qantas travel requirements to usa

READY FOR TAKE-OFF: QANTAS GEARS UP TO WELCOME CUSTOMERS BACK TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

User-friendly digital experience to guide customers step-by-step through international flying
Qantas customer favourites return, including pyjamas and amenity kits
Inflight and lounge menus featuring new plant-based options and signature cocktail

Qantas has unveiled a range of new experiences to join the return of much-loved customer favourites as the airline prepares to resume scheduled international flights next week for the first time in 20 months.

While the international travel experience will largely be the same as pre-COVID, some things will look and feel a little different, particularly in the short-term.

New initiatives including a customised digital travel guide for customers are designed to help passengers navigate travel requirements before they leave home.

Qantas Group Chief Customer Officer Stephanie Tully said: “The safe reopening of Australia’s borders and our first international flights will be a very special day for the entire Qantas team which is excited to get back flying and help reconnect our customers with family and friends around the world.

“We have redesigned our digital booking experience with world-first technology to help our customers easily navigate the post COVID-19 world of international travel and guide them through each step, including regular checklists sent via text ahead of their flights.

“Some things haven’t changed including our world class premium service. Our customers can expect a mix of new initiatives and a return of many favourites, all designed to make them feel right at home again the minute they step in to one of our lounges or on board our aircraft.”

DIGITAL SOLUTION

Qantas has developed technology across its website and app and will roll out a revamped digital booking and pre-departure experience that will be tailored to each customer’s journey.

The new digital experience will guide customers through what they need to do their international travel based on government requirements at their time of travel. This will include:

Pre-booking: Destination specific travel requirements available on qantas.com.
Booking: Travel requirements emailed to customers upon booking and link to upcoming interactive Travel Ready section on qantas.com.
Pre-departure: Emails/SMSs to customers seven days, four days and one day ahead of departure with customised checklists, reminders and links to relevant information.

Over the coming weeks, the digital experience will include a seamless integration with the IATA Travel Pass to help customers travel stress free, by enabling them to upload their vaccine and testing documents and be cleared to fly before they get to the airport. Airport check-in for international flights will also open an hour earlier than pre-COVID to allow extra time.

From November onwards, Qantas will roll out a new menu across its international flights and in the lounges including a number of new plant-based options.

In response to the growing popularity, plant-based meals such as potato and celeriac gratin with roast fennel, peas, mushrooms and onion sauce and Ratatouille Pasta Bake with Herb Crumb, Cauliflower & Green Beans will be available across all cabins on international flights from mid-November. Iconic Australian ice-creams will also be added to the inflight menu including Paddle Pops and Splices.

The new offering will also include a signature cocktail – the Qantas Sky Spritz – developed by SOFI to celebrate the return to international skies featuring Australian botanicals including Davidson Plum and Finger Lime.

The airline is restocking fridges ahead of the reopening of the Sydney International First Lounge from Monday including 125 punnets of strawberries and 25 kilograms of passionfruit a day for the signature Neil Perry pavlovas.

Qantas has announced it will use Darwin International Airport’s Catalina Lounge as a pop-up International Transit lounge for eligible customers transiting through Darwin on their way to and from London. Other international lounges will reopen to align with the return of further international routes.

Fly Well kits will continue to be available onboard and other changes to inflight services include using fully compostable paper wrappings on amenity kits, sustainably sourced bamboo combined swizzles and stirrers and new compostable cups rolled out on all international flights.

It is an Australian Government requirement that face masks be worn in airports and on-board flights.

Qantas encourages all travellers to consider taking out travel insurance before an international flight and in a post COVID world, one that incorporates some COVID cover. There are a number of products available to travellers, so customers can choose a policy that will best suit their needs.

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Fact Sheets

Frequently Asked Questions: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S.

Updated Date: April 21, 2022

Since January 22, 2022, DHS has required non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.  On April 21, 2022, DHS announced that it would extend these requirements. In determining whether and when to rescind this order, DHS anticipates that it will take account of whether the vaccination requirement for non-U.S. air travelers remains in place.

These requirements apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for essential or non-essential reasons. They do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

Effective November 8, 2021, new air travel requirements applied to many noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily. These travelers are also required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All air travelers, including U.S. persons, must test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. Limited exceptions apply. See  CDC guidance  for more details regarding air travel requirements.

Below is more information about what to know before you go, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about cross-border travel.

Entering the U.S. Through a Land Port of Entry or Ferry Terminal

Q. what are the requirements for travelers entering the united states through land poes.

A:  Before embarking on a trip to the United States, non-U.S. travelers should be prepared for the following:

Possess proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the  CDC  website.
During border inspection, verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status. 
Bring a  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  compliant border crossing document, such as a valid passport (and visa if required), Trusted Traveler Program card, a Department of State-issued Border Crossing Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Tribal Card when entering the country. Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should be prepared to present the WHTI-compliant document and any other documents requested by the CBP officer.

 Q. What are the requirements to enter the United States for children under the age of 18 who can't be vaccinated?

A:  Children under 18 years of age are excepted from the vaccination requirement at land and ferry POEs.

Q: Which vaccines/combination of vaccines will be accepted?

A:  Per CDC guidelines, all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO), will be accepted.

Accepted Vaccines:

More details are available in CDC guidance  here .
2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose COVID-19 vaccine;
2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series;
2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial;
2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart.

Q. Is the United States requiring travelers to have a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated for border entry purposes?

A:  No. The CDC guidance for “full vaccination” can be found here.

Q: Do U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land POEs and ferry terminals?

A:  No. Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation.

Q: Is pre- or at-arrival COVID testing required to enter the United States via land POEs or ferry terminals?

A: No, there is no COVID testing requirement to enter the United States via land POE or ferry terminals. In this respect, the requirement for entering by a land POE or ferry terminal differs from arrival via air, where there is a requirement to have a negative test result before departure.

Processing Changes Announced on January 22, 2022 

Q: new changes were recently announced. what changed on january 22.

A:  Since January 22, 2022, non-citizens who are not U.S. nationals or Lawful Permanent Residents have been required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States at land ports of entry and ferry terminals, whether for essential or nonessential purposes. Previously, DHS required that non-U.S. persons be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States for nonessential purposes.  Effective January 22, all non-U.S. individuals, to include essential travelers, must be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request. DHS announced an extension of this policy on April 21, 2022.

Q: Who is affected by the changes announced on January 22?

A: This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. It applies to other noncitizens, such as a citizen of Mexico, Canada, or any other country seeking to enter the United States through a land port of entry or ferry terminal.

Q: Do U.S. citizens need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land port of entry or ferry terminals?

A: Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation. 

Q: What is essential travel?

A:  Under the prior policy, there was an exception from temporary travel restrictions for “essential travel.” Essential travel included travel to attend educational institutions, travel to work in the United States, travel for emergency response and public health purposes, and travel for lawful cross-border trade (e.g., commercial truckers). Under current policy, there is no exception for essential travel.

Q: Will there be any exemptions? 

A: While most non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States will need to be vaccinated, there is a narrow list of exemptions consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order in the air travel context.

Certain categories of individuals on diplomatic or official foreign government travel as specified in the CDC Order
Children under 18 years of age;
Certain participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials as specified in the CDC Order;  
Individuals with medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as specified in the CDC Order;
Individuals issued a humanitarian or emergency exception by the Secretary of Homeland Security;
Individuals with valid nonimmigrant visas (excluding B-1 [business] or B-2 [tourism] visas) who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability, as specified in the CDC Order
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age) as specified in the CDC Order; and
Individuals whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Q: What documentation will be required to show vaccination status?

A:  Non-U.S. individuals are required to be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request regardless of the purpose of travel.

The current documentation requirement remains the same and is available on the CDC website . Documentation requirements for entry at land ports of entry and ferry terminals mirror those for entry by air.

Q: What happens if someone doesn’t have proof of vaccine status?

A: If non-U.S. individuals cannot present proof of vaccination upon request, they will not be admitted into the United States and will either be subject to removal or be allowed to withdraw their application for entry.

Q: Will incoming travelers be required to present COVID-19 test results?

A: There is no COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers at land border ports of entry, including ferry terminals.

Q: What does this mean for those who can't be vaccinated, either due to age or other health considerations? 

A: See CDC guidance for additional information on this topic. Note that the vaccine requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age.

Q: Does this requirement apply to amateur and professional athletes?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions.

Q: Are commercial truckers required to be vaccinated?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions. These requirements also apply to bus drivers as well as rail and ferry operators.

Q. Do you expect border wait times to increase?

A:  As travelers navigate these new travel requirements, wait times may increase. Travelers should account for the possibility of longer than normal wait times and lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are kindly encouraged to exercise patience.

To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers can take advantage of innovative technology, such as facial biometrics and the CBP OneTM mobile application, which serves as a single portal for individuals to access CBP mobile applications and services.

Q: How is Customs and Border Protection staffing the ports of entry? 

A: CBP’s current staffing levels at ports of entry throughout the United States are commensurate with pre-pandemic levels. CBP has continued to hire and train new employees throughout the pandemic. CBP expects some travelers to be non-compliant with the proof of vaccination requirements, which may at times lead to an increase in border wait times. Although trade and travel facilitation remain a priority, we cannot compromise national security, which is our primary mission. CBP Office of Field Operations will continue to dedicate its finite resources to the processing of arriving traffic with emphasis on trade facilitation to ensure economic recovery.

Q: What happens if a vaccinated individual is traveling with an unvaccinated individual? 

A:  The unvaccinated individual (if 18 or over) would not be eligible for admission.

Q: If I am traveling for an essential reason but am not vaccinated can I still enter?

A:  No, if you are a non-U.S. individual. The policy announced on January 22, 2022 applies to both essential and non-essential travel by non-U.S. individual travelers. Since January 22, DHS has required that all inbound non-U.S. individuals crossing U.S. land or ferry POEs – whether for essential or non-essential reasons – be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.

Q: Are sea crew members on vessels required to have a COVID vaccine to disembark?

A:  Sea crew members traveling pursuant to a C-1 or D nonimmigrant visa are not excepted from COVID-19 vaccine requirements at the land border. This is a difference from the international air transportation context.

Entering the U.S. via Air Travel

Q: what are the covid vaccination requirements for air passengers to the united states  .

A:  According to CDC requirements [www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html | Link no longer valid], most noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily must be fully vaccinated prior to boarding a flight to the United States. These travelers are required to show proof of vaccination. A list of covered individuals is available on the CDC website. 

Q: What are the COVID testing requirements for air passengers to the United States? 

A:  Effective Sunday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. ET, CDC will no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 testing for U.S.-bound air travelers.

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Exercise normal safety precautions in the United States of America.

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies, advice levels.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are occurring due to the potential for unrest and violence. Monitor media for information, follow the instructions of local authorities and abide by any curfews.
Violent crime is more common in the US than in Australia. Gun crime is also prevalent. If you live in the US, learn and practice active shooter drills.
There is a persistent threat of mass casualty violence and terrorist attacks in the US. Be alert, particularly in public places and at events.
Severe weather and natural hazards include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, landslides, avalanches, hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, extreme temperatures, wildfires, and floods. Monitor weather conditions and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders.

