International air travel to and from NSW

Get tested

You must take a COVID-19 test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 24 hours of your arrival in NSW.  

A rapid antigen test is a self-test you can do at home. Pack your own rapid antigen test kits to ensure you have ready access on arrival in NSW.  For a PCR test see clinic locations.

You must register a positive rapid antigen test result with Service NSW. You do not need to register a negative or invalid rapid antigen test result. 

For more information about what to do if you test positive see Testing positive to COVID-19 and managing COVID-19 safely at home.

Self-isolation and travelling to your accommodation

You must travel directly from the airport to your home or accommodation and self-isolate until you receive a negative result from your COVID-19 test (rapid antigen or PCR) taken within 24 hours of your arrival in NSW.

Self-isolation means staying at your home or accommodation and remaining separated from others, even if you are fully vaccinated and feeling well.

If you are staying with friends or family (who have not returned from overseas), they are not required to self-isolate with you but must remain in a separate room to you at all times while you are self-isolating.

When travelling from the airport to your home or accommodation, it is recommended that you travel in a private vehicle, taxi or ride-share. Please do not use public transport. Make sure you:

• wear a face mask at all times
• sit as far away from the driver or other passengers as possible
• maximise the flow of fresh air, such as by opening windows 
• sanitise your hands before you get into the vehicle

For more information, please see the NSW Health COVID-19 self-isolation guideline and support.

What happens after I complete self-isolation?

You can only leave self-isolation once you receive a negative result from your COVID-19 test (rapid antigen or PCR) taken within 24 hours of arrival in NSW. 

You must continue to comply with the NSW Health guidelines for all international arrivals. This includes restrictions on entry to certain settings.

You must not go to high-risk settings (aged care, health care, disability care and correctional facilities) for at least 7 days after arrival, unless you are seeking personal care or are a resident of a facility.

For the next 7 days, a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test is recommended before entering high-risk settings – preferably within the 24 hours prior to visiting. Contact the facility and check if there are additional requirements or restrictions before visiting.

Where to find more information

If you have questions about self-isolation, please contact NSW Health Isolation Support Line on 1800 943 553 or call Service NSW on 13 77 88.

All international arrivals should ensure they follow the NSW Health guidelines for all international arrivals.

People who have previously been diagnosed with COVID-19

If you have had COVID-19 prior to travel, you may continue to test positive for COVID-19 for some time. It is recommended that you carry evidence of your previous infection, which may be a medical certificate from your doctor.

Transiting passengers

Going to another state or territory

All international arrivals are permitted to transit via NSW to another state or territory. 

In Australia, states and territories have their own rules and restrictions in place. 

You should check the rules and requirements of the jurisdiction you are travelling to and ensure you are permitted to enter. 

For the latest information visit Australian interstate quarantine. 

Going to an international destination

International transit passengers can depart on another international flight. You must comply with NSW Health guidelines for all international arrivals if applicable, including testing and self-isolation requirements if the transit is longer than 24 hours.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (such as fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath or loss of taste or loss of smell), let a member of the airline know immediately, or if you are in the airport tell a biosecurity officer.

Leaving Australia to go to another country

For people wanting to leave Australia to travel overseas, please check the Australian Government website.

Some countries and airlines require a pre-departure PCR (nose and throat swab) test result at check-in before you will be allowed to board your flight.

Travellers should check the entry requirements of the country they are travelling to, and their airline's requirements. Rapid antigen tests and self-administered COVID-19 tests taken at home without supervision may not be accepted.

COVID-19 testing for international travel clearance purposes (departures) is conducted at private pathology clinics only and charges apply for this service. If you return a negative result, you will be issued with a testing clearance certificate which you will need to board your flight or vessel. You may be required to book in advance for this service.

Contact your nearest private pathology clinic for more information on bookings and testing costs for international travel (departures).

Flight crew arriving in NSW

Flight crew who are not fully vaccinated must follow the testing requirements for all passengers arriving from overseas.

Flight crew who are fully vaccinated:

• Are strongly recommended to have a COVID-19 test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 24 hours of arrival.
• Should monitor for symptoms at all times, and if they become symptomatic have a COVID-19 test immediately and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
• Must not enter high risk settings (aged care, disability care, healthcare and correctional facilities) for at least 7 days after arrival unless they are seeking personal care or are a resident of a facility. 

For more information, see the NSW Health guidelines for all international arrivals.