinely recommended vaccines that the traveller has ever received. 

For yellow fever vaccination, a traveller needs to have an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), which only Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres can provide under the International Health Regulations (see Yellow fever ). 

Travellers may also need an ICVP for other vaccine-preventable diseases, such as polio, based on temporary recommendations.

See also Accessing up-to-date travel information .

Vaccinating travellers with special risk factors

See Vaccination for women who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding , Vaccination for people who are immunocompromised and the disease-specific chapters in this Handbook for recommendations for travellers who are pregnant or immunocompromised.

Accessing up-to-date travel information

International travellers’ health risks constantly change. Up-to-date information, and knowledge of the changing epidemiology and current outbreaks of infectious and emerging diseases are essential. Reliable online information sources include:

• World Health Organization (WHO) for disease outbreak news, and its Travel and health section for specific advice on travel and health, including travel vaccination recommendations
• Travelers’ health , United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Travel health information , Australian Government Department of Health
• Smartraveller , the Australian Government’s travel advisory and consular information service, which provides up-to-date advice about health, safety and other risks of specific destinations for Australian travellers

The following resources have comprehensive technical advice on international travel and health, including vaccination:

• the latest edition of WHO’s International travel and health
• the CDC’s Health Information for International Travel (the ‘Yellow Book’)
• Australian Bureau of Statistics. 3401.0 – Overseas arrivals and departures, Australia, Mar 2018 (accessed May 2018). 
• Paudel P, Raina C, Zwar N, et al. Risk activities and pre-travel health seeking practices of notified cases of imported infectious diseases in Australia. Journal of Travel Medicine 2017;24(5):tax044.
• Heywood AE, Watkins RE, Iamsirithaworn S, Nilvarangkul K, MacIntyre CR. A cross-sectional study of pre-travel health-seeking practices among travelers departing Sydney and Bangkok airports. BMC Public Health 2012;12:321.
• Chen LH, Leder K, Barbre KA, et al. Business travel-associated illness: a GeoSentinel analysis. Journal of Travel Medicine 2018;25.
• Angelo KM, Kozarsky PE, Ryan ET, Chen LH, Sotir MJ. What proportion of international travellers acquire a travel-related illness? A review of the literature. Journal of Travel Medicine 2017;24.
• Freedman DO, Weld LH, Kozarsky PE, et al. Spectrum of disease and relation to place of exposure among ill returned travelers. New England Journal of Medicine 2006;354:119-30.
• Halstead SB, Hills SL, Dubischar K. Japanese encephalitis vaccines. In: Plotkin SA, Orenstein WA, Offit PA, Edwards KM, eds. Plotkin's vaccines. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.
• Staples JE , Monath TP, Gershman MD, Barrett AD. Yellow fever vaccines. In: Plotkin SA, Orenstein WA, Offit PA, Edwards KM, eds. Plotkin's vaccines. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.
• World Health Organization (WHO). Chapter 6: Vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccines . In: International travel and health. Geneva: WHO; 2017. 
• Steffen R. Travel vaccine preventable diseases-updated logarithmic scale with monthly incidence rates. Journal of Travel Medicine 2018;25.
• Denholm JT, Thevarajan I. Tuberculosis and the traveller: evaluating and reducing risk through travel consultation. Journal of Travel Medicine 2016;23.
• Lachish T, Tenenboim S, Schwartz E. 35 - Humanitarian Aid Workers. In: Keystone JS, Kozarsky PE, Connor BA, et al., eds. Travel Medicine (Fourth Edition). London: Elsevier; 2019. (Accessed 6 July 2023). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323546966000355
• Leggat PA, Zwar NA, Hudson BJ. Hepatitis B risks and immunisation coverage amongst Australians travelling to Southeast Asia and East Asia. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 2009;7:344-9.
• Winkler NE, Dey A, Quinn HE, et al. Australian vaccine preventable disease epidemiological review series: measles, 2012-2019. Commun Dis Intell (2018) 2022;46.
• World Health Organization (WHO). Epidemic meningitis control in countries of the African meningitis belt, 2017. Weekly Epidemiological Record 2018;93:173-84.
• World Health Organization (WHO). International travel and health: health conditions for travellers to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) . 2017 (accessed May 2018). 
• Freedman DO, Chen LH. Vaccines for International Travel. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2019;94:2314-39.
• Furuya-Kanamori L, Gyawali N, Mills DJ, et al. The Emergence of Japanese Encephalitis in Australia and the Implications for a Vaccination Strategy. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022;7.
• Hills SL, Rabe IB, Fischer M. Infectious diseases related to travel: Japanese encephalitis . In: CDC yellow book 2018: health information for international travel. New York: Oxford University Press; 2017. 
• World Health Organization (WHO). International travel and health (accessed Apr 2018). 