Full travel advice: Safety

Medical costs in the US are extremely high. You may need to pay up-front for medical assistance. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance.
Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.
Insect-borne illnesses and tick-borne ailments are a risk in parts of the US. Consider using insect and tick repellents.

Full travel advice: Health

Check local drug laws, including those related to the possession and recreational and/or medical use of marijuana. These vary between states. Penalties are severe and can include mandatory minimum sentences.
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications readily available in Australia are illegal in the US. It's also illegal to possess prescription medication without a prescription.
The federal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21, however, state laws regarding possession and consumption can vary. Check relevant state laws.
Some states have laws restricting access to abortion and other reproductive health care services. Research local laws and consult your doctor before making any decisions about your medical care.
There's no federal law that explicitly protects LGBTQIA+ people from discrimination. Some US states and localities have laws that may affect LGBTQIA+ travellers.
Some US states apply the death penalty for serious crimes. The death penalty can also apply to serious federal offences, even if committed in states without capital punishment.

Full travel advice: Local laws

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.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

The Consular Services Charter tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
Contact the Australian Embassy in Washington DC or the nearest Australian Consulate-General ( Chicago , Honolulu , Houston , Los Angeles , New York or San Francisco ) for consular assistance.
Monitor the Embassy, Consulates-General and Smartraveller social media channels for information, alerts and updates relating to natural disasters, severe weather events and other significant incidents impacting the US.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension, demonstrations and protests.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are occurring due to the ongoing potential for unrest and violence.

Monitor the media for information and updates.
Follow the instructions of local authorities and abide by any movement restrictions or curfews.

More information:

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime

Guns, gun violence and violent crime are more prevalent in the US than in Australia.

Mass shootings, active shooter events and hate crimes occur, including violent incidents directed towards the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals and groups from diverse cultural, linguistic, ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Familiarise yourself with how to respond by reading the US Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Active Shooter Event guide .

We don't update our advice for individual gun crimes, such as mass shootings or active shooter events unless Australians face a significant risk.

According to the latest official crime statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) , violent crime rates vary across the country but are highest in cities and urban areas.

Even in cities with relatively low violent crime rates, there can be unsafe and no-go areas.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

research your destination(s) before travelling and seek local advice on areas that may be unsafe
monitor the media for new and emerging safety risks
stay vigilant and take particular care when moving through unfamiliar and/or potentially unsafe areas, particularly at night

If you're affected by violent crime, follow advice from local authorities. If you require consular assistance, contact your nearest Australian embassy or consulate (see Local contacts).

Petty crime

Tourists are often targeted for pickpocketing and purse-snatching . This can happen anywhere but is more prevalent in crowded areas and on public transport.

Conceal your valuables. Pay close attention to your personal belongings and only carry what you need. Leave other valuables in a secure location.

Rental cars can be easy to spot and are often a target of thieves. Don't leave valuables on display or unattended in a vehicle, including in the boot.

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

Kidnapping

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains the National Terrorism Advisory System , a public alert system to communicate information about current and potential terrorist threats in the US.

Threats include those posed by individuals and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs or personal grievances, as well as those inspired by other recent attacks.

Attacks can be indiscriminate, including at public events, on public transport, schools and in other places where crowds gather.

Subscribe to National Terrorism Advisory System for updates and advice.

To reduce your risk of being involved in a terrorist incident:

be alert to possible threats in public places and near known potential targets
report any suspicious activity or items to the police
monitor the media for new or emerging threats
take official warnings seriously
follow advice from local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the affected area as soon as it's safe to do so.

Terrorist threats

Climate and natural disasters

Natural disasters and severe weather events regularly impact the US. These include:

earthquakes , volcanic eruptions and tsunamis
landslides and avalanches
hurricanes , severe thunderstorms and tornadoes
winter storms (freezing rain, heavy snow, blizzards)
extreme temperatures

Monitor the Embassy, Consulates-General and Smartraveller social media channels for information, alerts and updates relating to severe weather events and natural disasters impacting the US (see Local contacts ).

Before travelling,

familiarise yourself with the risks of natural disasters and severe weather events at your destination(s).

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) to receive alerts and notifications about major disasters.

Preparedness

In the event of a natural disaster, our ability to provide consular assistance may be limited.

Prepare yourself by:

securing your passport in a safe, waterproof location
subscribing to emergency alert systems and monitoring local media and other sources for developments, important updates and additional pertinent information
following the advice of local authorities

Ready.gov and the American Red Cross also provide information on preparing for natural disasters, severe weather events and other emergencies.

Anticipate disruptions before, during and after a natural disaster(s).

Flights into and out of affected areas may be diverted, delayed or cancelled
Other forms of travel may be impacted
Adequate shelter might not be available
Essential services such as water, electricity, internet and mobile phone services may be disrupted.

Keep in contact with family and friends and let them know you're safe.

Register with the American Red Cross via its Safe and Well website or mark yourself ‘safe’ on social media using the American Red Cross Emergency! app for mobile devices.

Severe weather

Severe weather can occur year-round in the US.

Monitor the US National Weather Service (NWS) for forecasts, updates and severe weather alerts and warnings.

Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms that routinely impact the east coast, Gulf Coast, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

While hurricanes have been known to form in every month of the year, peak activity occurs from May to November.

If you travel during hurricane season, check weather reports and closely monitor the NWS National Hurricane Center website.

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning. Hurricanes can also reach hundreds of miles inland, causing dangerous conditions, widespread damage and disruption to essential services in areas far from the coast.

If a hurricane or tropical storm is approaching, prepare early by following the advice for natural disasters above.

Tornadoes can occur in all 50 US states but are most frequent and attain the highest intensities across the Central Plains and parts of the Midwest.

They're also common in the rain bands of hurricanes and tropical storms.

Tornadoes can strike with little warning and cause catastrophic damage, with wind speeds sometimes up to 500km per hour (300 mph).

While tornadoes can form at any time of year, they are more common in the warmer months between March to September.

If you're living in or travelling through an area prone to tornadoes, familiarise yourself with warning signals and emergency procedures and monitor the NWS Storm Prediction Center's website.

After a disaster

Travelling to areas affected by natural disasters and severe weather events can be dangerous.

If you plan to travel to a region after a natural disaster, check with your transport operator that services are operating.

Contact the place you intend to stay and check other sources for details on local conditions.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

There is no reciprocal health care agreement in place between Australia and the US, your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care. A visit to a doctor for even a minor issue can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, and you may be asked to show proof of insurance or your ability to pay before receiving treatment.

what activities and care your policy covers
that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away
that your insurance covers any pre-existing medical conditions.

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

have a basic health check-up
ask if your travel plans may affect your health
plan any vaccinations you need.

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

General health advice
Healthy holiday tips (HealthDirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries.

If you plan to bring medication with you, check whether it's legal in the US. Take enough legal medication to last the duration of your trip.

Some medications may be considered illegal or controlled substances, even if available over the counter or by prescription in Australia. It's also illegal to possess any prescription medication in the US without a prescription.

If possible, keep your medication in its original container and carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

what the medication is
your required dosage
that it's for personal use
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - Travelling with Medication
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Health risks

Insect and tick-borne diseases.

Various insect-borne illnesses can occur throughout the US, including West Nile virus and viral encephalitis (multiple types).

Sporadic outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya virus and zika have also occurred in the US (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands).

Research your destination and get local advice before you travel.

To protect yourself:

ensure that your accommodation is insect-proof
use insect repellent
wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Tick-borne ailments such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis and Powassan virus are also present.

Check for ticks after being outdoors, especially in tall grasses and wooded areas.

Infectious diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Other health risks

Further information about health risks in the US, including communicable diseases and preventative measures, is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

Medical care

While the standard of hospitals and healthcare facilities in the US is similar to Australia, medical costs are significantly higher.

A visit to a doctor for even a minor issue can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars and you may be asked to show proof of insurance or your ability to pay before receiving treatment.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave Australia and make sure that it covers you for the duration of your trip, for all activities you intend to undertake, for any pre-existing medical conditions and for all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.

The Australian Government won’t cover these costs and there's no reciprocal health care agreement between Australia and the US. This means that you aren’t covered by Australian Medicare in the US.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you in accordance with our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Federal and state laws for drug-related offences vary, including laws related to the possession and recreational and/or medical use of marijuana (cannabis).

Penalties for drug-related offences can be severe and often include minimum mandatory sentences.

Some medications readily available in Australia are illegal or considered controlled substances in the US, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

It's also illegal to possess any prescription medication without a prescription. See Health .

Carrying or using drugs
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - Travelling with Medication

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 years old. State laws regarding the possession and consumption of alcohol can vary. Check the relevant state laws.

No federal law explicitly protects LGBTQIA+ people from discrimination, and not all state and local non-discrimination laws include protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Some states and localities have laws that may discriminate against or otherwise affect LGBTQIA+ travellers. Check relevant state and local laws.

Advice for LGBTI travellers
US Human Rights Campaign

Abortion and reproductive health

Some US states have laws restricting access to abortion and other reproductive health care services.

Research local laws and always consult your doctor before making any decisions about your medical care.

Center for Reproductive Rights: Abortion Laws by State

International surrogacy

Surrogacy laws can be complex. Get legal advice before you agree to an arrangement.

Some US states apply the death penalty for serious crimes. The death penalty can also apply to some serious federal offences, even if committed in states without capital punishment.

Death Penalty Information Center

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

The US recognises dual nationality.

If you're a US dual national, you must:

travel with both your Australian and US passports
use your US passport to enter and exit the US and its territories
use your Australian passport to enter and exit Australia.
Dual nationals
US Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

The US has strict entry requirements. US authorities won't allow you to enter the country if you don't comply.

If you're visiting the US for less than 90 days, you may be eligible to:

apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and
then enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Otherwise, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions, including currency, customs and quarantine rules, can change at short notice. Contact your nearest US Embassy or Consulate for the latest details.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - ESTA
US Department of State - Visa Information

Visa-free travel for short stays

If you plan to visit the US for less than 90 days, you may be able to travel under the VWP. This includes travel to the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The VWP is intended for short, infrequent visits to the United States and can be used by tourists and business travellers. Conditions apply.

Ensure you know all terms and conditions before applying for your ESTA and attempting to enter the US under VWP.

If you don't satisfy US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at your port of entry that you're entitled to be admitted under the VWP, you may be denied entry and detained.

You can't enter the US under the VWP if you have:

been denied an ESTA or denied previous entry under the VWP
been denied a US visa
an emergency passport, document of identity or Provisional Travel Document
a criminal record
been arrested but not convicted
dual citizenship with Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan or Syria
travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since 1 March 2011, with limited exceptions
travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 (see ‘Travel to Cuba’ below).

Before you can travel under the VWP, you must apply and be pre-approved via the ESTA.

US authorities recommend applying as soon as you know you'll be travelling. ESTA approvals can take up to 72 hours.

ESTAs are valid for 2 years and for multiple entries.

