To travel to Australia, it is necessary to have a few vaccines. The vaccines needed will vary depending on the visitor’s country of origin.
Before travelling to the country, foreign visitors first have to meet the entry requirements for Australia.
The majority of passport holders require some type of Australia visa to enter. Many international visitors can easily get an e-Tourist Visa Australia online (either an ETA or an eVisitor visa) for short stays.
Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter Australia?
Passengers are no longer required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status to travel to Australia.
Vaccinated and unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals can now travel to the country.
Are vaccines required for Australia?
The Australian visa requirements expect applicants to meet certain health criteria before visa approval can be granted. The main condition is being free from any disease or condition that may be a public health threat or incur substantial health care costs.
Visitors are advised to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations before travelling to Australia, such as:
- Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
- Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis
- Chickenpox (varicella)
- Polio
- Influenza (flu)
Depending on the visitor’s travel plans, medical organisations and experts also recommend a range of other vaccines for Australia.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Australia?
The only obligatory vaccine required to travel to Australia is the yellow fever vaccine.
However, proof of this is only required if the traveller is arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. The Galapagos Islands are an exception.
This includes passengers transiting through airports in high-risk countries with a stopover of more than 12 hours.
Infants under 1 year of age are exempt.
There is no risk of contracting yellow fever in Australia itself.
What vaccinations do you need for Australia?
Doctors may suggest different vaccines for Australia depending on where an individual is going, how long they are staying, what they will be doing, and their nationality. These may include:
- Hepatitis A: This can be contracted through contaminated food or water in Australia. Your doctor will be able to advise you if you require a hepatitis A vaccine for Australia or not
- Hepatitis B: If you think you may have intercourse with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures while in Australia, then this vaccine is recommended. Hepatitis B can be spread through sexual contact, as well as through contaminated needles and blood products
- Japanese Encephalitis: This vaccination for Australia may be required depending on the time of year. If visiting certain remote areas of Australia between February and April for more than a month, or spending a lot of time outdoors in those areas during a shorter trip, it may be necessary to get this vaccine
- Rabies: Present in bats in Australia, rabies is not a threat to most travellers. However, a rabies vaccine for Australia is recommended if the individual plans to engage in outdoor activities that put them at risk of bat bites. People who will be working with bats, such as wildlife professionals or researchers, are also advised to get vaccinated
What happens if I don't have the required vaccines for entry into Australia?
If you don't have the requisite vaccinations for entrance into Australia, you risk having your visa denied. Australia has particular immunization laws in place to safeguard the public's health and stop the spread of illness.
Before coming to Australia, it's necessary to confirm the most recent immunization requirements. We advise you to speak with your healthcare provider for advice on the vaccines you need.
Are there any exemptions for vaccine requirements in Australia?
The Australian Immunization Handbook states that if a patient has a medical condition that precludes them from receiving a certain vaccination, a doctor may provide a medical exemption.
Conscientious objections are also permitted in various states and territories, albeit there are different rules and procedures for doing so. It is significant to remember that exemptions may affect a person's ability to engage in specific activities or travel to specific locations.
How far in advance do I need to get vaccines for Australia?
It's advisable to get your shots 6 to 8 weeks before your trip. This allows your immune system enough time to develop a protective antibody response to the vaccination.
Keep in mind that certain vaccines require multiple doses spread out over several weeks. You could require 2 or 3 doses for vaccines for diseases such Hepatitis B, rabies, or Japanese encephalitis.
How much do vaccines for Australia cost?
Depending on your country of residence, you may be able to get the required vaccines for Australia free of charge.
For example, in the UK, they are available on the NHS. However, you may need to pay an extra cost if you need additional vaccines.
Some travellers may need to cover the entire cost of all vaccines for Australia by themselves. We advise you to consult your health care provider for details on how much the vaccines could cost.
Other health advice for Australia
Travellers from overseas who decide these vaccinations for Australia are not necessary can still take precautions to stay safe and healthy during their stay, including:
- Eating and drinking safely
- Avoiding insect bites
- Keeping a distance from wild animals
- Reducing exposure to germs
- Avoiding sharing bodily fluids
Visitors are advised to book a doctor’s consultation at least a month before travelling to discuss their plans for their trip and get any vaccinations needed to travel to Australia.