Page history

Minor updates to clinical guidance around routinely recommended vaccines (not specific to travelling overseas), including the addition of advice regarding COVID-19.

Editorial update to reflect changes to pneumococcal vaccine recommendations for older adults and people with medical risk factors.

Guidance on vaccination of travellers against measles, mumps and rubella updated to reflect advice in the Measles chapter.

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Acknowledgement

The Department of Health and Aged Care acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and present.

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Immunisation for travel

It’s important to protect your health when travelling overseas. You can avoid diseases and other health conditions by planning ahead for any vaccinations you may need.

If you are looking for information COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the  COVID-19 digital certificate page.

Vaccines needed for travel

If you travel outside Australia, you may get sick from a number of diseases that vaccination can prevent. Travellers can bring these diseases into Australia when they return and cause disease outbreaks.

You should always ask your doctor or travel health clinic about vaccinations before you travel.

Your immunity to some diseases may have changed or reduced with time – you may need a booster.

Different countries have different vaccination requirements. The recommended vaccines for travelling depend on a number of factors, including:

• pregnancy or planning pregnancy
• underlying medical conditions
• vaccination history
• season of travel.

When to get vaccinated

You should consult your doctor or visit a travel health clinic 6 to 12 weeks before you leave Australia.

It is important to see your doctor early. If you do need vaccinations:

• your body needs time to develop full immunity
• you may need several doses of a vaccine to achieve full immunity. 

How to check your vaccination record

You may have already received recommended vaccines from previous travel or routine vaccinations. These may be recorded in the Australian Immunisation Register.

The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) is a national register that records vaccines given to all people in Australia.

The AIR includes vaccines given:

• Under the National Immunisation Program
• through school programs
• privately, such as for flu or travel.

You can check your immunisation record :

•  online on MyGov through Medicare
•  via the Express Plus Medicare mobile app
•  by calling 1800 653 809 (Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm).

Cost of vaccines

The vaccines you need for travel may not be covered by the National Immunisation Program. In this case, you will need to buy them. This may involve:

• getting a prescription for the vaccine
• buying it from a pharmacy
• returning to your doctor to give you the vaccination.

The cost of vaccines varies depending on the type, the formula and where you buy them.

Some doctors might have these vaccines available in their clinics. Some pharmacies also offer vaccination services.

Check with your provider when you book your appointment.

How to stay safe overseas

The vaccine information you find on various websites is only a guide. You should not rely on such information. Talk to your doctor or travel health clinic for advice on travel vaccines and how to stay safe while you are overseas.

Find more information:

• Travel Health Information  for things to consider before you leave, while you are away and when you return.
• Smartraveller (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
• Travellers’ health  (US Center for Disease Control & Prevention)

Keep routine vaccinations up to date

Travel is an important time to check whether you and your children are up to date with your vaccinations. This includes routine childhood vaccinations and boosters. Some of these include:

• measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
• diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough (pertussis)
• chickenpox (varicella)

Influenza is the most common vaccine-preventable disease caught by travellers.

The chance of getting these diseases may be greater while travelling overseas. Travellers can bring these diseases into Australia. This can lead to disease outbreaks.

Get more about information about routine vaccinations:

• National Immunisation Program Schedule
• When to get vaccinated

Diseases to be aware of

Some countries require proof of immunisation for certain infectious diseases before you can legally enter that country. Ask your doctor or travel health clinic if you need proof of immunisation before you travel.

Read about some of the common vaccine-preventable diseases found in other areas of the world.

Cholera is found in places with poor water and waste facilities. It spreads through contaminated food and water and causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration.

Humanitarian disaster workers should get vaccinated for cholera because they are more likely to get infected. Most travellers do not need a cholera vaccination because the risk of getting cholera is very low. 

Your doctor may recommend the cholera vaccine if you have a condition that puts you at greater risk of travellers’ diarrhoea.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases caught by travellers. It is a liver disease spread by contaminated food and water. It is common in parts of India, Africa, Asia, South and Central America and the Middle East where there is poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

You and your children over 1 year of age should get a Hepatitis A vaccination if you are travelling to an area where Hepatitis A is common.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a serious disease spread by mosquitoes in Asia and the Torres Strait region of Australia. We recommend vaccination against this disease if you are travelling to these parts and will be:

• travelling in rural areas
• undertaking certain activities with increased risk of exposure
• spending a month or more in the region.