You'll need to apply for a new ESTA if:

you renew your passport within the 2 years and/or
your VWP eligibility changes

If there are differences between your ESTA, passport or ticket information, you could be:

referred for secondary inspection (where a CBP officer may interview you) and/or
refused entry

If your ESTA application is denied, you must apply for a visa from a US Embassy or Consulate .

US authorities generally won't tell you why your ESTA application was rejected, and you can't appeal their decision.

If you provide false or incorrect information on an ESTA, you may be permanently banned from future travel to the US.

If your ESTA application is denied or, you're not eligible to travel under the VWP, or you intend to stay for more than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a visa from a US Embassy or Consulate .

The category of visa you need to apply for will depend on your reason for travel.

Embassy of the United States of America in Australia

Entry into the US

An approved ESTA or valid visa allows you to board a US-bound plane or vessel or request entry at a land border. It doesn't guarantee entry to the US.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry will decide if you can enter the country.

Entry requirements are strict. Authorities have broad powers when deciding if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law.

At the port of entry, be prepared to answer questions about:

the purpose of your visit
how long you plan to stay
where you will stay
your ties to Australia

Officials may ask to inspect your electronic devices , emails, text messages or social media accounts. If you refuse, they can deny your entry.

Whether you enter the US under the VWP or on a visa, you'll likely need to have:

an onward or return ticket that doesn't terminate in Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean unless you're a resident of one of those countries, and,
proof you have enough money to support yourself during your stay

You can be refused entry if you provide false information or can't satisfy the officials you're visiting for a valid reason.

You may be held at the port of entry or a nearby detention facility while US authorities arrange for you to be returned to Australia (or the last country you visited).

If you're refused entry under the VWP, you generally don't have the right to an attorney or to appeal the decision.

The Australian Government cannot intervene on your behalf, and our ability to provide consular assistance in these circumstances may be limited.

Arrival and departure record (Form I-94)

When you arrive at the port of entry, US authorities will determine your admissibility and decide when you must leave the country. This date may be different from the expiry date of your ESTA or visitor visa.

A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official should:

stamp your passport and write the date by which you must leave the US
issue you an electronic Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)

Your I-94 is evidence of your legal status in the US and shows the date by which you must leave the country.

You can check your I-94 with CBP each time you enter the US.

If you stay past your I-94 expiry date, you can be detained, deported and banned from re-entering the US.

Renewing your I-94 and/or extending your stay

You can't extend or renew your I-94 by travelling to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean for 30 days or less and then re-entering the US.

If you travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean and return to the US while your I-94 is still valid, you'll be readmitted for the amount of time left on it.

If your I-94 has recently expired and US authorities think the purpose of your trip outside the US was only to be issued a new I-94 to extend your stay in the US, they can:

refuse you entry
detain and deport you

If you're on a visa and need to extend your stay in the US, lodge a request with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Form I-539 before your I-94 expires.

VWP entrants are generally not eligible to extend their stay beyond 90 days or change their status.

If a serious emergency, such as hospitalisation, prevents you from departing before your I-94 expires, USCIS has the discretion to grant you additional time to leave. This is known as 'satisfactory departure'.

For further information, see Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances .

To request satisfactory departure, contact the USCIS Contact Center .

Health-related requirements

US authorities may still deny boarding any US-bound traveller showing signs of illness.

Expect enhanced screening procedures, including for domestic flights within the US.

For further information regarding precautions to take before and during travel to the US and after arrival, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Other formalities

You'll have your fingerprints scanned and your face photographed when you arrive in the US.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - Biometrics

Children of all ages must have their own ESTA approval or US visa.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires children under 18 years of age travelling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian to carry a letter of consent signed by both the travelling and non-travelling parent/s or guardian/s to help prevent delays due to further questioning at ports of entry and departure. CBP recommends that the letter is notarised.

Advice for people travelling with children

Travel to Cuba

The US enforces restrictions on travel to Cuba. This applies to anyone under US jurisdiction, including Australians who live or work in the US.

The US designated Cuba a ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’ on 12 January 2021. If you’ve travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021, you're not eligible to participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and must apply for a visa to enter the US (see ‘Visa-free travel for short stays’ above).

If you enter the US under the VWP and then travel to Cuba, you won’t be able to re-enter the US under the VWP. You’ll have to apply for a US visa, even if you’ve arranged to just transit the US to fly back to Australia.

If you have a US visa and plan to visit the US after you’ve been to Cuba, you’ll also need documents to prove the purpose of your trip. Immigration officials may question you at the port of entry.

Travel advice for Cuba

Immigration enforcement

US authorities actively pursue, detain and deport people who are in the country illegally.

It’s common for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to carry out random travel document checks, including on public transport.

If you’re a tourist or visitor, be prepared to show your passport and entry stamp, ESTA or valid US visa, and a copy of your electronic Form I-94 .

If you're living in the US but not a US citizen, be prepared to show proof of legal residence, such as a US permanent resident card, valid US visa and electronic Form I-94, and US driver's licence issued by the state in which you live.

Australians entering the US on their Australian passport need only have a passport valid for their intended period of stay. However, different rules may apply in countries you plan to transit or stop in on your way to or from the US.

Be sure to check the entry requirements of all countries you intend to transit or visit on your trip.

Some countries won't let you enter or transit unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country.

You may be denied boarding and become stranded in these countries if your passport isn't valid for more than 6 months.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with X gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country.

Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the United States Dollar (USD).

Declare all amounts over USD $10,000 (or its foreign equivalent) on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only US dollars and not only cash. Failing to do so is a serious violation and can result in the seizure and forfeiture of your money. Criminal penalties can also apply.

Banks and ATMs are widespread throughout the US, and currency exchange services are available in most major cities and airports.

Major credit cards are almost universally accepted. Contactless and mobile payment options are also readily available, particularly in cities and at most major retailers.

Local travel

Road travel.

Speed limits and road rules vary between states and localities within states.

If you plan to drive in the US:

learn local traffic laws before you drive
pay close attention to signs and other posted regulations
check weather conditions before a long journey
be cautious of snowfall in mountainous or isolated areas
take extra water when driving through dry desert areas and in areas in which petrol stations can be scarce
Driving or riding
Information for foreign nationals driving in the US

Driver's licences and International Driving permits (IDP)

While some US states will allow you to drive on your Australian driver's licence for a limited time, others require you to also have an International Driver's Permit (IDP).

You should obtain an IDP before you leave Australia.

Some rental car companies also require you to have an IDP.

Contact your rental car company and the motor vehicle department in each US state you intend to drive for further information.

Driving without an IDP where one is required can void your travel and vehicle insurance.

US State Motor Vehicle Departments

Motorcycles

You need a motorcycle licence to operate a motorcycle in the US.

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike, ATV or similar vehicle, and always wear a helmet.

Electrically-powered personal vehicles

Rules relating to electric transportation, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, vary between localities. Learn local laws before hiring or using these items.

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using electric transportation, and always wear a helmet.

Taxis are plentiful in most cities and generally safe to use. Ridesharing options are also widely available.

Take the same safety precautions that you would in Australia.

The US is home to most of the major cruise lines and some of the world's busiest cruise ports.

Popular destinations for cruises originating and returning to or terminating in the US include Alaska, Florida, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Before embarking on a cruise, take steps to be prepared and reduce the risk of things going wrong. This includes choosing a travel insurance policy that covers you for cruising and any activities you do on shore. This will help you have a safe and hassle-free journey.

If you're embarking on a round-trip cruise to Canada, Mexico and/or the Caribbean, make sure your passport, ESTA or visa and I-94 will allow you to re-enter the US (see Visas and border measures).

Going on a cruise

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check USA's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Check the embassy or consulate websites for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Embassy, Washington DC

Contact the Australian Embassy in Washington DC if you're in:

District of Columbia
Mississippi
North Carolina
South Carolina
West Virginia

Australian Embassy 1601 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington DC 20036

Phone: +1 202 797 3000 Website: usa.embassy.gov.au Facebook: facebook.com/AusInTheUS X: twitter.com/AusInTheUS

Australian Consulate-General, Chicago

Contact the Consulate-General in Chicago if you're in:

North Dakota
South Dakota

Australian Consulate-General, Chicago 123 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1330 Chicago IL 60606

Phone: +1 312 419 1480 Website: usa.embassy.gov.au Facebook: facebook.com/AusCGChicago Instagram: instagram.com/auscgchicago/

Australian Consulate-General, Honolulu

If you're in Hawaii, contact the Consulate-General in Honolulu.

Australian Consulate-General, Honolulu Penthouse, 1000 Bishop Street Honolulu HI 96813

Phone: +1 808 529 8100 Website: usa.embassy.gov.au Facebook: facebook.com/AustralianConsulateGeneralHNL X: twitter.com/AusCGHonolulu

Australian Consulate-General, Houston

Contact the Consulate-General in Houston if you're in:

Australian Consulate-General, Houston 3009 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 1310 Houston TX 77056

Phone: +1 832 962 8420 Website: usa.embassy.gov.au

Australian Consulate-General, Los Angeles

Contact the Consulate-General in Los Angeles if you're in:

southern California
southern Nevada

Australian Consulate-General, Los Angeles 2029 Century Park East, 31st Floor Los Angeles CA 90067

Phone: +1 310 229 2300 Email: [email protected] Website: usa.embassy.gov.au Facebook: facebook.com/AustralianConsulateGeneralLA X: twitter.com/AusConsulateLA Instagram: instagram.com/ausconsulatela

Australian Consulate-General, New York

Contact the Consulate-General in New York if you're in:

Connecticut
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Puerto Rico
the Virgin Islands of the United States

Australian Consulate-General, New York 150 East 42nd Street, 34th Floor New York NY 10017

Phone: +1 212 351 6500 Website: usa.embassy.gov.au Facebook: facebook.com/AustralianConsulateGeneralNYC Instagram: instagram.com/ausconsulateny

Australian Consulate-General, San Francisco

Contact the Consulate-General in San Francisco if you're in:

northern California
northern Nevada
Washington State

Australian Consulate-General, San Francisco 575 Market Street, Suite 1800 San Francisco CA 94105

Phone: +1 415 644 3620 Email: [email protected] Website: usa.embassy.gov.au

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy or consulate, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to United States of America?

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

The Latest on U.S. Travel Restrictions

By Lauren Hard Oct. 19, 2021

Share full article

What to Know: U.S. Travel Restrictions

Beginning today, international visitors who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus can enter the United States by air or across the land borders with Canada and Mexico.

Here’s the latest →

The new policy ends an 18-month ban on nonessential travel from 33 countries, including China, Brazil and European Union members. The ban had affected tourists and those hoping to visit family and friends in the U.S.

The rules reorient the U.S. approach to vetting its visitors during the pandemic.

Instead of basing entry decisions on travelers’ countries of origin, the U.S. is focusing on vaccination status.

International visitors flying into the U.S. now need to show proof of vaccination before boarding and a negative coronavirus test taken within three days of their flight.

The three vaccines available in the U.S. — Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson — are accepted, as are vaccines cleared for emergency use by the W.H.O., including AstraZeneca and Covaxin.

