Everything you need to know about catching Covid-19 while travelling

Queensland’s leading infectious diseases expert has warned travellers booking international holidays to be prepared for Covid-19 overseas as travel options open up in coming weeks. Here, he answers your most commonly asked questions.

Queensland’s leading infectious diseases expert has warned travellers booking overseas holidays to be prepared for Covid-19 to strike at any time on their trips as travel options open up in coming weeks.

Queensland is set to reach 90 per cent fully vaccinated by next week, allowing for no restrictions on entry into the state for fully vaccinated passengers.

But there were a number of ways Queenslanders could prepare for Covid-19 while on holidays, according to Dr Paul Griffin.

“First of all, I’d look at where you’re going an what the risks are there and try and avoid any non-essential travel to areas that have really intense transmission,” Dr Griffin said.

He said being fully vaccinated with a booster shot would also be crucial in preventing severe infection, as well as getting the flu shot and wearing masks.

“We would advise that people would keep doing all the simple things that we would normally want people to do here in Australia,” he said.

Dr Griffin said people should consider that some countries did not report Covid-19 in the same way.

“I would encourage people to have a basic understanding of not only what their country’s Covid response is and making sure that it is a reasonable situation and adhere to that, but also looking at the health care system if people were to become unwell while travelling.”

International travel is back on the cards for Queenslanders. Photo: James Gourley

Securing rapid antigen tests and bringing enough supplies of prescription medication if travellers did have to quarantine overseas would also assist in being prepared for Covid-19 overseas, Dr Griffin said.

“The better prepared you are the less likely you are to run into challenges – have that kit prepared, make sure you have your medications that you’ll need, making sure that you’re fully vaccinated.”

When can Queenslanders travel overseas?

Travel restrictions are expected to change when the state reaches 90 per cent fully vaccinated, with no restriction on entry into Queensland for fully vaccinated passengers.

Queensland is set to reach 90 per cent fully vaccinated next week.

People who are not fully vaccinated will be required to undertake a period of quarantine.

What happens if I test positive to COVID-19 while I’m travelling?

If you or someone in your immediate travelling party tests positive for COVID-19, you should isolate immediately and contact the local health authority for advice on what to do.

Travellers should also contact their airlines or travel provider to reschedule plans and seek advice from their travel insurer.

Will I have to quarantine?

If you test positive to COVID-19, you may be required to quarantine or self isolate depending on what country or city you’re in.

Many countries have penalties for breaking isolation rules, so it’s important you check with local authorities what the requirements are.

Some countries have government-managed quarantine facilities or you’ll need to find suitable accommodation.

Travellers are responsible for covering any costs involved with quarantine and should be prepare to stay at their destination longer than planned.

Will I be covered by travel insurance? 

Some travel insurers now offer limited cover for COVID-19.

It will likely only cover medical, quarantine and cancellation costs if you test positive to COVID-19.

Travel insurance companies are likely to cover travellers based on the Smartraveller advice levels for countries issued by the government.

Countries with advice level one or two are typically covered by travel insurance.

It is important that travellers check they are covered for the duration of their trip.

Will I be able to return to Australia?

If you or a close contact of your travelling group tests positive, you won’t be allowed to travel to Australia until you have recovered.

Local authorities, airlines and transit locations may have more rules in place for departures.