You should avoid mosquito bites when you are in these areas.

Meningococcal

Meningococcal disease is a serious disease spread by close contact with an infected person. It is commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa.

Rabies is common to Central and South America, Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia. It is spread from infected animals to humans through bites, scratches and licks to open wounds. It is fatal when left untreated. The animal does not have to appear ill to have rabies. Infected animals can include dogs, monkeys, cats, rats, bats, foxes and chipmunks.

Ask your doctor if you need the rabies vaccine before you travel.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease spread by close contact with an infected person. It is common in developing countries.

We recommend the TB vaccine called BCG for children aged 5 years or under who are:

• travelling a lot
• spending a long time in countries where TB is common .

Typhoid is a disease spread through contaminated food and water. It causes diarrhoea and other symptoms. It is common in parts of India, Africa, Asia, South and Central America and the Middle East where there is poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

Yellow fever

Yellow fever can be a serious disease. It causes fever, yellowing of the skin (jaundice) and damages the liver and kidneys. Mosquitoes spread yellow fever. It is found in Africa, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

You must be immunised for yellow fever before you can legally enter some countries. Only authorised yellow fever vaccination centres can give yellow fever vaccinations and certification. Ask your doctor about this.

Find more information: Yellow fever fact sheet

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A visa is a form of permission for a non-citizen to enter, transit or remain in a particular country or territory.

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Get all the appropriate visas you need before your travel, including transit visas where needed. Many visa types require you to be in Australia to apply. Make sure you provide all the information required when applying for visas and understand the visa conditions.

The Australian government is unable to intervene in any cases in which an Australian has been refused a visa or denied entry.

The validity and type of visa issued must be strictly adhered to. Overstaying your visa or breaching the conditions may result in a fine or legal action, and future problems with authorities.

Remember that if there is a problem with your visa, deportation is at your expense.

Read more about visas on Smartraveller.

Passport validity

Many countries and territories require you to have at least six months validity remaining on your passport. Immigration authorities may refuse entry if you arrive with less than this. Renew your passport before travel or check with the diplomatic mission of the destination concerned in Australia, or your local travel agent, whether this rule applies.

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Travelling with children.

This page is for Australian parents and children travelling overseas.

Read this page to learn about:

• what to do before you travel
• children travelling without one or both parents
• child custody
• international child abduction

What to do before you travel

• Read the  travel advice for your destinations  and  subscribe for updates . Also read about your transit locations.
• Buy  travel insurance  that covers your whole family. Read the fine print and know what it covers.
• Look online for tips on travelling with kids in the country you're going to.
• Leave an itinerary with someone at home. Plan to keep in contact.

Local laws and culture

Research the local laws and culture where you're going. They may differ from what you're used to in Australia.

• Check the safety standards of any equipment you'll use. This includes pools, balconies, car seats, cots and play equipment.
• Find out local attitudes towards breastfeeding in public.
• Learn the laws around disciplining children. In some countries, physical punishment is illegal, including smacking.

Research any childcare you plan to use overseas. Standards in other countries may vary.

• the accreditation of providers
• the provider's child abuse prevention plans
• how they screen their staff, including police checks and qualifications
• the ratio of staff to children
• staff training, including first aid and emergency processes
• security on the premises
• their injury liability insurance.

Staying healthy

Take your children to a doctor or travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you leave.

• Get a basic health check-up.
• Ask if your travel plans may affect their health.
• Plan any  vaccinations  they need.
• Find out if there are common health risks for kids where you'll travel.

Check if your child's medicine is legal where you're going. For example, some countries control or ban ADHD medicines.

Some over-the-counter medicines are also banned overseas.

• Check the 'health' section of  your destination's travel advice .
• Talk to the  embassy or consulate of that country .

See our advice on  taking care of your health . And read  more about travelling with medication .

Children travelling without one or both parents

There are laws around children travelling without both parents. Airlines also have rules you must follow.

Travelling with only one parent

You may need extra documents if only one parent is travelling. Particularly if you don't have the same surname as your child.

For example, you may need:

• proof of the other parent or guardian's consent for the child to travel
• proof of any custody agreements
• proof of guardianship
• adoption papers
• a certified copy of their birth certificate. Particularly if it doesn't list the travelling parent.

Travelling without parents

Most airlines have rules for children under 15 who travel alone. You may need to fill out a permission form. Contact your airline for details, including in-flight protocols for kids travelling alone.

The country your child travels to may also have forms you must complete. Contact the  embassy or consulate of the country they're going to . Find out if there are entry rules for children before they travel.