Unvaccinated foreign visitors cannot enter the country, with limited exemptions.

Unvaccinated Americans returning home need to test negative for the coronavirus within one day of their flight and show proof they have purchased another test to take after arriving.

The hope is with these longstanding bans being lifted, the U.S. tourism industry will start to recover. The halt on travel caused a loss of nearly $300 billion in visitor spending, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

Keep up with the latest travel news, trends and feature stories.

Complete guide to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program

Due to the vast distances of the Australian Outback and the continent's remote location, Qantas has a rich aviation heritage stretching back more than 100 years. Unfortunately, in the past, the airline hasn't released a large amount of premium award availability on its lucrative flights between North America and Australia.

However, Qantas is part of the Oneworld alliance , and its simply named Frequent Flyer program offers award travelers some great redemption opportunities, even if they have no plans to visit Australia.

The Qantas Frequent Flyer program is also interesting because you can transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points to it — along with Capital One miles , Citi ThankYou Rewards points and Marriott Bonvoy points , making them easy to earn.

Here is what you need to know about the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.

Qantas Frequent Flyer Partners

As a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, Qantas lets you earn and redeem Qantas points on all Oneworld airlines:

Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
British Airways
Cathay Pacific Airways
Fiji Airways
Japan Airlines
Malaysia Airlines
Qatar Airways
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Jordanian
SriLankan Airlines

Related: The Oneworld alliance is growing with the addition of Oman Air

Qantas also has a unique and valuable list of non-alliance partner airlines, where you can earn and redeem Qantas points:

Air New Zealand*
Air Tahiti Nui*
Air Vanuatu
Bangkok Airways
China Airlines*
China Eastern
Fiji Airways (in the process of joining the Oneworld alliance)
Solomon Airlines*

Qantas Elite status

The Qantas Frequent Flyer program offers five status levels to reward and retain frequent flyers:

Bronze : This is the entry-level status, offering the ability to earn and redeem points for flights and rewards.
Silver (Oneworld Ruby) : Awarded after earning 300 status credits per membership year (250 to retain); members receive priority phone service, check-in, extra baggage allowance and preferred seating.
Gold (Oneworld Sapphire) : Awarded after earning 700 status credits per membership year (600 to retain); members also enjoy premium security, Qantas Club and international partner business class lounge access
Platinum (Oneworld Emerald) : Awarded after earning 1,400 status credits per membership year (1,200 to retain); members also receive priority waitlisting, guaranteed economy seat availability and first-class lounge access with Qantas and partner airlines
Platinum One (Oneworld Emerald) : Awarded after earning 3,600 status credits per membership year with the same to retain (2,700 must have been from a Qantas flight number); members receive the highest upgrade priority, cleared up to seven days before departure, plus waived change fees, additional award seats in all classes and free extra legroom seats

Status credits are only earned from flying Qantas or their partner airlines.

A great perk of holding elite status in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program is access to American Airlines lounges on domestic flights when flying American, which the carrier does not provide to its AAdvantage elite members .

Related: 1st look: American Airlines, British Airways unveil 3 gorgeous lounges in JFK's Terminal 8

How to earn Qantas points

Earn Qantas points by flying

When you fly Qantas or their partner airlines listed above, you can earn Qantas points to redeem for flights, upgrades or other rewards provided you list your Qantas Frequent Flyer number on your booking. The amount of points you will earn will depend on the length of the flight and ticket fare class.

Here is the earning rate for American Airlines flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sydney Airport (SYD), each way:

Transfer points from credit card programs

While there are no Qantas branded credit cards available in the U.S., you can transfer rewards from three programs with transferable currencies directly to Qantas Frequent Flyer:

American Express Membership Rewards
Capital One
Citi ThankYou Rewards

Each of them has a transfer ratio of 1:1, so 10,000 points equal 10,000 Qantas points.

Other ways to earn

You can also earn Qantas points for car rental with Avis and Budget, as well as booking hotel stays via the Qantas website with the following accommodation partners:

Swiss-Belhotel International

Related: How to choose a hotel loyalty program

How to redeem Qantas points

Qantas uses a distance-based award chart for its best-value but limited inventory "classic flight rewards" for travel on Qantas, Jetstar (Qantas' low-cost subsidiary, when combined with a Qantas flight), Fiji Airways, Air Vanuatu and American Airlines.

Related: A perfect hop across the Pacific: Qantas 787 business class

Qantas calculates the cost per journey (each way), not per flight, so booking a long-haul flight with a short-haul connecting flight may not need to pay any extra points for the second flight.

Other airline redemption partners, including most Oneworld airlines, also fall under a zoned one-way award chart, though redemption rates are slightly higher.

Things to know

You can search for classic reward flights on qantas.com . Qantas releases award seats to its own members 353 days in advance. It releases seats to partner programs like American Airlines Advantage 331 days in advance. If you are booking Qantas flights with Qantas points, you have a three-week head start over members of partner programs, which is a huge advantage because these seats book up extremely quickly.

Qantas also offers dynamically priced "any seat rewards," which are significantly more expensive than the amounts in the tables above and rarely offer great value.

Unfortunately, Qantas imposes fuel surcharges on redemptions, which can be substantial, especially on flights operated by Qantas and British Airways.

Related: Why are the fees, taxes and surcharges on Avios redemptions so high?

Sweet spots

Qantas business and first class to Australia

Qantas has well-regarded premium products and is especially known for its excellent airport lounges . Flights between North America and Australia fall within Zone 8, so you will need 108,400 points in business class each way or 162,800 points in first class, plus fees, taxes and surcharges. Remember, these seats book up very quickly as soon as they are released 353 days in advance, so book as soon as possible.

You can also book American Airlines flights to Australia using Qantas points for the same prices, though we think Qantas offers a better passenger experience than American does.

Related: Awesome Aussie: A review of Qantas first class on the A380, Melbourne to LAX

Short flights on American Airlines

With American Airlines now operating dynamic pricing on their flights booked with Advantage miles, consider using Qantas points instead, given the ease of transferring credit card points and the fixed award charts starting from just 8,000 Qantas points.

The Qantas award chart is priced by one-way journey, not by segment. So, if you were to take two connecting domestic flights on American Airlines with a total journey of 601 to 1,200 miles, it would cost just 12,000 Qantas points each way, which is a great deal.

Fly to Israel on El Al

El Al's own Matmid frequent flyer program is not very highly regarded, and the transfer ratio from the American Express Membership Rewards program makes this option a poor value. However, if you're looking for awards on Israel's flag carrier, Qantas is a great option.

For example, flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) are just under 5,800 miles long, meaning that you can book an economy class award for 38,000 points each way, or a business-class award for 90,000 points. From LAX, you're looking at spending 50,300 points each way in economy and 119,200 in business class.

Related: Then and now: 6 ways that El Al's most historic route has improved in just 2 years

Business class to Europe on American Airlines

Qantas charges just 57,000 Qantas points each way for travel between JFK and London's Heathrow Airport (LHR). Both American Airlines and British Airways operate this route multiple times each day. However, if you book American, you will not be subject to the huge fuel surcharges British Airways imposes on redemptions.

Domestic flights in Australia

If you're heading Down Under, Qantas has a comprehensive route network across Australia and New Zealand.

Distance-based awards are great for traveling around Australia, starting with one-way flights under 600 miles that will cost you just 8,000 Qantas points each way in economy or 18,400 in business class. Qantas operates several wide-body aircraft on domestic routes where you can enjoy their flagship fully flat business-class seats, especially on cross-country services between Perth Airport (PER) and the east coast of Australia.

Flights to Fiji

Fiji Airways is a Qantas partner in the program's more generous award chart. Flights from Los Angeles to Nadi International Airport (NAN) are just 5,519 miles in distance, which falls just within the award zone for 31,500 points each way in economy and 82,000 points in business each way. You should even be able to add on a short interisland flight for the same price.

Related: Fiji Airways shows off new A350

Round-the-world awards on Oneworld carriers

Qantas is one of a dwindling number of carriers still offering round-the-world awards . You can take flights that cover up to 35,000 miles in distance for 132,400 points in economy, 249,600 points in premium economy and 318,000 in business class.

While routing rules apply, they are quite generous. You can have up to five free stopovers, and you could book an itinerary that would see you visiting five different countries through five different airlines if you fancy trying out different Oneworld carriers.

Bottom Line

The Qantas Frequent Flyer program hasn't historically been the most valuable out there, especially given how little premium award availability they have released on long-haul services. However, there are some decent options for redeeming Qantas points.

Also, since the program is a handy transfer partner of Citi, Amex and Capital One, you may have a lot of these points at your disposal for your next award trip.

Update May 10, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Department of State/AILA Liaison Committee Meeting March 20, 2024

The Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. This means starting May 12, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. CDC’s Amended Order Implementing Presidential Proclamation on Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic will no longer be in effect when the Presidential Proclamation Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic is revoked .

Please see: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/01/the-biden-administration-will-end-covid-19-vaccination-requirements-for-federal-employees-contractors-international-travelers-head-start-educators-and-cms-certified-facilities/

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COVID-19 international travel advisories

If you plan to visit the U.S., you do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check with the Department of State for travel advisories.

COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.

As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S. arriving by air or arriving by land or sea no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
As of June 12, 2022, people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test .

U.S. citizens traveling to a country outside the U.S.

Find country-specific COVID-19 travel rules from the Department of State.

See the CDC's COVID-19 guidance for safer international travel.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Qantas Premier Credit Card

Who is the credit provider and issuer of Qantas Premier credit cards?

Why choose a Qantas Premier credit card?

How long does the application process take?

Can I transfer a balance from another credit card?

Who can apply for a Qantas Premier credit card?

Can I add an additional cardholder?

What’s the difference between the Qantas Premier Everyday, the Qantas Premier Platinum and the Qantas Premier Titanium card?

Can I have a Qantas Premier Platinum, Qantas Premier Titanium and Qantas Premier Everyday card?

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Change my product

Can I still spend on my current credit card whilst my new one arrives?

Am I eligible for any sign up bonus Qantas Points when changing Qantas Premier credit cards?

What happens to any additional cardholders that are currently on my credit card?

How long will it take for a change of Qantas Premier credit card to be processed?

What will happen to any periodic payments I have set up on my card?

What will happen to the annual fees when my product change is approved?

What happens to the benefits on my card?

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What happens to the statements from my old credit card?

Features and rewards

What travel insurance cover is included with my card?

What is ‘Get away interest free for 6 months’?

When will I receive my Lounge Invitations?

How many Qantas Premier Titanium flights discounts do I get a year?

Where can I use my Qantas Premier credit card?

Do bonus Status Credits expire?

How can I book a flight to earn bonus Status Credits?

How do I link my Lounge Invitations to a flight?

How many Qantas Points will I earn on purchases?

When will I receive my bonus Qantas Points?

What services are provided by the Qantas Premier Concierge?

How can I view the bonus Status Credits I’ve earned on my account?

Is there an interest-free period on my account?

What extended level of coverage does my Qantas Premier Titanium credit card provide?

