How to prove you're vaccinated overseas

Discover how to navigate the latest travel and health restrictions that may affect your trip

International travel is opening back up to vaccinated Australians, but trying to jump through the administrative hoops and proof-of-vaccine requirements is proving to be a challenge for those travellers who ventured out ahead of the pack.

A key barrier for travellers remains navigating the complex and ever-changing policies and procedures, documentation and administration requirements of your chosen destination – rules and regulations that are constantly in a state of flux.

But don’t despair: some countries are proving better than others at catering to incoming international visitors, with clearly defined protocols and easy-to-use apps. Not surprisingly, this includes destinations such as Singapore and Fiji, which make a large percentage of their national income from international travellers.

Do these pesky administrative hoops mean it’s time to stop travelling? Absolutely not. But there are things you need to rethink about international travel, including making sure you’re up to date with all entry requirements no matter which destination you end up visiting.

Below, we’ve done the hard work on some of Australia’s favourite international destinations. However, this information is subject to change almost daily for some destinations, so be sure to triple check in the lead-up to your holiday.

What do I need to leave the country?

Presently, the Australian government requires all outgoing and incoming passengers to show proof of vaccination. If you’re one of the 92.6 per cent of Australians who are vaccinated, you can download your Australian International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ACVC), which can be downloaded online via the Medicare portal on MyGOV.com.au.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) launched the ACVC on 9 October 2021, declaring it “the international gold standard of proof of vaccination" thanks to its visible digital seal technology. It is endorsed by the World Health Organisation and is accepted by airlines worldwide.

However, as many tourists have discovered, beyond getting you onto your flight the AIVC has its limitations – and there are a lot more administrative hoops to jump through before you’re able to venture out into the world.

Travelling in North America

If there are stars, stripes or maple leaves in your travelling future, you will need to provide proof of being fully vaccinated to fly into the USA and Canada.

Canada

In Canada, you’ll be expected to use the online ArriveCAN app to provide mandatory travel information before and after your entry to Canada, including vaccination details.

Before departure you’ll need to get a negative COVID-19 test taken up to 72 hours before your flight. You’ll also need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation or eTA visa, which costs CAD$7 (AUD$7.79) and must be completed 72 hours before you travel.

Once on the ground, much like Australia, each province has its own system to administer QR codes for activities like eating out or visiting museums. The requirements are reasonably new and there has been limited feedback as to whether on-the-ground establishments will accept the ACVC, or if you’ll be able to apply for a local QR check-in system.

Scenic views of Yukon, Canada — In Canada, you’ll be expected to use the online ArriveCAN app to provide mandatory travel information before and after your entry to Canada, including vaccination details.

USA

To visit the United States of America, non-US citizens need to show proof of being vaccinated against COVID-19 and also provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than one day before departure. Australians also require an ESTA electronic travel authorisation visa to travel into America, which must be filled out in advance. Your airline will also ask you to fill out a mandatory ‘travel attestation’ form. On the ground, each state’s policies towards COVID-19 are as diverse as the states in Australia; some have mandatory mask rules, others do not.

New York City Skyline with Statue of Liberty — To visit the United States of America, non-US citizens need to show proof of being vaccinated and also provide a negative PCR test.

Travelling in the Asia-Pacific

Bali

The biggest reopening news in February is the Indonesian island of Bali. Long a favourite destination for Australians, from February 4th fully vaccinated travellers can return to the islands once again. However, a five day quarantine period is still mandatory at one of the 51 government-approved quarantine hotels. Details are still being finalised, but travellers will require a negative PCR test and most likely, travel insurance.

New Zealand

On February 3rd, New Zealand announced a staggered border reopening starting at the end of February. This will involve 10 days of self-quarantine for travellers with different visas. Australians are tentatively scheduled to be able to travel to New Zealand in July 2022.

Mt Ruapehu — Australians are tentatively scheduled to be able to travel to New Zealand in July 2022. (Image: Camilla Rutherford).

Fiji

Fiji has one of the clearest set of entry requirements for visitors. Visitors to Fiji must show proof of vaccination and all travellers over 12 years must provide an RT-PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before the flight. All passengers must have travel insurance, and all travellers must stay at least three nights in a Care Fiji Commitment (CFC) certified hotel, and have a CFC hotel transfer arranged. On the ground, you’ll need to have the careFIJI app installed to enter certain places.

Singapore

Singapore has a comprehensive set of entry requirements under its Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) system. Incoming passengers must have a negative PCR test up to 72 hours before travelling, and they must travel to Singapore on a designated VTL flight. They are then tested on arrival at Changi airport for SIN$125SIN (AUD$130). After their test, they must then travel by private transfer to their accommodation and quarantine until they receive a negative result. On days two to seven, visitors are meant to self-test daily with Rapid Antigen Tests. Travel Insurance is required, and there are comprehensive application forms to fill out before your flight, so use the handy checklist. On the ground, you’ll also need to use the TraceTogether app.