Child travel consent

Your child may need a consent letter if they travel:

• with someone who isn't their parent or guardian, such as a school group or grandparent.

The letter usually states:

• the child's name, gender and place and date of birth
• who the child is with
• where the child is going
• the child's passport information.

The letter should be signed by the parents and  witnessed by a public official .

Child custody

Before taking your child overseas, you must get consent from anyone with parental responsibility for them. Or get a court order to let them travel. You may be breaking the law if you don't.

Many countries recognise Australian parenting orders. Some will not.

Read  more about international family law and children  (Attorney-General's Department).

Child support payments

Your child support payments must be up-to-date before you can leave Australia. Services Australia can stop you from leaving if they aren't. If you have overdue child support and haven't made a payment plan:

• call 131 272 to discuss your options
• visit  the Services Australia website .

Dual nationality and child custody

Some countries don't recognise  dual nationality . This can affect how local authorities make custody decisions.

Get legal advice before travelling with children who may be dual nationals.

Stop orders on women and children

In some countries, husbands or relatives can place a 'stop order' on women and children. A stop order can stop a person from leaving the country, regardless of nationality.

Contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate if you or your child are being stopped from returning to Australia.

International child abduction

If you think someone may try to take your child out of Australia without your consent, report it. Get legal advice, they can help you:

• get a court order to register your children on the Australian Federal Police's  Family Law Watchlist
• submit a Child Alert Request with the  Australian Passport Office .

Learn more about  international child abduction  (Attorney-General's Department).

Help from the Attorney-General's Department

The Attorney-General's Department may be able to help if someone has taken your child overseas without your consent.

Contact the International Family Law Section:

• 1800 100 480 (within Australia)
• +61 2 6141 3100 (from overseas)
• [email protected]  

The help they can give you depends on where your child is taken.

Help from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

If someone has taken your child while you're overseas, contact the  Consular Emergency Centre .

DFAT can give:

• a list of local lawyers
• information on local child welfare agencies or organisations
• consular help to the parent who is left behind.

You may also find a lawyer overseas through:

• International Academy of Family Lawyers
• Find out more about buying travel insurance .
• Check which vaccinations you should get .
• See our advice for  pregnancy ,  adoption  and  surrogacy  overseas.
• Carry-on luggage restrictions  (Department of Home Affairs)
• Separated parents  (Services Australia)

Related content

Read more about the legislative protections designed to prevent child sex offences abroad.

In many countries age, gender and sexual preferences can pose challenges. Understanding the culture and laws in your destination will help things go smoothly.

If you're pregnant and planning to travel overseas, research your destination before you go. Being informed about the risks will help you manage them.

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Can we travel overseas after applying for Australian Citizenship ? (and before a decision is made)

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hi all, I'm supposed to apply for citizenship by Mid-November. I'm currently on PR Just checking, are we allowed to travel overseas for 2-3 months after this application? any time limits on how long we can stay overseas ? is the 90 days cap for last year applicable on time of appication or until the citizenship is granted ? what if the PR expires while I'm overseas waiting for the citizenship decision, do i have to apply for an exemption or extension ? any suggestions on how this should be handled ? Thanks in advance  

When the travel bans are lifted, the fully vaccinated Permanent Residents will be able to travel internationally without seeking an exemption first. If I read correctly un-vaccinated will still require an exemption to travel. Once those travel restrictions are lifted, you should be able to travel outside Australia while application is being processed, or after it has been approved and while you are waiting for your ceremony. The general residence requirements are at the time you apply, so technically there is no issue with being out of the country for more than 90 days Do bear in mind that under ordinary circumstances your application cannot be approved if you are not in the country and your ceremony must occur within 12 months of your application being approved. So that does limit the time you can be out of the country. Your PR doesn't really "expire" only the travel authority granted with it... but you should ensure that you will have the right to return before you depart by applying for an RRV before you leave.  

You are allowed to travel after you've applied for citizenship, before your application is completed. I have. Check on when your PR visa expires; you may need to get a RRV (resident return visa)  

Hi, if you dont mind. How long were you away while your citizenship application was in progress? I am currently overseas and an hoping to get the invitation soon.  

The Dept won't approve your application while you are outside Australia unless you satisfy one of the special residence requirements or discretion is applied.  

I was away for a few weeks while my application was being processed.  

Hi There We intens to apply citizenship (we are PR holders) thru conferral. Is it possible for my kid to be away while it is processed? Does he need to be in Australia while the application is processed and while the approval is granted? He is younger than 15  

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• 30 Day (15GB) International Pass: 15GB of high-speed data and unlimited calling, to be used up to 30 days, for $50.

