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.

From sophisticated new sleeper trains and opulent hotel openings to the exploration of new frontiers, we’re now finding ourselves in our own gilded era of travel. These 21st-century travel experiences are leading the way.

If we were to turn back the clock 100 years, there was a real romance to travel – the dawning of a glamour-filled jet age, refined rail sojourns and first-class cruising where the voyage itself trounced the destination.

We’re feeling a similar excitement in the air about travel in 2026. Think state-of-the-art cruise liners allowing access to destinations formerly off-limits, resort launches where avant-garde architecture takes centre stage, and a return to the days of luxury locomotives. This reoccurrence of the advances, adventure and elegance of a bygone era has not only come full circle; it’s now superior.

How? Travel has become more mindful, intentional and accessible. This includes environmental initiatives by operators determined to leave less impact on the planet and a shift towards a deeper cultural exchange with the local communities we visit. Whether it’s exploring previously hard-to-reach cities such as Uzbekistan’s Khiva, staying with a family to experience village life in Nepal or discovering new frontiers in Antarctica, our round-up of ‘new golden age’ travel experiences is a snapshot of how we are travelling today, as well as into promising new horizons.

Exploring the emerging city of Khiva

The walled inner city of Khiva, Uzbekistan. (Credit: Getty/Mlenny Khiva)

Uzbekistan’s Silk Road city of Khiva used to be off the radar for many travellers, but 2026 has changed all that. You can thank a new bullet train service connecting Khiva to Bukhara and Samarkand, slashing the trip from the capital of Tashkent from 15 hours to under eight. Add renovations to Urgench International Airport, and interest in this fascinating city is rapidly on the rise.

Quick to react has been Golden Eagle Luxury Trains and The Samarkand Express which have added Khiva to their 2026 rail itineraries, while Cox & Kings has included the Central Asian city to its multi-country 2027 ‘Stans’ itinerary.

Check out Khiva’s preserved inner-walled fortress, the first UNESCO site in Uzbekistan, explore ancient minarets and ornate mausoleums, and try traditional fare at Terrassa Cafe & Restaurant. Looking for fancy digs? The Mercure Khiva is due to swing open its doors later in 2026.

Riding the rails on the Eastern & Oriental Express

inside the Eastern & Oriental Express — Onboard the train, rich fabrics are complemented by elm, cherrywood and teak marquetry. (Credit: Ludovic Balay)

Recapture the romance of rail travel through the tropics of Southeast Asia on the refurbished Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia.

The resurgence of train travel reflects how we are travelling today – slower and with a new appreciation for both scenery and cultural exchange. Include a large dollop of old-world glamour, and the three-night Wild Malaysia tour truly delivers. Winding its way deep into the Malay jungle, the journey makes plenty of pit stops for exploration along the way.

Having been resurrected from a 1970s sleeper, the luxury locomotive now comes replete with plush interiors of hand-cut marquetry dressed in oriental silks and embroidery – there’s even a Dior Spa. Watch the world go by from the Observation Car, indulge in fine wining and dining, kick up your heels in the Piano Bar, then snooze it all off in your sumptuous sleeper car.

Embracing Mother Nature in Peru

Travelling to Peru is like stepping into a kaleidoscope of contrasting cultures and landscapes. Whether you’re learning about shamanic natural remedies in the pre-Inca Colca Valley, cruising the wilds of the Amazon on a luxury river ship or discovering firsthand why the contemporary capital of Lima is celebrated for its culinary and artistic scenes, there are myriad reasons why this colourful country is topping wish lists.

One such experience is the Ultimate Peru by River and Rail journey (five days) by Abercrombie & Kent, available in 2026. This incredible river cruise allows you to truly connect with the jungle rhythms of the Amazon via skiff and on foot with in-the-know local guides, and includes nights onboard newly launched luxury riverboat Pure Amazon, an A&K Sanctuary.

Spot exotic creatures such as sloths, macaws, piranhas, and pink dolphins on the daily excursions, before juxtaposing these wild encounters with a return to pure pampering on the boat.

Seeking sustainable community experiences in Nepal

tharu woman — Tharu woman and master weaver Parbati Chaudhary in Bhada Village. (Credit: Bheem Thapa)

While Nepal has traditionally attracted visitors to traverse its majestic mountains – Everest and Annapurna in particular – travel experiences in this beautiful Himalayan nation are expanding.

Home stays, where you reside with Nepali families and take an active part in their daily lives, are a growing attraction. It’s a win:win for local youths – who took their country back after bloody protests in 2025 – wanting to stay in Nepal rather than moving abroad for work, as well as foreigners seeking a deeper cultural experience. Nepali women, Indigenous people and marginalised castes are also benefitting from home stays, upping the feel-good factor even further.