If I cancel my booking, am I eligible for another Qantas Premier Titanium flight discount this year?

How do I make a travel insurance claim?

How can I use my Qantas Premier Titanium metal card for contactless payments?

What flights are eligible to earn bonus Status Credits?

Can I earn bonus Status Credits on Classic Reward bookings?

Which transactions will earn Qantas Points?

Can I use Points Plus Pay to book my flights and earn bonus Status Credits?

Do bonus Status Credits count towards Lifetime Membership tiers?

How long are my Lounge Invitations active for?

How do I claim any missing bonus Status Credits?

Can bonus Status Credit help me acquire or maintain Platinum One membership status?

How can I change my booking made using my Qantas Premier Titanium flight discount?

How do I order from Qantas Wine?

How do I sign up for my complimentary Qantas Wine Premium Membership from my Qantas Premier Titanium credit card?

How do I book discounted companion fares?

Can I book a multi-city flight using my Qantas Premier Titanium flight discount?

Where can I redeem my Lounge Invitations?

Can I share my Lounge Invitations with a person I’m travelling with?

How do I book a flight with my Qantas Premier Titanium flight discount?

My flight was cancelled, and I was moved to another flight, how do I claim my missing bonus Status Credits?

Complimentary Travel Insurance

Personal Baggage, Valuables, Money and Travel Documents

Trip Cancellation and Amendment

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

I’d like to use Qantas Travel Money in the United States - will my card be accepted?

Should I pay in Australian dollars instead of the local currency when I’m overseas?

Are there any countries where the Qantas Travel Money Card won’t work?

Transactions

Why has a transaction declined when I have enough funds on the card to complete the purchase?

Why would an online transaction be declined if I have enough money to complete the purchase on the card?

Contact Information

Accessibility and Disability Support - Qantas Travel Money

What should I do if my card is lost, stolen or damaged?

How do I lodge a complaint relating to my Qantas Travel Money Card?

Qantas Money App

Understanding your PINs and Passwords

Can I use my fingerprint to log in?

The app doesn’t recognise my fingerprint

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Managing your finances

Why use the Qantas Money app?

Connecting accounts

How do I delete an account?

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What type of accounts can I connect?

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When are my balances and transactions updated?

Transaction categories

How are my transactions categorised?

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What are notifications?

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Can I view notifications I’ve previously received?

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I’ve received a notification, but can’t see it in my history?

Can I set my own Travel Money low balance alert amount?

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Contact details

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Qantas Points

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Card Offers

Card Linking

Can I link an additional card to Card Offers?

Can I use any card that I have added to my Qantas Money App for Card offers?

Can I link another card in addition to my Qantas Premier Card?

Can I link and earn points with a debit Mastercard® or Visa® card?

Why can't I see my Card Offers on the Qantas Money website?

Why am I not receiving any/many offers?

How long will my offers be valid for?

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Why am I receiving offers that don't seem well matched to me?

Can I share an offer with my partner/friend etc?

Why did my friend get an offer for a specific store and I did not?

Are offers applicable to both purchases in-store and online?

What retailers are included in the program?

Earning bonus Qantas Points

Why does it take up to 15 days to receive my points?

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Missing Points

How do I follow up on missing points from Card Offers?

What if I forget to use my linked card, can I still earn the points?

How can I opt out of Card Offers?

All Categories > Qantas Travel Money Card > Using overseas > I’d like to use Qantas Travel Money in the United States - will my card be accepted?

You can use Qantas Travel Money at home and overseas, at millions of Mastercard locations worldwide#, including the United States.

When travelling with Qantas Travel Money in the United States, we recommend you let the merchant know to process your purchase as a Credit transaction.

It is also likely that you will need to swipe your Qantas Card and authorise the purchase with your signature.

If you ever experience any issues with acceptance of your Qantas Card, you can contact us via phone on 1300 825 302 (from within Australia) or +61 1300 825 302 if overseas or via email at [email protected] .

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Passports, travel and living abroad
Travel abroad
Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the US.

Passport validity requirements

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.

If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.

Dual nationals

US law requires US citizens to enter and exit the US using a US passport. Contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK for more information.

Visa requirements

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation ( ESTA ) visa waiver or a visa .

The US State Department has more information on visas .

Applying for an ESTA visa waiver

Apply for an ESTA visa waiver through US Customs and Border Protection. You can also apply using the ESTA Mobile app on android or on iOS .

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you have:

been arrested (even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction)
a criminal record
been refused admission into, or have been deported from the US
previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver

You cannot normally apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you were in the following countries on or after March 2011:

North Korea

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you travelled to or were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021.

If you are not eligible for an ESTA , you must instead apply for a US visa.

Applying for a visa

The US Embassy in London has information on how to apply for a visa .

US visa appointments

Visa appointments at the US Embassy in London are limited. Plan your application as far ahead as possible before travel. If you need to travel urgently, you can request an expedited interview through the US Embassy’s appointment service provider.

The US Embassy has more information on visa appointments .

Children and young people

Anyone aged 17 and under must:

have a valid visa or ESTA visa waiver on arrival
be able to provide evidence about the purpose, location and length of their visit if asked by immigration officials
have written consent from one or both parents if travelling alone, with only one parent, or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian

The US authorities can stop you entering the country if they have safeguarding concerns about a child. If this happens, the US authorities will take the child into their care, and their return from the US could take months. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot speed up the return of British nationals aged 17 and under from the US.

The US government has information about children travelling to the US . If you have questions, contact the US Embassy in the UK .

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s US guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Global Entry programme

The US Customs and Border Protection programme Global Entry allows pre-approved travellers through border control faster at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you can register to get a UK background check . If you pass the background checks, you’ll be invited to apply for Global Entry.

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Explored Planet

Ranked: Flying High In The Sky With The World's Safest Airlines

Posted: May 16, 2024 | Last updated: May 16, 2024

<p>Airline safety is one of those things most travelers don't like to think about, but it's typically in the back of their minds when flying. Passengers should breathe a little easier knowing there are airlines worldwide that are counted among the safest with regard to crew hospitality, internal safety protocols, and adherence to international certification requirements.</p> <p>Whether flying over the United States or across the pond to Europe or the Middle East, travelers deserve to have peace of mind. And airlines such as Alaska Airlines and Qatar Airways are there to ease any doubt. Keep reading to learn more about the safest airlines in the world.</p>

Airline safety is one of those things most travelers don't like to think about, but it's typically in the back of their minds when flying. Passengers should breathe a little easier knowing there are airlines worldwide that are counted among the safest with regard to crew hospitality, internal safety protocols, and adherence to international certification requirements.

Whether flying over the United States or across the pond to Europe or the Middle East, travelers deserve to have peace of mind. And airlines such as Alaska Airlines and Qatar Airways are there to ease any doubt. Read on to learn more about the safest airlines in the world.

Qantas is an Australian airline and happens to be the third oldest in the world, so they've learned a thing or two about safety over the years.

According to the website, "[Qantas] has been a leader in the development of Future Air Navigation System; the flight data recorder to monitor plane and later crew performance; automatic landings using Global Navigation Satellite System as well as precision approaches around mountains in the cloud using RNP." Qantas is now known as the world's most experienced airline.

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is an international and domestic airline based out of Auckland, New Zealand. For anyone wanting to venture to the land down under, this airline is a good and safe choice, especially if you're looking at a long-haul flight where you'd be flying the newest Boeing model, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner (pictured).

This model has had no fatal accidents since its release. AirlineRatings editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas said, "Air New Zealand has been a leader in safety and flight operations for decades and is considered industry best practice."

Read More: Americans No Longer Want To Live In These States And They're Moving On To Greener Pastures

<p> EVA Air, which stands for Evergreen Airways, is a Taiwanese airline and is ranked the third safest airline in the world. This five-star airline is one of the lucky companies that has not lost any of its planes or passengers since the beginning of its operation. </p> <p>With that statistic, it's no wonder the EVA Air has graced the Top 20 list for the last seven years. </p>

EVA Air, which stands for Evergreen Airways, is a Taiwanese airline and is ranked the third safest airline in the world. This five-star airline is one of the lucky companies that has not lost any of its planes or passengers since the beginning of its operation.

With that statistic, it's no wonder the EVA Air has graced the Top 20 list for the last seven years.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is one of three of the Mideast's big carriers, beginning operations in Abu Dhabi International Airport back in 2003. This airline gives passengers an array of seating options, from the normal economy seating all the way to an "apartment-style" set up, which includes a bed! With various options, safety regulations are top-notch.

The airline even has an on-board nurse, just in case a medical emergency should happen.

Qatar Airways

As one of the world's most modern fleets, its no wonder Qatar Airways is considered one of the safest. This popular airline has also been graced with a few other big accolades, including Airline of the Year, World's Best Business Class, Best Business Class Seat, and Best Airline in the Middle East.

The ever-growing airline was even awarded the coveted "Skytrax Airline of the Year," which is recognized as the highest honor in the industry. It also doesn't hurt that they introduced a brand-new safety video featuring a lot of famous football (soccer) players, past and present.

Singapore Airlines

Being the leading airline for the longest flight puts Singapore Airlines as one of the top ten safest airlines in the world. Flying straight from Singapore to Newark, New Jersey, is no small feat, so the crew and aircraft need to be in the best possible standing to ensure safe passage across the ocean.

With its modern design and its airport that looks more like an amusement park, Singapore is nothing short of thorough when it comes to its buildings and aircraft aesthetic. In essence, everything is structured with such precise detail that there seems to be no room for technical or human error.

<p>Emirates was founded back in 1985 and has since grown into one of the largest airlines by kilometers flown of scheduled revenue passengers. With more than 3,600 flights going in and out of the airport per week, it's also one of the safest airlines to fly with.</p> <p>In the entire history of the Dubai-based airline, there has never once been a fatal accident. For a company that is the largest Boeing 777 operator, that says something about the airline's safety measures! </p>

Emirates was founded back in 1985 and has since grown into one of the largest airlines by kilometers flown of scheduled revenue passengers. With more than 3,600 flights going in and out of the airport per week, it's also one of the safest airlines to fly with.

In the entire history of the Dubai-based airline, there has never once been a fatal accident. For a company that is the largest Boeing 777 operator, that says something about the airline's safety measures!

Alaska Airlines

Located in SeaTac, Washington, Alaska Airlines is one of the major American airlines. When measured by fleet size, the number of destinations offered, and scheduled passengers carried, Alaska is the fifth largest in the country, not to mention it is one of the safest airlines in the world.

Cathay Pacific

Coming in at number nine is the Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific. Founded back in 1946, Cathay Pacific has grown to become the tenth largest airline in terms of sales. So, they're clearly doing something right to have passengers returning time and time again. Unfortunately, due to the political climate in Hong Kong, a lot of people are boycotting the otherwise great airline.

Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia is one of the Virgin brand's largest airlines by fleet size. In 2011, the airline underwent an entire revamp, introducing a new wide-body aircraft to compete with Qantas, the safest airline in the world.