Use your International Pass high-speed data however you’d like throughout the designated time. You’re not restricted to a certain amount of data per day.

If you’re a primary account holder or authorized user, get an International Pass by using your T-Mobile app, logging on to My.T-Mobile.com, or following the link in the welcome text message you get when you enter an eligible country. Also, you can call our Team of Experts ® before your trip by dialing 611 on your mobile device.

Click here  to see if you’re traveling to one of the 215+ countries that gets free data and texting as part of your eligible plan.

You can check your cruise coverage  here . We recommend that you turn off roaming while the ship is docked in a US port. Otherwise, your phone may pick up the ship's network, and you'll be charged cruise ship roaming charges for any usage. Once you're out to sea, you can turn roaming back on and pay for the data, text, and voice you use.

International roaming is a service allowing you to continue using your mobile phone or other mobile device to browse the internet, as well as send and receive: emails, voice calls, and text messages while visiting another country.

The price you pay for Wi-Fi calls to international numbers when you're outside the US, depends on your international roaming option. The good news is, with most of our international roaming add-ons, you'll pay less for these calls than you did before. All Wi-Fi calls to US numbers are free of charge.

Our most popular plans include international texting from home and while traveling. Click here  to see if you’re traveling to one of the 215+ countries and destinations that gets data and texting as part of your eligible plan.

Great news, while roaming internationally, you won't be charged for voicemails left in your inbox if your phone remains powered off or in airplane mode. However, you will be charged for the following:

• If you answer an incoming call, you will be charged for the duration of the call.
• If your phone is on when you get an incoming call, even if you don't answer it and it goes to voicemail, the call is charged one minute for the call coming into the phone, based on the  international roaming rate  of the country you’re in. (There are no charges at all if your phone is turned off.)
• If you call your voicemail from your mobile phone to listen to messages while traveling internationally, that call will be charged at the international roaming rate of the country you're in.

Check out our international roaming checklist for everything you need to know before traveling abroad.

If you are a T-Mobile customer on qualifying plan, we have you covered with free data and texting in 215+ countries. There are some countries in which international roaming benefits do not apply, and international data passes cannot be used, you can check the list of those countries here .

A Virtual Private Network (VPN), is a way to help keep your connection secure, even while traveling. Be aware, that while on Wi-fi and connected to a VPN, your Internet usage goes through the VPN network you are connected to, wherever it's located. This means that while connected to a U.S. based VPN network, Wi-Fi calls made to non-US numbers, while outside the U.S., will be charged at international long-distance rates. See more details here .

Heads up! Many VPN services may connect automatically, or even be included in other services such as AdBlockers. 

Qualifying plan and capable device required. Not for extended international use; you must reside in the US and primary usage must occur on our network before international use. Device must register on our network before international use. Service may be terminated or restricted for excessive roaming. Coverage not available in some areas; we are not responsible for our partners’ networks.

Calls, including over Wi-Fi, are $.25/min. (no charge for Wi-Fi calls to US, Mexico, and Canada). Go5G plans: Up to 10GB high-speed data in select Central European countries; otherwise, standard speeds approximately 256 Kbps. Go5G Next and Go5G Plus: Up to 15GB high-speed data in 215+ countries and destinations, then unlimited at up to 256 Kbps. Additional charges apply in excluded destinations; see www.T‑Mobile.com for included destinations (subject to change at T‑Mobile's discretion). Qualifying postpaid plan and capable device required. Taxes additional; usage taxed in some countries. Voice and text features for direct communications between two people. Communications with premium-rate (e.g., 900, entertainment, high-rate helpline) numbers not included. Not for extended international use; you must reside in the US and primary usage must occur on our network . Device must register on our network before international use. Service may be terminated or restricted for excessive roaming. Coverage not available in some areas; we are not responsible for our partners’ networks.

Calls in 215+ countries and destinations, including over Wi-Fi, are $.25/min. (no charge for Wi-Fi calls to US, Mexico, and Canada). Up to 5GB high-speed data, then unlimited at up to 256 Kbps. Additional charges apply in excluded destinations; see www.T‑Mobile.com for included destinations (subject to change at T‑Mobile's discretion). Qualifying postpaid plan and capable device required. Taxes additional; usage taxed in some countries. Voice and text features for direct communications between two people. Communications with premium-rate (e.g., 900, entertainment, high-rate helpline) numbers not included.  Not for extended international use; you must reside in the US and primary usage must occur on our network.  Device must register on our network before international use. Service may be terminated or restricted for excessive roaming. Coverage not available in some areas; we are not responsible for our partners’ networks.