Leading the charge is Community Home Stay Network, which links travellers to local-family hosts. Travel off-the-beaten path to homes in areas including Tharu in the south, learn how to cook Nepali style, and take part in traditions such as making moonshine, dancing and weaving straw handicrafts.

Exploring new frontiers in Antarctica

an ice window at Wilhelmina Bay — A breathtaking ice window captured at Wilhelmina Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula. (Credit: Renato Granieri)

Gone are the days when a trip to Antarctica meant a perilous voyage through the Drake Passage on a vessel holding the mere essentials. Innovative cruise ships now offer a smooth and sophisticated passage to the White Continent, as well as experiences formerly off-limits.

Abercrombie & Kent’s 19-day Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands: Holiday Voyage captures it all. Spot breaching whales and gracefully gliding albatrosses from the deck, before stepping onto this Narnia-like landscape with daily Zodiac excursions. Observe adorable penguin and fur seal colonies, visit Antarctic communities that were previously too remote, and get so close to colossal icebergs that you’ll feel humbled by their scale.

Silversea‘s Antarctica Fly Cruise voyages will soon include a stay at The Cormorant at 55 South, the southernmost hotel on Earth purpose-built to bring uncompromised comfort to guests travelling to Antarctica.

When it comes to protecting this fragile eco-system, the future is also looking bright: HX Expeditions has partnered with the University of Tasmania to create a world-first educational course allowing cruise guests to dive into Antarctic science and sustainability, while A&K pours funds into conservation efforts and uses energy-efficient hybrid ships – all in trademark luxury, of course.

Indulging in New Zealand’s exceptional dining

Ayrburn, Queenstown — The Ayrburn precinct serves up delicate dishes.

By welcoming the Michelin Guide to sample Aotearoa/New Zealand’s finest gastronomy for the first time, our cousins across the ditch have now become serious players on the world culinary scene.

And there’s never been a better time to experience NZ’s greatest gastronomy with the inaugural guide currently going to press. Sample haute cuisine in Queenstown with a side serving of theatrics by culinary director Paul Froggatt at Essence in the new ROKI Collection hotel, and pull up a chair at Amisfield for its delicious degustation experience under new chef Sung Peng, with the world-renowned restaurant slated to reopen in July.

And it’s not just Queenstown holding all the culinary cards. The Michelin inspectors travelled to rate the best epicurean artistry in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington and Ōtautahi/Christchurch against the world’s most renowned restaurateurs (bring loose pants).

Bedding down at design-led hotels and farm stays

a woodfired sauna at Azuma Farm Koiwai — A woodfired sauna deepens the meditative state at Azuma Farm Koiwai. (Credit: Azuma Farm Koiwai)

New grand dames on the global hotel stage are receiving a standing ovation for their triumphant 2026 openings.

Return to old-world elegance at the Orient Express Venezia, a reimagined former 15^th-century royal residence set in Venice’s Palazzo Dona Giovannellii. It certainly makes for a regal stay, with grand Neo-Gothic windows and restored Baroque splendour blending seamlessly with modern luxury flourishes. Also bringing the fantasy factor is France’s Zannier Île de Bendor on a petite private island off the Provençal coast. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea – and with three luxe, design-led accommodation concepts to choose from – this resort exudes golden-era glamour.

In a breath of fresh air, we’ve also seen an uptick in farm stays. Trade the urban rush for a rambling rural retreat at Sibbjäns, Sweden’s first boutique farm stay, or opt for horseback riding followed by woodfired saunas on the sprawling eight-hectare Azuma Farm Koiwai in Japan.

Cruising the Danube on a festive Eastern Euro adventure

The magical Pécs Christmas Market in Hungary. (Credit: Emily Murphy)

Dreaming of a white Christmas? While floating past snow-dusted, fairytale cities on a river ship in Eastern Europe makes for an amazing voyage, when you add the magic of Christmas the whole experience becomes, well, more magical.

From twinkling trees and tinsel to red-nosed reindeer and wreath decorations, the festivities greet you the moment you step aboard AmaMagna by AmaWaterways. The ship then spirits you away along the Lower Danube for a seven-night Gems of Southeast Europe adventure from Romania to Hungary.

Explore Bulgaria’s medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo, glide into the dramatic Iron Gates crossing into Serbia; and sip on fine wines at Croatia’s Kast Winery (one variety made famous by Queen Elizabeth II). The highlight? For many it’s wandering the shimmering Christmas markets in Hungary’s Pécs. Peruse stalls selling unique handicrafts, try the traditional treat of kürtőskalács (chimney cake), and warm your cockles with a cup of mulled wine.