Thailand

Thailand has had a number of traveller entry schemes running over the last few months, including the Phuket Sandbox scheme, but it paused its Test & Go scheme in December as the OMICRON COVID-19 variant began to surge. Starting 5 February, the Test & Go scheme resumes, with travellers required to take an entry PCR test on arrival, and again on day five. You’ll need a negative COVID-19 test taken up to 72 hours before your flight, and proof of vaccination. Details are currently being fine-tuned – some reports suggest visitors must stay in a government-approved hotel on both day one and day five, but that on day five it has to be an approved hotel while they await their PCR results. Thailand requires all travellers to have travel insurance for COVID-19 that has at least US$50,000 (AUD$ 70,746) coverage, and apply and download the Thailand Pass app.

The Middle East

Dubai

Travellers to Dubai must have a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken 72 hours before departure, with one also necessary on arrival. Additionally, Dubai has a mandatory contract-tracing app you must download prior to entering the country, and you must also show proof of travel insurance.

Travelling in Europe

Despite Australia being removed from the European Council’s “White List" (a document recommending which countries European Union members should allow entry to), travel to Europe is still possible. Most countries require proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test.

However, it’s once you hit the ground that you’ll encounter challenges. The EU created the EU Digital Covid Certificate, which is administered by each individual country and provides proof of vaccination across the EU for 270 days. It’s used for entry to cafes, museums, restaurants, trains and galleries, as well as some train journeys that cross international lines. However, while a number of other countries outside the EU have signed up with the system to allow their constituents unlimited travel… Australia didn’t make the ACVC compatible with the European system.

It is a problem that has caused many time-wasting headaches for those who have already ventured overseas (including this author). However, there are some limited options for obtaining an EU Digital Covid Certificate that may influence your chosen country of arrival.

EU Digital pass rules are also beginning to impact children over the age of twelve, so it’s important to keep this in mind if travelling with children.

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Denmark

Unexpectedly, Denmark has emerged as the first country in Europe to lift all COVID-19 restrictions, including mask mandate, self isolation and the digital covid pass.

France

At pharmacies in France you can pay €35EUR (AUD$55.86) to have your ACVC certified. You pay the fee, hand over your Australian passport and ACVC, and in return you’ll receive a paper certificate as well as a digital check-in code that is valid throughout Europe. But the system has changed three times in just a few months – and beginning February 15, they change again. If it has been more than four months since your second vaccine dose, you will need to have a booster dose to qualify for this system.

Cityscape of Paris showing Eiffel Tower — At pharmacies in France you can pay €35EUR (AUD$55.86) to have your ACVC certified.

Switzerland

Switzerland also has an interesting system for visiting tourists, called the Swiss Covid Certificate, valid for 30 days. To get one, you’ll need to provide proof of vaccination, proof of travel in Switzerland, apply online and pay 30 CHF.

Scenic views of the Swiss Alps — Switzerland also has an interesting system for visiting tourists, called the Swiss Covid Certificate, valid for 30 days.

United Kingdom

Visitors to the United Kingdom have a completely different set of rules to wrap their head around. From 11 February, fully vaccinated visitors to the UK do not have to take a Covid test before or after they arrive; they just need to complete a passenger locator form.

People-walking-the-streets-of-London — Fully vaccinated visitors to the UK only need to complete a passenger locator form.

Travelling in South America

Argentina

Many cruise lovers are heading to South America to make the most of Antarctica’s first big season back. For those transiting through Argentina, you’ll need proof of vaccination, and provide a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before your flight. Between three and five days after arriving in Argentina, you’ll have to undertake another PCR test. Health insurance that includes coverage for isolation is also mandatory. If you are cruising and there is a positive test onboard, Argentina has protocols in place including potential quarantine. See more here.

National Congressional Plaza in Buenos Aires — For those transiting through Argentina, you’ll need proof of vaccination, and provide a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before your flight.

Chile

Chile also requires proof of vaccination, which must be validated on the Chilean Mobility Pass online portal before you travel. A negative PCR test for those over two years, and all arrivals must undertake a PCR test on arrival and quarantine until they receive a negative result. Travel insurance with a minimum of USD$30,000 ($42,451) COVID-19 coverage is mandatory. All travellers must also fill out a health form 48 hours before their flights, and show the QR code to airline staff before boarding. Chile also requires 10 days of self-monitoring and tracking online.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

How to prove you’re vaccinated overseas