International Students Travel Requirements COVID
Fully vaccinated or exempt overseas travellers arriving in Victoria after 11.59pm on Monday 20 December 2021 will not have to undertake 72 hours home quarantine, but must get a COVID-19 PCR test within 24 hours of arriving and isolate until they receive a negative result. They are also required to get tested again between day 5 and 7 after arriving and while waiting for this test result there is no need to isolate.
It’s important to note first the COVID-19 vaccines are approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for the purposes of travel to Australia:
Currently, TGA approved or recognised COVID-19 vaccinations are:
Comirnaty (Pfizer)
Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca)
Covishield (AstraZeneca)
Spikevax (Moderna)
Takeda (Moderna)
Janssen-Cilag (Johnson & Johnson)
Coronavac (Sinovac)
BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) (for 60 years old and under)
Covaxin (Bharat Biotech)
Two doses at least 14 days apart or one dose of:
Johnson & Johnson/Janssen-Cilag COVID Vaccine.
Seven days must have passed since the final dose of vaccine in a course of immunisation. Mixed doses count towards being fully vaccinated as long as all vaccines are approved or recognised by the TGA. Doses of Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV only count towards being fully vaccinated if administered when the traveller was aged from 18 to 60 years.
Travellers who have not been vaccinated with the above doses or schedule do not meet Australia’s definition of fully vaccinated.
The TGA is continuing to evaluate other COVID-19 vaccines that may be recognised for the purposes of inbound travel to Australia in future. Information on the latest approved and recognised vaccines is available on the TGA website. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) | Australian Government Department of Health
If you have any of the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, you should seek advice and get tested. Testing is free.
Student Arrival Checklist before you leave
1. Ensure your passport and student visa are valid
Australian Department of Home Affairs | Preparing to travel to Australia from overseas checklist
2. Ensure your COVID-19 vaccination certificate meets Australia's requirements
Australian Passports Office | Guidance on foreign vaccination certificates
Therapeutic Goods Administration | International COVID-19 vaccines recognised by Australia
3. Obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of travel
Department of Home Affairs | Pre-departure COVID test
4. Submit your Australian Travel Declaration (ATD)
Department of Home Affairs | Australian Travel Declaration
5. Submit your International Passenger Travel Permit from Service Victoria
Service Victoria | International Passenger Travel Permit
6. Check what you can bring into Australia in your luggage
Australian Border Force | Can you bring it
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment| Studying in Australia
7. Check your internet and mobile phone access
You will need access to wifi or phone data to receive your COVID-19 test results in Victoria
Activate global roaming on your mobile phone for at least four days or set up an Australian mobile phone number
Pack a universal travel plug or adaptor
8. Arrange your accommodation
Coronavirus Victoria | Information for overseas travellers
Study Melbourne | Living and accommodation
When you Arrive in Victoria
1. Verify your vaccination certificate at airport
Australian Passports Office | Guidance on foreign vaccination certificates
2. Transport from the airport
Melbourne Airport | Ground transport options
3. Get a COVID-19 PCR test within 24 hours after arrival and isolate until you receive a negative result
From 11:59PM Monday 20 December all fully vaccinated international travellers arriving in Victoria must get a PCR test within 24 hours after arrival and isolate until they receive a negative result
Coronavirus Victoria | Information for overseas travellers
Coronavirus Victoria | Information for returned travellers
Coronavirus Victoria | Where to get tested
4. Download the Service Victoria app
Download the Service Victoria app at the App store or Google Play store.
5. Add proof of your COVID-19 vaccination to the Service Victoria app
Coronavirus Victoria | How to get your COVID-19 digital certificate
Coronavirus Victoria | How to get your COVID-19 digital certificate – International Travellers
6. Obtain a COVID-19 PCR text between day 5 and 7 after arrival
Coronavirus Victoria | Where to get tested
Ask your education provider if you need assistance to find a local testing centre or call the Victorian coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline on 1800 675 398
7. Enjoy student life in Melbourne and Victoria!
Stay in touch with Study Melbourne through social media and our monthly student newsletter for helpful information and ideas. Study Melbourne is dedicated to supporting our international student community during this challenging time. We share current and accurate information and connect you to resources that can help such as getting tested for COVID19, disaster payment, rent relief, current Victorian restrictions and translated COVID19 information. Study Melbourne – COVID-19 support for international students
(https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/help-and-support/coronavirus-support-for-students)
Study Melbourne Student Centre offers help in languages other than English for international students
The first of its kind in Australia, the Study Melbourne Student Centre provides information, free and confidential information, access to services, support and practical help and support for all international students in Victoria.
At the Study Melbourne Student centre, we provide general information and help with accommodation, health, employment and legal problems.