Calls, including over Wi-Fi, are $.25/min. (no charge for Wi-Fi calls to US, Mexico, and Canada). Up to 5GB high-speed data in select Central European countries; otherwise, standard speeds approximately 256 Kbps. Additional charges apply in excluded destinations; see www.T‑Mobile.com for included destinations (subject to change at T‑Mobile's discretion). Qualifying postpaid plan and capable device required. Taxes additional; usage taxed in some countries. Voice and text features for direct communications between two people. Communications with premium-rate (e.g., 900, entertainment, high-rate helpline) numbers not included.  Not for extended international use; you must reside in the US and primary usage must occur on our network.  Device must register on our network before international use. Service may be terminated or restricted for excessive roaming. Coverage not available in some areas; we are not responsible for our partners’ networks.

Qualifying plan required. Speeds and coverage vary based on device and location. Check www.T‑Mobile.com for details. After allotment, data slows to plan speed (up to 128Kbps for plans without international data service). Activating a new pass ends remaining benefits of prior pass. Usage rounded up to the nearest MB each session.

Qualifying plan. On US-based airlines; Wi-Fi Calling functionality, valid e911 address, and one prior Wi-Fi call with current SIM card required for messaging. Where available on select US airlines.

International calling from U.S./Canada/Mexico to landlines in over 70 countries and destinations, plus unlimited calling to mobiles in over 30 countries. Qualifying service required. Calls must originate on our U.S. network or in Canada/Mexico; otherwise international roaming rates apply. Must be direct communication between 2 people; certain numbers not included. See T‑Mobile.com for countries and rates; subject to change at our discretion.

Receive up to 40% off available accommodation bookings in the US including AK, HI, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands and bookings for international travel. Discount is applied to price of room before taxes and any fees, including additional fees collected by the property at check-in. Reservations can only be made up to eleven months in advance of stay and are based on availability. All reservations are subject to the terms of the property and may not be able to be refunded, see individual location for details. Not valid for existing reservations, or with any other promotion, offer, discount, or coupon.

Receive up to 40% off pre-paid ("Pay Now") rental cars. Pay Now savings up to 30% discount is automatically applied to the Pay Now price if you select a Pay Now rental option. Up to 10% T‑Mobile Exclusive discount automatically applied to select Pay Now vehicle rentals. Discounted pricing is displayed at the time of booking compared to equivalent Pay Local/Later prices. Reservations can only be made up to twelve months in advance. Pay Now rates and vehicles based on availability. All reservations are subject to the terms of the supplier and may not be able to be refunded; see individual supplier for details. Not valid on existing car rental reservations, or with any other promotion, offer, discount, or coupon.

International tourist figures still millions below pre-COVID levels as slow recovery continues

For two years, Marcela Ribeiro worked three jobs to save for her dream holiday to Australia.

Like millions of people across the globe, the 35-year-old from Brazil had long wanted to explore the country's world-famous destinations, specifically the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed rainforest and sandy beaches. 

"I worked really, really hard, many jobs, to get here," Ms Ribeiro said.  

"The flights were very expensive, so I have to watch everything I spend. I can't afford to eat out in the restaurants every day." 

It's been a similar story for William Grbava from Canada and Amelia Mondido from the Philippines, who last week arrived in Australia for a holiday. 

"It's expensive here, much more than we were expecting. We have only been able to factor in a short stop in Sydney," Mr Grbava said. 

"We just had a beer and a pizza in Circular Quay for $50.

 "What I really wanted to do was drive up the coast to Brisbane, through Byron Bay and those beautiful towns. That's what I did when I was younger. But with the cost of fuel and car rental, it wasn't possible." 

Industry yet to recover to pre-COVID levels 

It's been more than four years since Australia's borders suddenly closed to the rest of the world and became one of the most isolated destinations on the globe. 

COVID-19 wreaked havoc across the country's economy, but nowhere was the pain as instant or more devastating as in the tourism industry. 

In 2019, 8.7 million tourists visited Australia from overseas in an industry that was worth $166 billion. 

New figures from Tourism Research Australia show there were only 6.6 million international visitors last year, a deficit of more than 2 million compared to 2019 levels.  

Victoria experienced the largest loss in international visits at 33 per cent, followed by Queensland at 24 per cent and New South Wales at 22 per cent. 

Nationally, Chinese visitor numbers — which made up the bulk of visitors to Australia pre-pandemic — slumped to 507,000 last year, down from 1.3 million in 2019. 

