The Australian Government has made changes to the requirements for pre-departure testing when it comes to international arrivals to Australia.

In order to provide more flexibility for visa holders or returning residents the prerequisites for a negative COVID-19 test result prior to departure have been amended under the Biosecurity Act 2015.

A pre-departure test of any nucleic acid amplification test (such as PCR tests) within three days is replaced by a negative test result through a rapid antigen test (RAT) within 24 hours of the flight departure time.

These changes came into effect at 1.00am Sunday 23 January 2022.

PCR tests are still preferred but it is now consistent with moves within Australia to accept RATs for diagnostic purposes.

Meanwhile, the time between receiving a positive test result and being able to be cleared for travel to Australia will be reduced from 14 to seven days. This will reduce wait times for travellers who contract COVID-19 overseas to return to Australia in line with the new domestic isolation requirements.

The pre-departure testing requirements will continue to be reviewed regularly, taking into account the domestic and international epidemiology.

Travellers to Australia must still wear a mask during their flight and follow the directions of state and territory governments regarding quarantine and on-arrival testing.