Beyond the Bubble
Domestic and International Travel Information
Keeping you up to date with the latest announcements in international travel, Interstate border openings, entry requirements, travel insurance and the benefits of booking with a Directions Travel Agent.
Dust off your passport
If you’re as excited as we are about dusting off your passport and starting to plan (not dream!) of that international holiday we are here to help you through every step of the planning & booking process.
Now more than ever there are huge benefits of booking with a Directions Travel Agent. Let us take the hassle away from you.
As experienced Travel Specialists we will guide you through all the newly announced COVID-19 travel policies & entry requirements as well as information on accessible destinations, airline schedules, travel packages and deals, travel insurance and airport and inflight policies.
To speak to our Travel Team, click the link below:
International Travel
Last week Scott Morrison and Qantas Airline’s CEO, Alan Joyce announced what Alan describe as “the biggest and the best news that we have had in two years’ – the commencement of international travel.
The federal government announced that on the 1st of November international borders will begin opening in conjunction with the announcement from NSW that fully vaccinated Australians will NOT have to quarantine in this State.
Click the link below for more information:
NSW Quarantine
The NSW Government has recently announced quarantine requirements will no longer apply for passengers arriving in NSW on international flights who are fully vaccinated with a TGA approved vaccine. The Commonwealth conditions for entry to Australia remain unchanged at this time.
Qantas International Travel Requirements
- Customers on Qantas international flights will be required to be fully vaccinated at the time of travel with a TGA-approved or recognised vaccine (some exemptions for medical reasons and children).
- Customers will be required to return a negative COVID-19 PCR test 72 hours before departure.
- Customers will be required to home quarantine for seven days on arrival into Australia, in accordance with the requirements from the Federal and New South Wales governments.
Qantas Flight Scheduling
From 1 November, Qantas will operate up to five return flights a week from Sydney to London (Heathrow) and up to four return flights a week from Sydney to Los Angeles, with the schedules to increase from mid-November in-line with demand. These initial flights are limited to Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate families and certain visa holders.
Passports
Don’t forget to check your passport validity! DFAT have advised 1.3 million passports have expired during the COVID-19 pandemic so to act quickly if yours requires renewal as there could be lengthy delays.
Cover-More Travel Insurance
Travel is exciting, eye-opening, and sometimes even life changing. However, accidents can happen while you’re away from home. And when they do, they can have huge impact on you trip.
But with travel insurance from Cover-More, you can worry less about unexpected incidents and travel with extra peace of mind. Why? Whether you experience flight delays, lose your bags, or become ill mid-trip, we can help you when you need it most.
Our Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Benefits
From 9 December 2020, new policyholders will now receive the below extended travel insurance cover for some common scenarios relating to COVID-19:
Cover for COVID-19 Overseas Medical Costs
When travel restrictions are eased, our international and inbound plans provide cover for medical treatment expenses incurred overseas if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 by a qualified medical practitioner while on your journey.
Cover for COVID-19 Cancellations
Our domestic and international plans provide cover for several unforeseeable amendment and cancellation costs relating to COVID-19 if you have added our cancellation cover to your policy. Please note: if you can’t travel because of border closures or lockdowns, this type of claim is not covered.
Cover for Additional COVID-19 Expenses
Our domestic and international plans provide cover for a variety of additional costs should you find your trip plans are cut short or need to change because of various COVID-19-related reasons (not including border closures or lockdowns).
Domestic Travel
We have all been waiting anxiously for the imminent decisions and information from all states and territories as to what the guidelines will be regarding interstate travel.
Some useful information and links to what we know so far:
Interstate & Cross Border Entry Requirements
The following page provides information and relevant links for people who need to cross the border, or residents of cross-border communities.
NSW COVID-19 Travel Requirements
Everything you need to know about travelling in, out and around NSW during COVID-19.
VIC COVID-19 Travel Requirements
All of the latest travel updates you need to know about travelling into Victoria.
SA COVID-19 Announcement
State Premier Steven Marshall revealed the highly anticipated rollout of South Australia’s COVID Ready plan. From 23 November the state is set to open its border to coincide with the 80% double dose vaccination target. Once the state reaches its 90 per cent target, borders will open for quarantine free travel to all fully vaccinated domestic and international arrivals.
WA COVID-19 Controlled Border
Information on WA’s controlled border arrangement, conditions of entry and quarantine.
https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/covid-communications/covid-19-coronavirus-controlled-border#ehr
Tasmania
Qantas Fly Well - Domestic Airline process
Qantas have provided useful information on all you need to know in preparing for you trip, whilst at the airport and up in the air.
https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/travel-updates/coronavirus/health-while-flying.html
Disclaimer
Information is correct at time of publication, please always ensure official websites are checked as they continue to be updated with relevant information.