According to the Virgin Australia board, "The safety of our guests, team members, contractors, and visitors is our highest priority. As a result, we actively and systematically manage safety-related risks across our business and strive for continuous improvement in safety practices." Maybe Virgin Australia will be ranked as the number one safest in a few years!

Hawaiian Airlines

Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines is the tenth-largest commercial airline in the United States and, being founded in 1929, the oldest. Not only is the airline one of the safest in the world, having no hull losses or fatal accidents in its entire history, it is also known for a few more aspects.

Hawaiian Airlines frequently graces a few different lists, illustrating its excellence. These include the on-time carrier list in the US as well as the airline with the fewest cancellations.

Virgin Atlantic

Located in Crawley, England, Virgin Atlantic began as a project between American lawyer, Randolph Fields, and British pilot Alan Hellary. Their idea has since grown into an extravagant fleet of wide-body aircraft and airbusses, transporting passengers all over the world, from Asia to the Middle East and even the Caribbean.

With air traffic going all over, it's highly important to the Virgin Atlantic team to have top safety measures put in place.

TAP Air Portugal

The Portugal-based airline TAP Air Portugal was founded 75 years ago in 1945. Today, the airline's fleet consists of over 100 planes and is considered to be one of the safest airlines in the world. And, as of 2015, the airline had a huge facelift. The airline with the "most handsome crew" in the world added 3,000 new employees to the roster as well as 30 shiny new planes.

With the new renovations to the company, in 2019, the airline saw an 8.2 percent increase in passengers carried. It looks like revamping a few aspects of a business and making things safer really does work to a company's advantage.

<p>Scandinavian Airlines, usually called SAS, has its main hub out of Copenhagen-Kastrup Airport and has connections to more than 100 destinations around the world. The airline prides itself on being Scandanavian to its core, which means they hold some pretty solid values when it comes to the business.</p> <p>They say their "DNA" makes it so their first operational priority is the safety of the passengers and crew on board any of the aircraft. Then, it's punctuality and care. We think we can agree that those are some good values to have while running an airline.</p>

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)

Scandinavian Airlines, usually called SAS, has its main hub out of Copenhagen-Kastrup Airport and has connections to more than 100 destinations around the world. The airline prides itself on being Scandanavian to its core, which means they hold some pretty solid values when it comes to the business.

They say their "DNA" makes it so their first operational priority is the safety of the passengers and crew on board any of the aircraft. Then, it's punctuality and care. We think we can agree that those are some good values to have while running an airline.

Royal Jordanian

Royal Jordanian is the official flag carrier airline of Jordan and operates about 110 departures on a daily basis. With a fleet size of 25 and over 40 destinations worldwide, you best believe the airline is one of the safest in the world.

Most of their pilots are ex-Air Force, so they know how to handle themselves during any tough situation that may occur in the air. It's no wonder the airline also hasn't had a major incident in over 35 years.

Swiss International Air Lines

Swiss International Air Lines was formed after Swissair went bankrupt in 2002. From there, the airline went on the form a fleet of 91 aircraft carriers that service 102 destinations around the world. With all of those destinations, it's no wonder Swiss has a top-notch crew.

Crew members need to be fluent in both German and French, due to the location of the airline's main hub in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city.

<p>The largest airline in Finland, Finnair, has a fleet of 84 aircraft carriers that fly out to 137 different locations across the globe. The airline is also the sixth oldest in the world to be in continuous operation. So, they've definitely fine-tuned their safety procedures throughout the years.</p> <p>Finnair also hasn't had a fatal accident or hull loss since the '60s. </p>

The largest airline in Finland, Finnair, has a fleet of 84 aircraft carriers that fly out to 137 different locations across the globe. The airline is also the sixth oldest in the world to be in continuous operation. So, they've definitely fine-tuned their safety procedures throughout the years.

Finnair also hasn't had a fatal accident or hull loss since the '60s.

<p>The German airline Lufthansa has one of the largest fleets in the entire world, with over 700 aircraft carriers that are part of the Lufthansa Group. Servicing over 200 destinations, it's safe to say the crew and pilots know what they're doing, especially if the company was able to land on the list of safest airlines in the world.</p> <p>The airline since they haven't had any major accidents since 1993.</p>

The German airline Lufthansa has one of the largest fleets in the entire world, with over 700 aircraft carriers that are part of the Lufthansa Group. Servicing over 200 destinations, it's safe to say the crew and pilots know what they're doing, especially if the company was able to land on the list of safest airlines in the world.

The airline since they haven't had any major accidents since 1993.

<p>Right after Ryanair, Aer Lingus is the second-largest airline in Ireland, with a fleet of 57 planes and catering to 93 locations around the world. In 2018, Aer Lingus was named the most improved airline by <i>Forbes</i>. And since then, it has graced the Top 20 list for the safest airlines.</p> <p>Journalist Larry Olmsted has praised the airline for its friendly crew, one of the factors that go into the safest airline list. </p>

Right after Ryanair, Aer Lingus is the second-largest airline in Ireland, with a fleet of 57 planes and catering to 93 locations around the world. In 2018, Aer Lingus was named the most improved airline by Forbes . And since then, it has graced the Top 20 list for the safest airlines.

Journalist Larry Olmsted has praised the airline for its friendly crew, one of the factors that go into the safest airline list.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has a fleet of over 100 planes and is the flag carrier airline of the Netherlands. As this airline is the oldest in the world, it's no big surprise that it landed on the list of safest airlines in the world. They've probably learned a thing or two since its founding in 1919.

Airlineratings.com awarded KLM its highest score on seven criteria, including internal safety procedures and adherence to international certification requirements. KLM was named Europe's most punctual airline.

Read More: Flight Attendants Reveal Secrets Of Flying And What It's Really Like Working For An Airline

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Help and Support

Domestic travel on international flights, 24/01/2024 • knowledge, information.

What do I need to do if I have booked domestic travel on an international flight?

Some international Qantas flights include Australian domestic sectors which can be booked separately. This includes:

QF9 and QF10 between Melbourne and Perth, which continue on as flights QF9 and QF10 between Perth and London on the Qantas Dreamliner
QF5 and QF6 between Sydney and Perth, which continue on as flight QF5 and QF6 between Perth and Rome.
QF33 and QF34 between Sydney and Perth, which continues on as flight QF33 and QF34 between Perth and Paris.

If you’ve booked a domestic flight which forms part of an international flight, there are some important things you need to know:

You'll need to collect your baggage on arrival in Perth, proceed through customs/immigration and check in for your next flight.
Check in and bag drop closes 60 minutes before departure
Be at the boarding gate 40 minutes before
Government issued identification eg Australian driver's licence, or
Other identification which is current, and includes the full name and a photograph of the bearer
Be aware of international carry-on limits for liquids, aerosols, gels and powders .
Your boarding pass will show you’re a domestic traveller so international processing won’t apply. This means the use of passports with SmartGates is not permitted and you'll be required to use a dedicated domestic queue to pass through immigration.

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International travelers to the US will be able to skip proof of COVID vaccine, WH says

The Biden administration will lift the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for inbound international air travelers on Friday.

"As we continue to monitor the evolving state of COVID-19 and the emergence of virus variants, we have the tools to detect and respond to the potential emergence of a variant of high consequence," President Joe Biden said in a proclamation Tuesday. "Considering the progress that we have made, and based on the latest guidance from our public health experts, I have determined that we no longer need the international air travel restrictions that I imposed in October 2021."

Biden announced the change last week , along with the end of vaccine requirements for federal employees and contractors, foreign nationals at the land border and others. The requirement for air travelers will lift at midnight Thursday as the coronavirus public health emergency ends. Biden previously signed a bill ending the COVID national emergency in April.

So, what does that mean for travelers? Here's what we know.

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Is there still a vaccine requirement for international travelers coming to the US?

Not as of later this week.

Currently, all "non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants traveling to the United States by air" must show proof of vaccination with limited exceptions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website .

Industry group the U.S. Travel Association, which had called on the Biden administration to end the vaccine requirement for inbound international visitors and argued the rule was an impediment to tourism, applauded the change when it was announced last week.

“Today’s action to lift the vaccine requirement eases a significant entry barrier for many global travelers, moving our industry and country forward," Geoff Freeman, the organization's President and CEO, said in a statement last week. He also called on the federal government to "ensure U.S. airports and other ports of entry are appropriately staffed with Customs and Border Protection officers to meet the growing demand for entry."

The U.S. lifted a requirement that air travelers coming from China show proof of a negative COVID test in March. The policy took effect in January amid a surge of cases in China.

The U.S. dropped its COVID testing rule for international flyers in June.

Do travelers need a vaccine to cross the Mexico or Canada borders to the US?

The Department of Homeland Security also said in a news release that it will no longer require non-U.S. travelers coming into the country by land or at ferry terminals to be fully vaccinated or show proof of their vaccination status.

Do US travelers need to be vaccinated against COVID to travel internationally?

That depends. Many destinations have dropped their vaccination and testing requirements for travel, though some still have rules in place. The Philippines, for example, still requires travelers to be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID test in order to visit, according to the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines .

AI, self-service are taking over travel: Will everything become a DIY experience?

The CDC also recommends travelers be up to date on their COVID vaccinations before leaving the country. The agency defines up to date as having one updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine for people age 6 and up, which "protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5," according to its website .

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Qantas Pulls Out of Mainland China, CEO Admits Some Flights are ‘Half Full’

Gordon Smith , Skift

May 14th, 2024 at 6:31 AM EDT

Despite being Australia’s national airline, Qantas couldn’t compete effectively with a torrent of competition from Chinese carriers.

Gordon Smith

Qantas is withdrawing from mainland China as it battles intense competition from local carriers. From July 28, the Sydney to Shanghai route will be scrapped. The Australian flag carrier cited “low demand” for the decision.

The Shanghai service is being pulled just six months after it was relaunched following the pandemic. It represents the only nonstop link flown by Qantas between Australia and mainland China.

Why Qantas Has Been Outclassed

Despite being Australia’s national airline, Qantas has a tiny share of the market to and from mainland China. Skift analysis of Cirium data shows Qantas currently flies five times a week between Sydney and Shanghai, offering just under 1,500 weekly seats. Its Sydney-Beijing route did not return after COVID-19.

In contrast, Chinese carriers operate more than 28,000 seats each week on 102 flights between mainland China and Australia’s three largest cities. This is due to ramp up even further to 128 flights a week by eight different Chinese carriers by the end of the year.

Recent ticket sales data from ForwardKeys suggested Australia had increased in popularity among outbound Chinese visitors compared to 2019. This indicates that there is interest in the market – particularly during peak travel periods – but Chinese travelers are choosing to fly with local companies.

Qantas’ Shanghai Flights ‘Half Full’

Speaking on Tuesday, Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace acknowledged that the airline’s short-lived return to the mainland China market had been underwhelming.

“Since COVID, the demand for travel between Australia and China has not recovered as strongly as expected. In some months, our flights to and from Shanghai have been operating around half full,” he said.

The CEO did not rule out a return to Shanghai in the future, adding that Qantas would closely monitor market conditions. The airline will continue to fly between Australia and Hong Kong, where it offers one-stop connections via local partner airlines.

