Australia to scrap Covid test entry requirement for overseas travellers

A major hurdle for travellers entering and leaving Australia has been scrapped, more than two years after it was first implemented.

Australia has scrapped its Covid testing requirements for travellers entering or leaving the country, more than two years after the pandemic began.

The change comes as restrictions continue to ease, despite tens of thousands of cases being recorded each day.

“From 18 April 2022 travellers to Australia will no longer be required to undertake a Covid-19 pre-departure test before boarding their flight,” the Department of Health said.

“Travellers are reminded that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the requirements of the airline you are travelling with and any countries you transit through.”

International travellers into and out of Australia must still be double vaccinated and wear masks while on flights and within Australia’s airports.

The testing rule has been in place since March 2020. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Unvaccinated travellers may be required to quarantine after they arrive in Australia, at their own expense.

Recent rules meant all citizens and travellers leaving Australia needed to produce a negative RAT or PCR test within 72 hours of travel.

The move was first announced by Health Minister Greg Hunt last month.

It was made as part of the coronavirus biosecurity emergency determination which expired on Sunday night and will not be renewed for the first time since March 2020.

However, incoming travellers will need to comply with the testing and quarantine requirements of the state or territory of their arrival, despite any federal rule changes.