Delving into the buzzing city of Beijing

Lama Temple, Beijing — Calm and chaos at Lama Temple in Beijing. (Credit: Natasha Bazika)

Walking the line between its imperial past and a frenetic, futuristic present – Beijing is an exciting city to dive into.

If you want to be centrally located, the palatial Peninsula Beijing is hard to beat. From here, strap in at street level for a stroll among the city’s famed hutongs (ancient alleyways), pausing to taste traditional delicacies such as jianbing (savoury breakfast crepe) and dumpling soup. Then scope out the narrow lanes dotted with siheyuan courtyard homes (there are only 1000 left), and if you love to shop, head to Taikoo Li Sanlitun for a mix of luxury brands and local labels.

And it wouldn’t be a well-rounded trip to this history-rich city without experiencing its highlights reel. Admire golden-topped architecture in the Forbidden City, take a hike on the Great Wall of China and pay a visit to Tiananmen Square for both remembrance and observation on how it operates today.

Embarking on a round-the-world cruise

Can’t decide where to go on a cruise? On a round-the-world voyage you can live out all your dreams at sea.

It’s not a new idea – the first world cruise occurred more than a century ago on Cunard’s RMS Laconia in 1922 – but a reimagining. If you don’t have a spare year up your sleeve, you can now join for specific legs of the journey (unlike the 1922 trip), and ships have been modernised with sustainability measures, contemporary designs and a less formal feel.

Queen Anne, also by Cunard, cruised the world in 2026 with guests joining at handpicked ports, including in Central America for the extraordinary experience of crossing the Panama Canal. If you want the full adventure by circumnavigating the globe, Queen Anne will set sail on another world voyage in 2028.

Discovering the joys of small-group travel in Spain

Intrepid Travel's olive oil and wine tasting at Molino El Vínculo, Grazalema — Sample organic wine and olive oil on a tasting tour in Molino El Vínculo in Grazalema with Intrepid Travel. (Credit: Intrepid Travel/Tim Luck)

Small-group touring is a travel trend currently soaring, with many embracing it as an authentic, intimate and insightful way to visit a country – with VIP benefits to boot.

The small-group format, typically capped at five to 15 guests, is now accounting for around 62 per cent of group travel worldwide. And operators such as Intrepid Travel, APT Luxury Travel and Janesco Travel are among the frontrunners in this space, handling all navigation and insider experiences within an intimate group led by expert guides.

Seeking a Spanish sojourn? Small-group journeys to the vibrant southern Andalusia region are now topping bucket lists. Be mesmerised by flamenco dancers from a professional dance school (rather than touristy versions), learn how to make authentic sangria with a private class, skip queues at the Real Alcázar of Seville royal palace, and score a seat at the best Andalusian restaurants, sans waitlist.

Learning from the past in Japan

inside the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum — The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum presents a sobering dive into the nuclear event. (Credit: Eleanor Edström)

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to experience a war-time atomic bomb, hopefully the closest any of us will ever get is a visit to Nagasaki.

While on a cruise excursion to the Japanese city aboard the Diamond Princess, you can visit the fascinating hypocentre of the Second World War bomb dropped to widespread annihilation in 1945. While there is no doubt this is heavy material to digest on a tour, it comes with a message of hope – that the horror of a nuclear war should never happen again.

There is also much more to this 11-day Japan Explorer Cherry Blossoms with Princess Cruises voyage. Witness the world’s most active volcano in Kagoshima, join a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto and marvel at Mt Fuji in Shimizu. Also don’t miss the onsen experiences onboard the ship or its many mouth-watering local culinary offerings. Next departure is March 2027.

Supporting a typhoon-ravaged community in Vietnam

Zannier Bai San Ho — Time to kick back at Zannier Bãi San Hô. (Credit: Amber Hunter)

When typhoon Typhoon Kalmaegi ripped through Vietnam’s south-central coast in November 2025, it left a devastating trail of destruction.

And Zannier Bãi San Hô, an expansive 98-hectare beachfront resort, took a direct hit. An incredible five-month clean-up and restoration has now seen the Green Globe-certified retreat reopen, thanks in large part to the local community who rallied to help rebuild it. The support goes both ways; the 180-strong resort staff is made up of 177 locals – their livelihoods dependent on it.

You can help by simply booking a stay here. It’s hardly a punish, when you consider the beauty and luxury of this place; picture private pool villas and powder-white beaches. Take to the sapphire waters for water sports, visit local fishing villages and sweat it out at the onsite fitness centre. Or, if relaxing’s more your jam, simply loll by the pool with a good book.