Shanghai Slung; Manila Maximized

The scrapping of Shanghai will allow Qantas to make enhancements elsewhere in its network. The airline says aircraft that were due to operate the route will be redirected to destinations “where there is increasing demand or new tourism opportunities.”

The most notable is the launch of Brisbane to Manila. A four-times weekly link will begin on October 28 and marks the first time Qantas has operated the route in more than a decade. This complements the carrier’s existing Sydney-Manila flights.

There will also be a ramping up of services to and from Singapore. Flights from Brisbane will rise from seven to nine a week from the end of October. Sydney-Singapore will go from twice daily to 17 a week from December.

Extra capacity is also going into the Indian market , with a boost for Qantas’ Sydney to Bengaluru flights. Over a four-month peak holiday period, the route will be served daily, up from its usual five-times weekly schedule. The additional frequencies will begin in mid-December and run until the end of March.

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Affected Airports - City , State Association:

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW)

For complete details View

American Airlines has implemented a special exception policy to our travel partners that is now available for our mutual customers due to possible operational disruptions, including delays and cancellations due to DFW Weather.

Our Travel Notice exception policies on American are also available when ticketed to/from/through on our Joint Business partners: This applies to both prime and codeshare flights as shown below:

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If original inventory is not available rebook lowest inventory available in the same ticketed cabin. As a reminder, customers that do not hold a Basic Economy fare should never be booked into B inventory.

Basic Economy -

Must be booked in B inventory only. If B inventory is not available, then an alternate flight must be selected. Advance Purchase and Ticket Change restrictions are waived.

Instant Upsell -

Refer to Travel Notice Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines for rebooking guidelines and Endorsement Box requirement when the customer purchased Instant Upsell (IU) directly with American on aa.com . IU PNRs contain the following SSRs:

OTHS AGENCY RETAINS CONTROL OF TKT FOR REISSUES
OTHS INSTANT UPSELL ANCILLARY EMD ISSUED 001xxxxxxxxxx

Refer to Exceptions to Fare Rules .

Note: If customers are unable to rebook or reissue their ticket within the given timeline, they can cancel their reservation and use the value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket; all rules and restrictions apply. Travel must commence no later than one year from the date of original issuance.

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Refer to individual Travel Notice for Event Name
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Instant Upsell (IU) tickets must use waiver code: TNADV/IU when rebooking in the Instant Upsell Inventory IU PNRs contain the following SSRs:

Refer to Travel Notice Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines for Endorsement Box requirement when the customer purchased Instant Upsell (IU) directly with American on aa.com .

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book in B inventory only.If B inventory is not available, then an alternate flight must be selected.

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Changes to Co-terminal and MAC airports on AA Prime and AA*/Codeshare flights are allowed

• Co-terminal & MAC Airports are considered the same routing.

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American Airlines will waive change fees and travel agents may rebook and reissue tickets provided the below guidelines are met and applied:

Ticket issued on the following ticket stock: AA 001, AY 105, BA 125, El053, IB 075, JL 131, QF 081
Applies to AA*/ one world flights
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If customers are unable to rebook within the New Travel Dates, may reschedule their reservation to/from the same city or alternate cities and reissue their ticket with the below guidelines:

Cancel their itinerary and apply the value of the original ticket towards the purchase of a new ticket for travel commencing within 1 year from the date of original issuance
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When the flight is cancelled or the length of delay is 91+ minutes , travel agents may refund ticket(s) through normal GDS/ARC/BSP processing. Refer to our Schedule Irregularity policy for delays 90 minutes or less.

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Note: If the ticket has been exchanged by American as an INVOL submit the refund request directly with American. Refer to American Airlines Refunds .

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If customer elects to cancel their reservation and use the value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket outside the Travel Notice dates; may use Extend Travel Rebooking or may hold ticket for future travel; all rules and restrictions apply.
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Connecting customers' en route to one of the above-listed destinations or whose flights are diverted will have the option to return to their original departure city and rebook travel to alternate future dates.
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If a ticket has already been reissued by American Airlines or the ticket is partially used, travel agents must submit the refund request online at https://prefunds.aa.com/refunds/

American Airlines will continue to monitor this Travel Notice Exception Advisory and adjust this policy if needed. Changes will be posted on AA.com and www.saleslink.aa.com reference. Please check these sources frequently for the most up to date information.

www.saleslink.aa.com Reference: Select Travel Notice Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines
Visit www.saleslink.aa.com and navigate to AA News and Offers to view current travel notices.
Contact your Sales Support Center 800-621-8489 or American Airlines Reservations 800-433-7300 (U.S. and Canada) or for Reservations outside the U.S. and Canada, please see our Worldwide Reservations Numbers American Airlines encourages all customers to check flight and gate status prior to leaving for the airport. For complete travel information, visit AA.com .
Group reservations must be changed by AA Group & Meeting Travel
Information contained on this web site is subject to change at any time without notice. American Airlines shall not be liable for any consequences resulting from your reliance on the information.

Australia's Qantas to suspend Shanghai flights on low demand

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China pledges to buy apartments and finish stalled housing projects

China on Friday announced plans for local governments to buy "some" apartments and pledged forceful efforts to deliver unfinished homes, as part of a new round of measures to stabilise the crisis-hit property sector.

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Airlines in America will soon have to give automatic refunds for cancelled and delayed flights. Could the same happen in Australia?

A woman with brown hair points angrily at a board displaying flights as she speaks to another woman.

Experiencing cancelled or delayed flights and navigating refunds for them are some of the more annoying aspects of air travel, depending on where you are in the world.

Remuneration requests require a lot of time and motivation on behalf of consumers: to make phone calls, wait on hold, and dig through piles of paperwork or an inbox full of emails.

Here in Australia, consumer advocacy groups have long pushed for a code of conduct that would ensure minimum standards of treatment for passengers.

Currently, there are no aviation-specific consumer protection laws in place.

Under the existing framework, contracts between airlines and consumers are governed under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and it's at the discretion of airlines to set the terms and conditions of refunds and travel credits.

Rosie Thomas, director of campaigns at consumer group Choice, says Australia is out of step with international jurisdictions when it comes to establishing clear rules in the aviation sector.

"We think it's well overdue for [Australia] to introduce some airlines-specific consumer protections to bring us in line with the rest of the world," she said.

In comparison, the European Union legislation mandates that airlines provide passengers with certain levels of care and with cash compensation after significant delays.

New rules introduced in the United States will soon see airlines held to clear and consistent standards on flight cancellations, delays or unexpected changes to a passenger's travel plans.

The requirements, which were announced last week by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and will come into effect in October, instruct airlines to promptly provide travellers with automatic cash refunds and be more up-front about additional fees in their pricing.

John Breyault from America's National Consumers League says the changes will "eliminate a lot of the headaches consumers have to endure".

So what could these new rules mean for American passengers preparing to fly later this year and what lessons could they hold for Australia?

Australian consumers fed up with cancellations and delays

One of the biggest gripes of Australian airline customers, according to Choice, is cancelled flights and unexplained delays.

Almost a third of flights were cancelled or delayed over the January holiday period this year, with Qantas and Virgin postponing 1,305 flights that month.

The ACCC and industry insiders have previously accused major airlines of dropping flights tactically in a practice known as "slot hoarding"

The tactic allows major airlines to intentionally book and then cancel flights to prevent competition at airports. As long as the service cancellations do not occur more than 20 per cent of the time, the airlines keep the slot at the expense of a competitor.

The sector has also been under close scrutiny since the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) launched legal action against Qantas over the sale of seats on flights that had already been cancelled .

The airline agreed to compensate customers, in a deal reached with the consumer watchdog earlier this week.

When an individual buys a ticket, they expect to arrive at their destination as close as possible to the time that they booked. And when that doesn't happen, they want to be reimbursed in some way.

But in a survey of 9,000 people asked about their airline experiences, Choice found that of those who pursued a refund or compensation for a delay or cancelled flight, one in five had to wait more than six months .

Ms Thomas says fed-up consumers have complained of having to "fight tooth and nail" to be compensated when travel plans go awry.

"As part of the minimum consumer protections that need to be introduced and legislated in Australia, I think consumers would welcome the certainty of knowing that if a flight is cancelled, or doesn't go to plan, that they don't need to request or chase up the refunds," she told the ABC.

The ACCC, Choice, and other legal and consumer groups have called for laws to allow domestic travellers to be compensated when airlines delay or cancel flights, or when their luggage is lost or damaged in transit.

A Pay on Delay bill introduced by Coalition senators last month also proposed new protections that would oblige airlines to provide refunds or compensation when an airline chooses to cancel or delay flights.

But one airline has already rejected the idea. Last year, Qantas said paying compensation for delayed and cancelled flights would be "a backwards step" and would "increase confusion and complaints and materially increase costs, ultimately leading to higher fares".

Qantas plane on the runway at Brisbane airport

In America, consumer advocates have made similar pushes for clear guidelines and greater recognition of passenger rights when it comes to flying.

These efforts date back to the early 1970s when individuals were forced to sue to recover money lost to delays but, for the most part, airlines were allowed to set their own rules when it came to issuing refunds.

That was until the Transport Department issued new set of rules last week, which laid out a series of minimum protections for consumers.

America wants to make cash refunds automatic

DOT will soon require airlines to automatically issue refunds when their flights are cancelled or significantly changed, their checked bags are significantly delayed, or purchased ancillary services, such as wi-fi, are not provided.

Other changes will force airlines and ticket agents to:

Promptly issue refunds within seven business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods
Provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase and not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger chooses to accept it
Provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used, including all fees

An Airplane approaches to land on a tarmac surrounded by buildings and trees.

Mr Breyault from America's National Consumers League says the new rules will make the process of securing a refund more seamless for the customer.

"If I buy a toaster and I go home, plug it in and it doesn't toast my bread, I can take that back and get my money back," he told the ABC.

"We think that it should be that easy when you are buying a ticket for air travel and the airline doesn't provide the service that you paid for."

The new requirements also set parameters around "significant" delays — more than three hours domestically and six hours internationally — and on ticket purchases, with airlines and ticket agents now required to tell consumers up-front what fees they will be charged for things like baggage.

The last rule is designed to help consumers avoid unexpected charges that can quickly spiral and add significant cost to what may, at first, look like a cheap ticket.

Junk fees are less of an issue in Australia despite there being no set guidelines on them. Under the ACL, they tend to fall within misleading or deceptive conduct and the regulator, the ACCC, has acted previously to stamp it out.

Janet Bednarek, an aviation researcher and professor of history at the University of Dayton in Ohio, says DOT's requirements will now mean all airlines are "playing by the same rules".

"[This way] you don't have to try to figure out 'OK, what airline was I on? What are their rules?'" she told the ABC.

American Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says his department has legal authority to enforce the new rules, but Congress is also considering a massive $US105 billion ($159 billion) Federal Aviation Administration bill, which includes some of these provisions.

Ms Thomas, who has been following DOT's new rules from Australia, says airlines that operate in the US, such as Qantas, will also have to comply in six months.