Figures for the month of February show more than 850,000 people visited Australia, an increase of 257,000 for the same time in 2023, but 7.5 per cent less than pre-COVID levels. 

Gui Lohmann from Griffith University's Institute for Tourism said there were a number of reasons for the slow return of international visitors. 

"The airfares are significantly high and we are under an inflationary situation with labour and food costs," Professor Lohmann said. 

"It could be challenging for Australia to reach above 8 million international visitors in the scenario we are in at the moment." 

Professor Lohmann said cost-of-living pressures were also at play in the return of international tourists, as was a "reset" in European thinking.  

"Many Europeans believe a long-haul trip is quite damaging to the environment and they're also flying less generally," he said. 

"Their domestic airline routes no longer exist [and] have been replaced by train trips." 

He said China's ongoing economic problems, the war in Ukraine and United States' election were also having an impact.  

"It's a much more complicated world we are facing after the pandemic," he said. 

A long road to recovery 

Oxford Economics has forecast it could take until 2025-26 before Australian tourism returned to pre-pandemic levels. 

Tourism Australia, a government agency that promotes holidays, said the strongest markets since borders reopened had been New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom. 

"We always knew that the recovery of international travel to Australia would take time, and we have continued to see the steady return of international visitors to our shores," a spokeswoman said. 

Maneka Jayasinghe, a tourism expert at Charles Darwin University, said affordability was a key factor in attracting visitors Down Under.  

She said the state and federal governments should consider subsidising travel to Australia. 

"Measures to reduce costs, such as discounted hotel prices, tourism package deals and food vouchers could be of importance to encourage visitors to Australia," Dr Jayasinghe said. 

"Tourism operators were badly hit during COVID so may not be in a financially viable position to provide further perks to visitors, especially the small-scale operators in smaller states and territories and those operating in remote areas." 

She said re-establishing links with traditional tourism markets, including Japan, was also a potential solution. 

"Countries with a rapidly growing middle class, such as India, could have high potential to grow. Some of the south-east Asian countries, such as Vietnam and Indonesia, could also be attractive due to their proximity to Australia." 

Dutch tourists Tim Erentsen and Laleh Maleki estimated it would cost them around $16,000 for their three-week holiday in Australia, where they are visiting Sydney, the Whitsundays and Cairns. 

"It has been expensive, especially the flights," Mr Erentsen said. 

Ms Maleki said the couple had travelled extensively throughout Europe and the US and the cost of hotels and food in Australia was comparable. 

"We thought if we were coming all this way and spending the money to get here, we should stay a bit longer, which is adding to the cost," Ms Maleki said. 

But despite that extra cost, she said the trip had been worth it. 

"We love the nature, it feels very safe here. The food is so good and the people are very friendly." 

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Before you go

What to do before you travel or move overseas. How your plans may affect your payments, concession cards, health care and child support.

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Travelling or moving overseas can affect your payments and concession cards from us. Some will stop while you’re travelling or when you move.

You may need to let us know that you’re leaving Australia and how long you’re going for.

If you get a Centrelink payment or concession card

Sometimes you need to let us know you’re leaving Australia. This will ensure we pay you correctly. You must also continue to meet the normal eligibility rules to keep getting your payment or concession. Find out more about payments or concession cards while you’re outside Australia .

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Follow our guide to advise us of travel using your Centrelink online account through myGov.

If you’re enrolled in Medicare

Medicare doesn’t cover you while you’re overseas. Make sure you have a plan for health care before you travel. Countries that have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with us may cover some of the cost. Check if you’re covered. This doesn’t replace travel insurance.

You may need to enrol in Medicare when you return home . This will depend on how long you travel for. Different rules may apply if you’re a permanent resident or an Australian citizen.

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Check your myGov Account settings to make sure you can access myGov while you’re travelling overseas. You’ll either need access to SMS on your phone, or you’ll need to change your myGov sign in options.

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Australia has international social security agreements with some countries. If you’re going to an agreement country, you may be able to claim a payment from that country.

How to make sure you stay healthy and can access health care when you’re travelling or living overseas.

This information was printed 27 April 2024 from https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/before-you-leave-australia . It may not include all of the relevant information on this topic. Please consider any relevant site notices at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/site-notices when using this material.

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I Binged Conan O’Brien Must Go, And I’m All In For More Seasons Of The Max Travel Show

I need more!

I don’t know about you, but I feel like we’re in an odd moment for comedy. Rarely do belly laughs come from movie theater trips in the streaming era, and one really has to scroll … and scroll some more for something funny to watch among all those various services. But this past weekend, I found myself in a four-hour hole of hilarity thanks to Conan O’Brien’s new Max travel show , Conan O’Brien Must Go , and I need more seasons of the new series stat!