"If they're going to be building the systems and processes to comply in the US, we have to ask why Australian consumers shouldn't get the same benefits," she said.

It is understood Qantas is working out how the new rules will apply to them.

Europe is a step ahead on consumer protections

The requirements bring Americans closer to European-style consumer protections in the aviation industry.

Passengers there have some of the best consumer safeguards in the world when it comes to flying but industry insiders caution it is not the gold standard.

"Europe is ahead of the United States when it comes to passenger protection regulations," Mr Breyault said, adding this was especially true for delay compensation rules.

Passengers walk in the departures area of Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.

Under European Union regulation EC261, all flights departing from or arriving in a member state within the bloc as well as Norway or Iceland qualify for refunds in the event of a cancellation or a delay of more than three hours.

The amount is between 250 euros ($407) and 600 euros ($977) per passenger , depending on the distance of the flight, and passengers stuck killing time in the waiting area are entitled to refreshments and beverages free of charge.

In the case of a delay of five hours or more, customers also have the right to cancel the flight and receive full reimbursement or another return flight at their earliest opportunity.

It's worth noting the rules don't apply to extraordinary events, such as bad weather.

DOT has signalled it would like to bring delay compensation rules in the US closer in line with those in Europe, but there has been no official announcement yet.

"It recognises a very simple concept, which is that consumers' time is valuable," Mr Breyault said.

"…So we are looking for that to happen."

Could Australia adopt similar rules?

The existing legislative framework in the Europe Union and the new guidelines soon to be in place in America offer some examples of how minimum consumer protections could work in Australia.

Passengers walking outside the domestic entrance to Perth Airport.

Keith Tonkin, an aviation expert and managing director of Aviation Projects, says consumers here would be better served by something similar to what America is preparing to implement.

"Why hasn't it been done? I think it's probably because of resistance from the airlines to accommodate that change, and to be able to provide that service in response to a claim," he said.

He explains that part of the airlines' consideration when it comes to refunds revolves around there being a "very significant administration overhead in trying to get that money back to people".

In a statement to the ABC, a spokesperson for Virgin Australia said "where possible, we proactively communicate with guests who have been impacted by a schedule change".

"Virgin Australia has a Guest Compensation Policy that sets out what customers are entitled to when their flights are disrupted including other flight options, a travel credit, or a refund for the value of the booking," they said.

The federal government's upcoming aviation white paper is set to look at issues such as safety, competitiveness, sustainability and efficiency in the sector as well as consumer protection.

One of the questions raised in the green paper released last year was whether policies pursued in other jurisdictions – such as a Passenger Bill of Rights or a stronger ombudsman model – would deliver benefits in Australia's aviation sector?

In its submission to the paper's terms of reference, Choice encouraged the Department to implement minimum consumer protections that make it easier for consumers to:

Receive a refund
Mandate minimum requirements for travel vouchers/credits
Introduce a mandatory industry code of practice
Establish a new travel and tourism ombudsman and
Mandate information standards

The white paper is expected to be released in mid-2024.

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Air Vanuatu, Boeing 737-800, landing at Bauerfield International Airport, Port Vila

Flights cancelled and tourists stranded as Air Vanuatu put into voluntary liquidation

Troubled airline had earlier cancelled flights to Australia and New Zealand, citing ‘maintenance’ requirements

Vanuatu has put its national carrier, Air Vanuatu , into voluntary liquidation, after it cancelled flights to Australia and New Zealand, leaving tourists stranded.

The Pacific island’s government made the decisions after representatives from accounting firm EY arrived in Port Vila on Thursday and conducted initial assessments of the airline’s financials.

The airline had cited extended maintenance requirements for its aircraft when it cancelled its flights through to Sunday.

Liquidator EY said the aim would be to resume normal operations as soon as possible after conducting safety and maintenance checks.

Air Vanuatu, which runs crucial routes connecting Pacific locations with Australia, has confirmed all scheduled international flights have been cancelled. Future flights are under review, with affected travellers to be rebooked as soon as operations resume.

The carrier operates only four planes between the country’s islands – which rely heavily on tourism – and to Australia, New Zealand and other South Pacific islands .

The Guardian understands a Boeing 737 in Air Vanuatu livery has been parked at Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport for months.

Virgin Australia is the only other airline aside from Air Vanuatu that operates scheduled passenger flights between Australia and Port Vila, with thrice weekly flights from Brisbane.

On Friday, a Virgin Australia spokesperson said the Australian government had requested it lift capacity in response to Air Vanuatu’s grounding. It will now fly five times a week between Brisbane and Port Vila throughout May and June.

Virgin Australia has also applied for, and expected swift approval, permission to fly more seats between the two nations, with plans to quickly launch a further seven weekly flights between east coast Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne – previously served by Air Vanuatu – and Port Vila.

EY said its appointment followed a challenging period for the global aviation industry, including labour shortages, inflation affecting input costs and credit costs.

Air Vanuatu has been particularly affected by disruption of tourism activity due to cyclones, it added in a statement.

“The outlook for the airline is positive, despite pressures on the broader industry, and we will be focused on securing the future of this strategically vital national carrier,” EY said.

“Air Vanuatu is critical to the people of the Republic of Vanuatu and a strategically important business to the nation,” said EY’s Morgan Kelly.

The first meeting of creditors will be scheduled shortly, while the current management team will remain in place, it added.

While a liquidation implies that a company will be shuttered, a potential relaunch is feasible given Air Vanuatu is a government-owned airline without the complexities of competing shareholders.

Companies can use a voluntary liquidation as a means to restructure operations and renegotiate terms on existing financing and leasing arrangements.

Airlines routinely restructure in a turbulent industry where aircraft and operating costs are expensive, and profit margins are sometimes thin.

Australian carrier Qantas Airways said it was supporting its code share customers who were booked on to Air Vanuatu flights.

With Reuters

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Asia Pacific
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Last Updated: May 4, 2023. The Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. This means starting May 12, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with ...
COVID-19 international travel advisories
COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S. As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S. arriving by air or arriving by land or sea no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As of June 12, 2022, people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test .
First time traveller
Visit our Flying for the First Time section for all you need to know. Some of the things that this page covers are as follows : Travel documents required Health precautions and medical considerations Customs and Quarantine Travel insurance information Baggage information Check-in times Meals, refreshments and entertainment onboard and much more ...
I'd like to use Qantas Travel Money in the United States
You can use Qantas Travel Money at home and overseas, at millions of Mastercard locations worldwide#, including the United States. When travelling with Qantas Travel Money in the United States, we recommend you let the merchant know to process your purchase as a Credit transaction.
Entry requirements
Passport validity requirements. To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. If you're travelling through another country on your way to or from the US ...
Qantas resuming U.S. flights in November
Qantas will resume U.S. flights on Nov. 14 with Sydney-Los Angeles service. Qantas will fly the route three times a week using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Los Angeles will be one of two initial ...
Ranked: Flying High In The Sky With The World's Safest Airlines
Whether flying over the United States or across the pond, travelers deserve to have peace of mind. And airlines such as Alaska Airlines and Qatar Airways are there to ease any doubt. Travel news
Domestic travel on international flights
Be aware of international carry-on limits for liquids, aerosols, gels and powders. Your boarding pass will show you're a domestic traveller so international processing won't apply. This means the use of passports with SmartGates is not permitted and you'll be required to use a dedicated domestic queue to pass through immigration.
Biden to lift COVID vaccine requirements for international travelers
Currently, all "non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants traveling to the United States by air" must show proof of vaccination with limited exceptions, according to the Centers for Disease Control ...
Qantas Pulls Out of Mainland China, Some Flights Only 'Half Full'
The Skift Travel 200 (ST200) combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more airlines sector financial performance .
Flights
Search and compare flights with Qantas and our partners to find the perfect choice for you. Plan your next trip. Book flights with Qantas from the Americas. You can search for cheap flights and airline tickets to over 1000 international and domestic destinations.
American Airlines Travel Agency Reference
Note: If the ticket has been exchanged by American as an INVOL submit the refund request directly with American. Refer to American Airlines Refunds.. When the flight is not cancelled or the length of delay is 90 minutes or less, a refund does not apply:. If customer elects to cancel their reservation and use the value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket outside the Travel Notice ...
Australia's Qantas to suspend Shanghai flights on low demand
Qantas Airways said on Tuesday it will suspend flights to Shanghai starting on July 28, citing low demand, nine months after the Australian flag carrier resumed service from Sydney on hopes of a ...
US airlines will be forced to offer cash refunds for cancelled flights
Airlines in the United States will soon be held to clear and consistent standards on flight cancellations, delays or unexpected changes to a passenger's travel plans. ... with Qantas and Virgin ...
Flights cancelled and tourists stranded as Air Vanuatu put into
Troubled airline had earlier cancelled flights to Australia and New Zealand, citing 'maintenance' requirements Vanuatu has put its national carrier, Air Vanuatu, into voluntary liquidation ...

READY FOR TAKE-OFF: QANTAS GEARS UP TO WELCOME CUSTOMERS BACK TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

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Frequently Asked Questions: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S.

Entering the U.S. Through a Land Port of Entry or Ferry Terminal

Q. What are the requirements to enter the United States for children under the age of 18 who can't be vaccinated?

Q: Which vaccines/combination of vaccines will be accepted?

Q. Is the United States requiring travelers to have a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated for border entry purposes?

Q: Do U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land POEs and ferry terminals?

Q: Is pre- or at-arrival COVID testing required to enter the United States via land POEs or ferry terminals?

Processing Changes Announced on January 22, 2022

Q: Who is affected by the changes announced on January 22?

Q: Do U.S. citizens need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land port of entry or ferry terminals?

Q: What is essential travel?

Q: Will there be any exemptions?

Q: What documentation will be required to show vaccination status?

Q: What happens if someone doesn’t have proof of vaccine status?

Q: Will incoming travelers be required to present COVID-19 test results?

Q: What does this mean for those who can't be vaccinated, either due to age or other health considerations?

Q: Does this requirement apply to amateur and professional athletes?

Q: Are commercial truckers required to be vaccinated?

Q. Do you expect border wait times to increase?

Q: How is Customs and Border Protection staffing the ports of entry?

Q: What happens if a vaccinated individual is traveling with an unvaccinated individual?

Q: If I am traveling for an essential reason but am not vaccinated can I still enter?

Q: Are sea crew members on vessels required to have a COVID vaccine to disembark?

Entering the U.S. via Air Travel

Q: What are the COVID testing requirements for air passengers to the United States?

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 Q. What are the requirements to enter the United States for children under the age of 18 who can't be vaccinated?

Q: Do U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land POEs and ferry terminals?

Processing Changes Announced on January 22, 2022 

Q: Will there be any exemptions? 

Q: What does this mean for those who can't be vaccinated, either due to age or other health considerations? 

Q: How is Customs and Border Protection staffing the ports of entry? 

Q: What happens if a vaccinated individual is traveling with an unvaccinated individual? 

Q: Are sea crew members on vessels required to have a COVID vaccine to disembark?

Q: What are the COVID testing requirements for air passengers to the United States? 