When it comes to the current late night TV roster of hosts , I find we are sorely missing the absurdity of Conan O’Brien following him saying goodbye to his TBS show in 2021 . Over the years, like so many, I’ve become a regular listener of his podcast Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend , especially for all the improvised debauchery he and his co-hosts get into between the celebrity interviews. Conan O’Brien Must Go is kind of the perfect marriage between Conan being good ol' Conan and being a natural progression from where he’s at in his career right now. Let me talk more about why Max needs to pay for Conan to travel to more of the world and give us more seasons of the new show.

It’s A Treat To See Conan Outside Of His Talk Show Element 

Conan has accomplished a lot in his career thus far! The 61-year-old was a late night host for nearly 30 years, and he’s in an exciting era right now with his successful podcast. While Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend is a welcome new energy for the host to get out of his suit and tie and get deeper with his guests, some of my favorite things about the host have always been the fun in-between segments he used to do outside of the typical talk show portions.

I always enjoyed when Conan would go out in the world with a guest or someone from his staff and do something random, like when he and Billy Eichner joined Grindr or when he visited the American Girl store . Conan O’Brien Must Go feels like it builds upon this strength of Conan’s, which we don’t get to see much anymore, except when he’s traveling around the world. While I think Conan is great at conducting good interviews, it’s nice to see him get out of that groove and do something completely different. It shows that a TV personality like him can adjust to the streaming era without operating under the constraints of it.

Conan O’Brien Must Go Lets The Master Improviser Run Wild 

Whether Conan goes to a real Viking town to learn their ways in Norway, gets Tango lessons in Argentina, learns a song in Thai to guest on a TV show there, or goes looking for Bono nature documentary-style in Ireland, he always finds some fun and awkwardness to entertain the cameras. It made me realize the beauty of Conan is his unhinged personality and how others react to it. He’s a master improviser who knows how to make people chuckle, get uncomfortable or, honestly most of the time, get other people to make fun of him.

I watch travel shows from time to time, but going on a trip with Conan O’Brien is something else because it’s purely for the fun of it. You can go in empty-headed without learning anything about different countries. It’s truly just funny and it gives Conan the atmosphere to deliver some fun comedy just out of the random situations he finds himself in. There’s an authenticity to that kind of comedic style that I really enjoy. So much comedy these days feels like forced jokes and dialogue, so I appreciate the raw amusement the former late night host brings to the world (literally).

Involving Real Fans Is Actually Genius 

Aside from Conan getting to run around the map with his winning personality, one dimension of the show I especially enjoyed was how it tied into his podcast. On Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend , there’s a segment where the hosts speak to fans all over the world, and it’s always delightful. In Conan O’Brien Must Go , Conan took his need for budding friendship a step further by going across the country to visit some of the guests on his show and hang around with them in their daily lives. This particularly worked swimmingly in the Norway episode, where he ends up contributing to a rap track for a Norwegian duo and spends the day on a fish farming boat.

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I also liked that he came to visit these podcast guests not necessarily to help them in a massive way, but to accompany them on a unique journey. Another fun one was when he guests on one fan’s Argentinian radio show. When the fan asked if he was giving him a makeover, he clarified that wasn’t on his list, but he did give some hilarious free advice on how to implement ads to the show. In addition, the moments where Conan was either just talking on the street with random locals or learning about the unique customs of a country were quite hilarious as well.

Four Episodes Was Simply Not Enough 

While getting four episodes of Conan O’Brien Must Go was simply delightful, I would watch so many more episodes of Conan meeting fans around the world to go rock climbing with them or have them make murals of him with the Pope. I could even see Conan taking the series a step further by inviting some famous friends on his excursions as well. I would even watch Conan O’Brien Must Go in a stateside setting where the comedian simply meets people around the USA to be part of their lives for a day, or help them out with a small request.

Of course I’m not the only one who’s really been digging the series, as critics gave it good marks , too. You can check out all four episodes of Conan O’Brien Must Go with a Max subscription .

Sarah El-Mahmoud has been with CinemaBlend since 2018 after graduating from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in Journalism. In college, she was the Managing Editor of the award-winning college paper, The Daily Titan, where she specialized in writing/editing long-form features, profiles and arts & entertainment coverage, including her first run-in with movie reporting, with a phone interview with Guillermo del Toro for Best Picture winner, The Shape of Water. Now she's into covering YA television and movies, and plenty of horror. Word webslinger. All her writing should be read in Sarah Connor’s Terminator 2 voice over.

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